Six months after undergoing surgery to remove a rare brain tumor, actress Busy Philipps has shared the results of her latest MRI scan, reporting no signs of tumor progression. The 47-year-old star revealed the update on Instagram, stating, "6 month MRI done! NO signs of tumor progression!" She also noted that the scan detected "a clear sign of sinus infection," which she humorously accepted as a better outcome than a tumor.
Philipps explained that the sinus infection could account for a persistent redness and discomfort in her left eye. "Well…i guess i’ll take it!" she quipped, adding that she plans to see a sinus doctor. She recalled experiencing sinus issues for years, including sinus surgery in 2018. The actress showed her irritated eye to followers, describing it as painful and initially mistaking it for eczema.
Philipps was diagnosed with a grade 2 oligodendroglioma in February, a rare, slow-growing tumor, after undergoing a full-body MRI scan. The scan was prompted after reading about the procedure on Instagram and was scheduled for the day after the death of her co-star James Van Der Beek. Initially scheduled for January, a blizzard had forced her to postpone the appointment.
She underwent a five-hour surgery in early March to remove a 2.6cm tumor. Her ex-husband, Marc Silverstein, supported her during the procedure. Philipps later revealed she had an infection in her surgical incision in April, requiring another surgery. She reflected that some of her past "extreme emotional reactions" might have been linked to the tumor pressing on her frontal lobe, rather than perimenopause as she had previously assumed. Her friend and co-star Michelle Williams had pointed out Philipps's past comments about her "brain feeling broken."
Philipps has been keeping her loved ones updated on her health through Instagram's "Close Friends" feature, aiming to shield her daughters from public discussion of her condition. She began filming her new show, "Cupertino," just four and a half weeks after her initial surgery. She expressed gratitude for having had the MRI, even though she didn't have a job at the time and questioned the expense.
Philipps's tumor was biopsied and found to be malignant, but her doctor indicated it has a favorable prognosis and does not require chemotherapy or radiation. She will continue with regular scans to monitor for recurrence. Fans can see Philipps next in the CBS legal drama series "Cupertino," set to premiere October 8.