Busy Philipps revealed that a routine full-body MRI uncovered a rare brain tumor. The actress underwent two surgeries and faced a frightening recovery setback before returning to work.
The Cougar Town alum had no obvious symptoms before doctors discovered the mass. Now, Busy is sharing why she considers herself extraordinarily lucky.
Busy Philipps revealed that doctors found an oligodendroglioma during an MRI
Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE, Busy said a February scan revealed a lesion on her brain. She had nearly canceled the appointment after a blizzard delayed it and life became overwhelming.
Doctors ordered further testing, which confirmed a tumor inside her frontal lobe. “This is a real tumor, and it’s inside your brain. And Busy, it’s got to come out,” neurologist Dr. Orrin Devinsky told her.
Busy recalled hyperventilating after hearing the news. She had also just learned that CBS cast her in the upcoming series Cupertino.
Doctors performed Busy Philipps’ brain surgery on March 2. The roughly five-hour procedure removed and biopsied the 2.6-centimeter mass.
Testing identified the tumor as a grade 2 oligodendroglioma. The rare, slow-growing tumor affects only about 1,100 to 1,300 Americans annually.
Her neuro-oncologist explained that doctors consider the tumor malignant, although it has a strong prognosis. Early detection also allowed surgeons to remove it before it grew significantly larger.
Busy later told her daughters, Birdie and Cricket, about her diagnosis. “I’m grateful that I’m alive,” she said, calling it “the weirdest six months of my life.”
She initially recovered well and quickly began filming Cupertino. Then her dermatologist spotted a problem with the surgical incision during an unrelated Botox appointment.
Doctors discovered a staph infection and brought Busy back for a second surgery. Surgeons cleaned the infection and removed a tiny titanium tack from her skull.
“The second surgery really threw me,” Busy admitted. “I just felt like I was back to square one.”
Thankfully, she recovered again and will not need chemotherapy or radiation. Doctors will continue monitoring her with regular scans for a possible recurrence. Busy now hopes her experience encourages others to trust their instincts. “There’s nothing to be afraid of in having information,” she said. “It’s only empowering.”
