Christina Applegate diagnosed with breast cancer
"Samantha Who?" funny girl Christina Applegate, 36, shocked fans when she publicly announced her breast cancer diagnosis in August. Applegate's mother is a breast and cervical cancer survivor, so the actress was vigilant about screening and was diagnosed at an early, treatable stage. After undergoing two lumpectomies, followed by radiation therapy, Applegate was tested for the breast cancer susceptibility gene mutation, BRCA. She tested positive for the gene mutation and made the difficult decision to have a prophylactic double mastectomy, a preventive measure removing both breasts.
"It just seemed like, 'I don't want to have to deal with this again. I don't want to keep putting that stuff [radiation] in my body. I just want to be done with this.' And I was just going to let them go," Applegate told Oprah Winfrey in September. Now, Applegate is back at work, undergoing an 8-month reconstruction process, and planning to start a program to help pay for MRIs for high-risk women.
Patrick Swayze announces he has pancreatic cancer
America's favorite dirty dancer announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in March, after the National Enquirer ran a story claiming the actor had five weeks to live. Swayze, 56, joined more than 30,000 patients diagnosed with the disease each year, 5 percent of whom live more than 5 years after being diagnosed. He has been successfully undergoing treatment while awaiting the airing of a new TV series, "The Beast." "It's a battle, and so far, I've been winning. I'm one of the lucky few that responds well to treatment," says the actor in a statement to People magazine.
David Duchovny admits to sex addiction
Celebrity rehab isn't a new concept, but "X-Files" actor David Duchovny made news when he announced in August he was voluntarily going into rehab for a sex addiction. Playing a womanizing writer in the TV show "Californication," Duchovny is no stranger to sexual addiction accusations. In the mid-1990s, Duchovny was forced to deny reports that he had attended meetings to control his obsession and told Playgirl magazine, "I'm not a sex addict," in a 1997 interview. Though the American Psychiatric Association doesn't recognize it as a "diagnosable disorder," 3 to 6 percent of U.S. adults suffer from compulsive sexual behavior, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms range from having extramarital affairs to frequently using pornographic materials, but experts aren't sure of the exact cause. As of early October, Duchovny had completed rehab, but was separated from his wife, actress Téa Leoni.
Tim Russert dies of heart attack
Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, claimed another life this June. Tim Russert, 58, the NBC News Washington bureau chief and the moderator of "Meet the Press," died of a heart attack. While recording voice-overs, he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. Diagnosed with asymptomatic [coronary artery disease], Russert was controlling the disease with medication and exercise and had done well on a stress test in late April. Unfortunately, heart attacks are not uncommon, causing about 150,000 deaths per year. Read about ways to treat those at risk for coronary artery disease.
Britney Spears admitted to psych ward
Former pop princess Britney Spears, 27, started 2008 off with a bang. After divorcing her husband, Kevin Federline, in November 2006 and spending 2007 shaving her head, excessively partying, and checking in and then quickly out of rehab, Spears began 2008 in the UCLA Medical Center for a psychiatric hold. This was her second visit to the hospital, after she was held at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, following a custody standoff with police.
With most of the world questioning her mental stability, two separate sources who are acquaintances of the family told People magazine, "There is no question she is bipolar ... she's had manic episodes for years." Bipolar disorder can cause extreme mood swings, from manic episodes of very high energy to extreme lows of depression. Although Spears has never been diagnosed, there is plenty of speculation. A Santa Monica, Calif.–based psychiatrist said Spears's actions suggested "classic bipolar behavior, including hypersexuality, poor judgment, and impulsivity," according to People magazine. Whether Spears suffers from bipolar disorder or not, the singer seems to be making a comeback, releasing her sixth album, "Circus," and announcing a world tour beginning March 2009.
Heather Locklear goes to rehab
It may have been nearly 10 years since "Melrose Place" went off the air, but drama is still following Heather Locklear, 47. In June, the actress sought treatment for anxiety and depression at a medical facility in Arizona. After remaining under doctors' care for a month, Locklear returned home. Two months later, she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and being under the influence of a controlled substance, and then officially charged with driving under the influence. The actress has kept a low profile since then, working on her new movie, "Flirting with 40," but told Jay Leno, "I've been better, but I'm good today," Locklear said on "The Tonight Show." "Here I am, safe and sound."
Janet Jackson suffers migraines
In October, Janet Jackson was hospitalized for an undisclosed illness, postponing three shows. Weeks later, the 42-year-old reported suffering from vestibular migraines, which cause dizziness, nausea, and even hearing loss. Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from migraines, but vestibular migraines are uncommo,n with some doctors estimating only one to two per 1,000 headache-sufferers. Jackson resumed her Rock Witchu tour with no relapses to date.
Jennifer Love Hewitt's Body is a wonderland
After paparazzi shots of her in a swimsuit incited blog headlines such as "We know what you ate this summer, Love Everything!" actress Jennifer Love Hewitt became an advocate this year for women loving their bodies. "To all girls with butts, boobs, hips and a waist, put on a bikini—put it on and stay strong," she wrote on her blog. However, she quickly lost 18 pounds and posed for US Weekly, claiming she lost weight to increase energy levels. Now, she eats tiny snacks every hour and a half and set the goal to run a marathon by the time she turns 30 in February. She encourages young women to appreciate their bodies, saying, "I wish I had been nude from the time I was 12 until I was 28. I looked great!" in a Health magazine interview.
Heath Ledger dies
Oscar-nominated Australian actor Heath Ledger, 28, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment in January. His death was attributed to an accidental mixture of prescription drugs, including painkillers and anxiety and sleep medication. During the filming of "The Dark Knight," in which Ledger played the intense role of the Joker, the actor suffered from an apparent case of insomnia, which affects up to 15 percent of adults. "Last week I probably slept an average of two hours a night," he told the New York Times last November. "I couldn't stop thinking. My body was exhausted and my mind was still going." Sleeping pills for insomnia often have side effects, such as daytime drowsiness, and can be habit-forming, but Ledger's death was caused by abusing several prescription medications.
As my blog readers near and far prepare to break bread with family and indulge in insane caloric content, reflect and be thankful for all the exciting things coming up from Britney Spears: album, 27th birthday, MTV tell-alls and the like.
Also, applaud her for how she's spending her Thanksgiving, by giving legions of foreign fans a performance!
On Monday, the Britster left with father Jamie Spears and manager Larry Rudolph to begin International Circus promotion.
After a quick stop in Germany, she heads to France for an appearance on variety show Star Academy, then a jaunt to jolly England for Simon Cowell's X Factor.
There's something classy and throwback about the out-of-town tryout. Brit will wisely work out any kinks abroad; when she brings it for the December 2 American record release, look forward to flawless execution.
In the meantime, don't miss my blog's full coverage of Britney's European jaunt, the November 30 debut of Britney: For the Record and everything else related to the stars.
