Busy Philipps Reveals She Had Brain Tumor Removed: ‘Grateful That I’m Alive’

On the second day of consecutive tributes to a beloved entertainer, a glimmer of optimism emerged. In an interview with People, actress Busy Philipps revealed that she had undergone brain surgery to remove a tumor back in March. Philipps promptly informed her doctors about the presence of a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a slow-growing but malignant tumor.

Fortunately, she managed to have the tumor removed in time to secure a role in the new legal drama, Cupertino. Filming began just six weeks after her diagnosis. Despite her busy schedule, Philipps found humor in her situation and even joked about her surgeon's ability to do a little eyebrow work. The cancer diagnosis came shortly after the passing of her Dawson Creek costar and friend, James Van Der Beek, who died from colorectal cancer in February.

Initially hesitant to get a preventative whole-body scan, Van Der Beek's death and a second opinion prompted Philipps to ignore her primary doctor's advice and undergo the scan. The 2.6 centimeter tumor was successfully removed without complications. Philipps will not require chemotherapy or radiation treatment beyond regular monitoring, as the location of the tumor makes these treatments impractical.

Excited about her role in Cupertino, Philipps plays the estranged wife of an A.I. billionaire who supports the law firm of her co-star Mike Colter as they challenge Silicon Valley tech giants. The bold role seems perfect for the Freaks & Geeks star, who advocates for women to speak up when their health concerns are dismissed. Philipps emphasized the importance of information, stating that women are often told by doctors that there is nothing to worry about. She believes that having access to information is empowering.