Maura Tierney Talks Cancer

Maura Tierney appeared as a presenter at the 2010 Primetime Emmy Awards looking healthy and happy and showcasing a new shorter hair do. The actress, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2009, was originally cast in the new series Parenthood, but decided to take time out to fight the disease (the role eventually went to Lauren Graham).

Tierney speaks to PARADE about her battle with the disease;

‘I was so scared of going to the doctor. I felt something, and my boyfriend at the time made me go. He said,’ You’ve got to take care of this,’ because I was afraid. That’s one thing I will say: Don’t be afraid to go to the damn doctor. Just go!’

Even after such a devastating diagnosis, she was able to be optimistic;

‘I was so lucky. I had insurance, I found a great team of doctors at UCLA, and I could afford not to work while I was getting treated. From the beginning my doctor told me, ‘You’re going to be okay,’ and I chose to believe him. So there was always that in my head.’

‘I’ve been misquoted a lot, and there’s this tendency for people to put on to you how they think you should be or what they think you should feel. The truth is, I had my surgery, and I have two more months on this one drug. I haven’t figured out where I want to focus my energies to help others, and I don’t know what kind of wisdom to drop on anybody yet – except for, you know, they can help people now. … I feel an immense sense of gratitude, but sometimes I think there should be room for more gratitude (in me), because I can still be bitchy in the morning.’

I’m so glad to see that Maura is doing well and she was stunning at the Emmy awards! She has been a favorite of mine since her days on News Radio! It’s also nice to see that even though she’s still recovering herself, she’s concerned about how she can help others. Breast cancer touches so many people it’s nice to see as much attention being brought to it as possible.

You can read the full interview in the September 12 issue of PARADE

Photos By WENN