Busy Philipps has shared details of a challenging period in her life, during which she was diagnosed with a brain tumor just days after the passing of her friend and "Dawson's Creek" co-star, James Van Der Beek. Philipps disclosed in an interview that in February, she learned she had a Grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a slow-growing tumor located in her frontal lobe.
The diagnosis followed a Prenuvo full-body MRI scan, which screens for over 500 conditions and costs approximately $2,500. While Philipps confirmed she did not receive the scan for free, The New York Times reported that Prenuvo has provided free scans and discount codes to influencers, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Maria Menounos also having spoken positively about the scans.
Philipps recalled almost canceling the scan. The day Van Der Beek died, she was processing the loss when her agent informed her of interest from Robert and Michelle King, creators of "The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight," for a new project. The following day, her ex-husband and friend, Marc Silverstein, encouraged her to keep her scan appointment.
Shortly after auditioning for the Kings' project, Philipps received the news about the lesion in her brain, prompting a follow-up MRI. A doctor informed her that the tumor was real and required removal. "This is a real tumor, and it’s inside your brain. And Busy, it’s got to come out," she recalled the doctor saying, describing her reaction as hyperventilating.
On March 2, Philipps underwent a five-hour surgery to remove the tumor. Her doctor described it as malignant but possessing the best prognosis among malignant gliomas, explaining that its classification as cancerous was based on its potential to regrow rather than its microscopic appearance. Philipps stated she was grateful to be alive, noting she had no obvious symptoms prior to the scan.
Her recovery encountered a complication when, during an April dermatology appointment, her doctor noticed an issue with the surgical incision. Philipps developed a staph infection at the site, necessitating a second surgery to remove infected tissue. This second procedure significantly impacted her, making her feel like she was back at the beginning.
Philipps has addressed the situation with humor, including joking with her surgeons about a possible brow lift during the tumor removal. She also shared moments of both fear and gratitude leading up to her initial surgery, describing the experience as a blessing and expressing immense luck for her access to care and the doctors involved. Michelle Williams, a close friend and "Dawson's Creek" co-star, reportedly aided Philipps through her recovery.
