Stories of Hollywood celebrities facing health struggles remind us that they are just like us. In a recent interview on the Dr. Phil show, Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates opened up about her battle with cancer and the challenges she faced in silence. Despite her fame, Bates found herself playing the role of a courageous fighter in a real-life drama, fighting cancer not just once, but twice.

In 2012, she revealed that she had successfully overcome ovarian cancer and had been cancer-free for nine years. However, just a few weeks ago, she received the devastating news of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Describing the moment she received this life-altering diagnosis, she compared it to being in a room scarier than an American Horror Story.

Bates had already endured a difficult journey with ovarian cancer in 2003. She underwent painful surgeries and nine months of chemotherapy, all while keeping her battle a secret. She confided in only a few, including PEOPLE magazine, saying, “I didn’t want anyone to know, but it really took a lot out of me.”

Her determination and strength allowed her to conquer ovarian cancer and remain cancer-free for many years. However, her battle wasn’t over when her doctor informed her that cancer had returned, this time in her breast. Despite this setback, Bates wasn’t entirely surprised, stating that breast cancer is prevalent in her family.

In her fight against breast cancer, Bates made the choice to undergo a double mastectomy to stop its progression. Instead of allowing her tragedy to consume her spirit, she transformed it into motivation for other women. Even in the face of adversity, Bates maintained her lively character and sense of humor. She joked, “I miss ‘Harry’s Law’ more than my breasts,” and expressed gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support during her darkest moments.

Although Bates is currently cancer-free, she now lives with lymphedema due to the removal of her lymph nodes. This condition, affecting approximately 30% of breast cancer survivors, brings pain and swelling, causing discomfort in her daily life. However, Bates refuses to let it define her. She openly shares her story, hoping to encourage other women to prioritize regular check-ups and let them know they are not alone in their battle.

Bates has also taken on the role of ambassador for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN), using her platform to raise awareness and support for those affected by lymphedema.

Throughout her journey, Bates has discovered a sense of purpose and resilience. She reflects, “I’m thankful that my difficulties have provided me with a sense of purpose. It’s interesting how things work out like that.”

Kathy Bates’ interview sheds light on the challenges she has overcome and serves as an inspiration for others who may be facing similar battles. Her story reminds us that with determination, humor, and support, we can transform our own struggles into sources of strength.