Christina Applegate Is Finally Saying Goodbye After Her Tragic Diagnosis

Christina Applegate, the beloved  actress known for her comedic roles,   has faced numerous challenges throughout her life.  From a tough childhood to battles with cancer,   she's shown incredible strength. But at age 50,  she encountered perhaps her biggest hurdle yet,   a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Despite this  devastating news, Christina bravely continued   filming her hit show "Dead to Me," adapting to her  new reality with determination and humour. How has   Christina's battle with multiple sclerosis  changed her approach to acting and life? And   what can her story teach us about resilience in  the face of unexpected health challenges? Let’s   explore why Christina Applegate Is Finally  Saying Goodbye After Her Tragic Diagnosis. Christina's Tough Childhood and Early Career Christina Applegate's journey to stardom  was far from easy. Born on November 25,   nineteen seventy one, in Hollywood, she was thrust  into the entertainment world from an early age.   Her parents, Nancy Priddy and Bob Applegate,  were both involved in the music industry,   with her mother working as a singer and actress  while her father was employed at Dot Records. However, the family dynamic was disrupted  when Christina was just five months old. Her   parents' marriage came to an end, leaving  her to be raised primarily by her mother.   This early separation from her father had  a lasting impact on Christina. Years later,   on the show "Who Do You Think You Are?", she  reflected on her relationship with her dad,   acknowledging that she felt like a part of him,  carrying a piece of his character within her. The nineteen seventies proved to be  a challenging time for the Applegate   household. Nancy Priddy struggled to  find consistent work in television,   which put financial pressure on the family. As  a result, young Christina found herself stepping   into the role of a child actor out of  necessity. In a twenty twenty interview,   she candidly shared that acting wasn't just a  passion or a hobby for her, it was a means of   survival. The family relied on her earnings from  radio and TV commercials to put food on the table. This early entry into the workforce meant  that Christina's childhood was far from   typical. While other kids her age were focused  on school and play, she was juggling auditions,   filming schedules, and the pressures of being a  breadwinner. Despite these challenges, her talent   and determination began to shine through, setting  the stage for her future success in Hollywood. Christina's resilience was further tested when she  was seven years old. In nineteen eventyeight, her   mother received a devastating breast cancer  diagnosis. Nancy made the difficult decision   to undergo a mastectomy to combat the disease.  Fortunately, the surgery was successful,   and she was declared cancer free. However,  the family's relief was short lived. In nineteen eighty six, cancer returned with a  vengeance, this time in Nancy's abdomen. What   followed was a grueling two year battle,  involving seven surgeries to remove the   cancer. It wasn't until ninety eighty eight that  Nancy was once again declared cancer free. This   prolonged health crisis undoubtedly  had a profound effect on Christina,   who was in her formative teenage years  during her mother's second bout with cancer. Despite the hardships she faced,   Christina's career continued to flourish.  She became known for her comedic roles,   bringing laughter to audiences even as she dealt  with personal struggles behind the scenes. Her   ability to persevere in the face of adversity is  a testament to her strength and determination. Christina's tough childhood shaped her resilience,   but little did she know that her family history  would present an even greater challenge. How   did her mother's battle with cancer impact  Christina's health journey? Let’s find out. Family History of Cancer  and Personal Health Scares Christina Applegate's life has been profoundly  shaped by her family's history with cancer and   her health scares. The shadow of this devastating  disease first loomed over her family when she was   just seven years old. In nineteen seventy eight,  her mother, Nancy Priddy, received the shocking   news of a breast cancer diagnosis. Facing this  life threatening illness, Nancy made the brave   decision to undergo a mastectomy, a surgery  to remove the entire breast tissue. This   aggressive approach proved successful, and she  was declared cancer free after the procedure. However, the family's relief was short lived.  In nineteen eighty six, cancer returned with a   vengeance, this time attacking Nancy's abdomen.  What followed was a gruelling two year battle,   during which Nancy endured seven surgeries  to remove the cancer. Finally, in   nineteen eighty eight, she emerged victorious once  again, declared cancer free for the second time. The impact of living under the threat of  breast cancer taught Christina to value   every moment and prioritize her health  above all else. This mindset would prove   crucial in the years to come, as  she faced her health challenges. In two thousand eight, during a routine  checkup, an MRI scan revealed a concerning   finding. Her doctor ordered a biopsy, which  unfortunately confirmed their worst fears,   Christina had breast cancer. She was only  36 years old at the time of diagnosis,   two years younger than her mother had  been when she first battled the disease. The diagnosis was particularly  frightening for Christina,   given her family history. Despite knowing  the risk, she admitted to feeling extremely   scared when faced with the reality of her  diagnosis. She underwent genetic testing   and discovered she had a mutation in the  BRCA gene, which significantly increased   her risk of developing breast cancer and the  likelihood of recurrence after treatment. Faced with this information,  Christina made the difficult   decision to undergo a double mastectomy.  This aggressive approach was her way of   doing everything possible to reduce  the chances of the cancer returning.   