Craig Sjodin/ABC
Valerie Harper showcased her inspiring attitude toward cancer on Thursday's NBC special 'Valerie's Story' with host Meredith Vieira
Valerie Harper plans to live life to the fullest.
The 74-year-old actress, who was diagnosed with a rare terminal brain cancer in January, has fought hard against the disease.
Harper is best-known for playing the beloved TV character Rhoda Morgenstern on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and has "defied the odds," according to her neuro-oncologist Dr. Jeremy Rudnick.
RELATED: VALERIE HARPER: 'I'M NOT DYING UNTIL I DO'
"It is actually getting close to remission," he told Harper and her husband on Thursday's NBC special "Valerie's Story."
Harper was originally given just three months to live but now is expected to survive beyond Christmas.
She told host Meredith Vieira her secret is a "positive attitude” and a combination of chemotherapy, acupuncture and a special Chinese tea.
RELATED: 'DANCING WITH THE STARS' SPOTLIGHTS HARPER'S CANCER STRUGGLE
“It's pungent and not at all delicious,” she said of the teas.
Harper has continued to keep the positivity up, as she is a contestant on this season's "Dancing With the Stars."
"Maybe, if people are inspired, they'll take a walk," she said of her reality show experience.
RELATED: VALERIE HARPER'S TERMINAL BRAIN CANCER IS ‘CLOSE TO REMISSION’
Harper hopes her “DWTS” choice will set an example for other cancer patients.
"I don't mean (that they should) get on "Dancing With the Stars," but maybe they'll just get off the couch or maybe they'll enjoy the garden instead of crying or being so depressed about losing their life in such a mean way."
Harper emotionally admitted about the prognosis, "You start thinking, is this the end? Is this my brain exploding?"
"But the thought that I may die quickly is not constantly in my mind. … Of course, it's there, but it's not controlling me.”
No comments:
Post a Comment