Shannen Doherty's Heartbreaking Story: Husband's Infidelity During Cancer Battle Sparks Reactions

Aiden Starling

Updated Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

Shannen Doherty, known for her roles in popular TV shows such as "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Charmed," faced not only the physical and emotional challenges of battling cancer but also the devastating betrayal of infidelity by her husband. An image featuring Shannen with a gentle smile and wearing a vibrant, multicolored headscarf has sparked a wave of emotional responses online.

The image, with a serene Shannen Doherty looking directly at the camera, has a powerful message at the bottom that reads: "We wrote about Shannen Doherty's husband cheating during her cancer. Then came the messages." This revelation has struck a chord with many, resulting in an outpouring of personal stories and reactions.

One user commented, "Jesus, if she was my wife, I would be laying awake at night with crushing anxiety. What a p************." Another shared a more empathetic view: "This happens far more often than anyone's willing to admit, mostly because very few people have the tolerance for long-term home care with the stress and rigors it entails. I've done my share more than once and it can become a 24/7 job. So I understand why it happens. I certainly don't condone it or approve of it, but I do understand it."

The reactions also included personal anecdotes of similar experiences. One user recounted, "My cousin, knowing that she was terminal, set her husband up with a friend of hers so that after she died he wouldn't be alone." Another shared a heartbreaking story: "Yeah, my wife's mom cheated on & left her dad when he got diagnosed with terminal cancer. The kids, all of whom lived far away, had to help him navigate his last year and a half of decline & collapse alone. He even tried to divorce her, but she slow-played it to run out his clock. She still complains that she has no idea why her kids won't speak with her or her new husband, even so many years later."

The topic has even garnered comments about high-profile individuals, with one mentioning, "Newt Gingrich has entered the chat," referencing the former politician's controversial personal life.

Research supports these distressing experiences, as one commenter noted, "Drs & nurses will absolutely affirm that this is sadly common. & unfortunately, 'partner abandonment' after a terminal health diagnosis is especially gendered in het relationships. If the wife's the patient, it's about 6x more likely the husband will leave." They even included a link to a study highlighting this trend.

The overall sentiment expressed in the comments is a mix of empathy, outrage, and shared sorrow. Many people shared their own stories of loyalty and support during their partner's illness, contrasting sharply with the betrayal Shannen Doherty experienced. One poignant comment read, "My wife was diagnosed with a brain tumour, it was the hardest, most difficult period in my life but not for a moment did I consider giving anything less than 100%. How people can leave is absolutely beyond my comprehension."

Shannen Doherty's story, as heart-wrenching as it is, has opened up a crucial conversation about the challenges faced by those who battle severe illnesses and the importance of unwavering support from loved ones. The image and the responses it elicited underscore the resilience and strength required to navigate such trying times, shining a light on both the best and worst aspects of human nature.

Noticed an error or an aspect of this article that requires correction? Please provide the article link and reach out to us. We appreciate your feedback and will address the issue promptly.

View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

MrFancyPanzer

Jesus, if she was my wife i would be laying awake at night with crushing anxiety. What a p************.

MidoryMoon

This happens far more often than anyone's willing to admit, mostly because very few people have the tolerance for long term home care with the stress and rigors it entails. I've done my share more than once and it can become a 24/7 job. So I understand why it happens. I certainly don't condone it or approve of it, but I do understand it.

Drew442

I have a co worker who's wife died maybe 2 months ago from cancer, he's already dating. I couldn't imagine even looking at another woman if I lost my wife.

Travelcedric

My cousin, knowing that she was terminal, set her husband up with a friend of hers so that after she died he wouldn't be alone.

airbreather

Yeah, my wife's mom cheated on & left her dad when he got diagnosed with terminal cancer. The kids, all of whom lived far away, had to help him navigate his last year and a half of decline & collapse alone. He even tried to divorce her, but she slow-played it to run out his clock. She still complains that she has no idea why her kids won't speak with her or her new husband, even so many years later.

ShoelessLouis

My wife died of cancer and of the 6 months she spent in the hospital, I spent the night in her room, every night but 2. On those two nights I had someone else fill-in for me. The nurses used to say what a nice thing that was and I told them yes it’s great to be able to spend the time with her, but the nurses did tell me that it was not uncommon for spouses to leave When the going got tough. It sure was hard to believe, but apparently those stories are true. That’s sad.

RagnartheCat

I had Leukemia when I was 17 and my GF at the time broke up with me cause she was jealous of all the attention I got.

dohcohv

My BiL had to get surgery on his back for slipped discs. He had to be off his feet for two weeks, his wife was cheating on him 5 days in. She is a terrible person for other reasons as well.

BenderSaysNeat

https://www.mamamia.com.au/cheating-on-partner-with-cancer/

MadPirateBippy

I think men who do this are scum. My wife is disabled and I never once thought about dumping her. She's my light in the world and I love her.

Check out our latest stories