After revealing her battle with breast cancer last year, Shannen Doherty has made the brave decision to take fans on the next part of her journey through treatment. The actress took to Instagram this week to share photos as she had her hair shaved off – candidly showing the range of emotions she experienced.
In the first image 45-year-old Shannen can be seen clearly emotional at the prospect of the cut. But just a few photos later her smile is back as she poses with friends, showing off her new shorter hairstyle.
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
Shannen Doherty made the brave decision to share the photos online
After she posted the photos, hundreds of well-wishes and positive messages flooded in for the 90210 actress. Shannen's friend Anne Kortright-Shilstat, who was with her for the process, later reposted one of the photos.
She wrote alongside it: "I couldn't be prouder of you today. Your strength and courage is so inspiring and I am so very lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for blindly trusting me today to help you with such a big step. I will forever be there for you no matter what."
Her friend later posted a beautiful message of support
Earlier this year Shannen appeared on The Dr Oz Show to give an update on her progress, and made the heart breaking confession that she can no longer have children because of the cancer treatment.
Discussing the possibility of a mastectomy, Shannen admitted she is getting used to the idea. She added: "They're just breasts. In the grand scheme of things, I would rather be alive and I would rather grow old with my husband."
Shannen is best known for playing Benda Walsh in Beverly Hills, 90210, from 1990 to 1994, a role which she reprised for the show's reboot in 2008.