William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, have revealed they battled cancer concurrently several years ago. Gretsch, 61, was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes after discovering a lump. Shatner, 95, was later diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma that had metastasized to his lungs and brain.
Gretsch described the initial discovery, waking up with a lump she initially dismissed as a bug bite. Despite a recent mammogram showing no abnormalities, a subsequent re-examination revealed the cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and a double mastectomy over 18 months.
Shortly after Gretsch neared the end of her treatments, Shatner found a lump on his cheek. Initially advised it was a blocked salivary gland, a doctor friend recommended its removal. In June 2023, Shatner received his stage 4 melanoma diagnosis.
During their respective treatments, Gretsch expressed concern about her father's health, stating, "I don’t have the strength to take care of myself and lose my father at the same time." Shatner, however, remained positive, attributing his diagnosis to the universe looking out for him, as he sought medical attention before the cancer became untreatable.
Shatner underwent surgery to remove the tumor and received two years of immunotherapy. Gretsch shared that her father maintained a strong work ethic throughout his treatment, and she and her husband, Joel Gretsch, ensured he was not alone when he was home.
By the end of 2024, both Shatner and Gretsch were declared cancer-free. Shatner remarked on the profound impact of the experience, leading to a renewed appreciation for life's small miracles.