When asked about her decision to "let both  of them go," she responded affirmatively,   understanding the gravity of her choice but  also recognizing its potential to save her life. Christina's journey with cancer didn't end  there. In twenty seventeen, aware of her   increased risk of ovarian cancer  due to the BRCA gene mutation,   she decided to have her ovaries and fallopian  tubes removed. This preemptive surgery was   another way for her to take control of  her health and reduce her cancer risk. After facing her family's health struggles,  Christina set her sights on Broadway,   eager to showcase her talents. But could  her dreams withstand an unexpected twist   of fate? What challenge awaited  her on the stage? Keep watching. Broadway Dreams and Career Setbacks Christina Applegate's journey to  Broadway was a dream come true,   but it quickly turned into a challenging  experience that would impact her career   in unexpected ways. In two thousand five, the  famous TV actress was gearing up for her first   major stage role in the musical "Sweet Charity."  The show, known for its demanding dance routines,   was set to make a big comeback  on Broadway after a long absence. As part of the preparation, the cast and crew were  performing warm up shows in Chicago. Christina,   playing the lead role of Charity Hope  Valentine, was excited to showcase her   dancing skills. However, fate had other  plans. During one of the performances,   she suffered a severe foot injury,  fracturing a bone while dancing. Despite the pain, Christina initially tried to  push through, determined not to let the injury   derail the production. However, the severity of  the fracture eventually forced her to step aside,   allowing another actor to take over her role  temporarily. This setback didn't deter her spirit,   though. As she recovered, she remained  committed to the show and her Broadway debut. The producers, concerned about potential  risks, considered cancelling the Broadway   run altogether. But Christina's passion  and persistence prevailed. She convinced   them to move forward with the production, and  "Sweet Charity" finally opened on Broadway in   May two thousand five. Her portrayal of Charity  even earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best   Actress in a Musical, a significant  achievement for her Broadway debut. However, the triumph came at a cost.  The foot injury hadn't fully healed,   and Christina resorted to wearing specialized  medical shoes to protect her foot during   performances. This decision, while allowing her  to continue performing, led to long term damage. In a later interview with TheInsider.com,  Christina revealed the heartbreaking consequence   of her determination to perform: she could no  longer dance. This realization hit her hard,   as returning to dancing had always been  a cherished dream. The injury not only   ended her Broadway career but also closed  the door to future dancing opportunities. Personal Struggles: Relationship Troubles and Loss Christina Applegate's personal life has  been marked by both joy and heartbreak,   with relationships playing a significant role in  her journey. In two thousand five, her marriage to   actor Johnathon Schaech came to an end, marking  a difficult period in her life. However, as one   chapter closed, another began when she met Lee  Grivas, a fisherman and photographer from Alaska. Their relationship, while filled with love, was  complicated by Grivas' struggle with drug and   alcohol addiction. This challenge created  a rollercoaster of emotions for Christina,   who found herself caught between her deep  feelings for Grivas and the pain of watching   him battle his demons. The couple's relationship  was characterized by a cycle of separations and   reconciliations, as Grivas would attempt to  overcome his addiction, only to relapse later. According to reports from the National Enquirer,  Christina's love for Grivas was profound,   but she couldn't bear to witness  him destroying his life through   addiction. This internal conflict added to  the emotional turmoil of their relationship,   creating a situation where love and concern  clashed with the harsh realities of addiction. In April two thousand eight, the couple  reunited for what would tragically be   the last time. Their reconciliation was  short lived, and they parted ways later   that year. The story took a devastating  turn in July when Grivas was found dead   in his Hollywood home at the young age  of 26, apparently due to an overdose. The loss of Grivas had a profound impact on  Christina. In a statement to U.S. Weekly,   she expressed her deep sorrow, describing him as  an incredible person who held great importance   in her life. This tragedy underscored  the devastating effects of addiction,   not only on those who struggle with  it but also on their loved ones. Amidst these personal challenges,  Christina's life took another unexpected   turn. In the mid nineteen nineties,  she met musician Martyn LeNoble,   the bassist for the alternative rock band Porno  for Pyros. Their initial friendship evolved into   a romantic relationship in two thousand eight,  offering Christina a chance at new happiness. The couple's love story progressed, leading  to their engagement on Valentine's Day in   twenty ten. They solidified their commitment by  marrying in twenty thirteen, and their union was   blessed with the birth of their daughter,  Sadie, in twenty eleven. This new chapter   brought joy and stability to Christina's life  after the tumultuous period she had experienced. However, even this happiness was not without its  challenges. In September twenty twelve, the couple   faced a frightening situation when a threatening  individual targeted Martyn on social media. The   harasser made explicit threats of violence  against LeNoble, claiming it was because he   had "stolen" Christina's affection. The  threats were serious enough to make the   couple fear for their lives, prompting them  to contact the Los Angeles Police Department. Despite the investigation, the authorities  were unable to identify the harasser,   leaving the couple to deal with the  lingering anxiety of the situation.   This incident served as a stark  reminder of the darker side of   fame and the potential dangers that can  arise from obsessive fans or individuals. Battling Breast Cancer and Making Tough Decisions Christina Applegate's life took a dramatic turn  in two thousand eight when, at the age of 36,   she received a devastating breast cancer  diagnosis. This news came as a shock,   despite her family history with the disease.  Her mother had battled breast cancer twice,   but Christina never imagined she would face the  same challenge, especially at such a young age. The diagnosis emerged from a routine  checkup where an MRI scan revealed a   concerning finding. Further investigation  through a biopsy confirmed the presence of   cancer. Christina was two years younger than  her mother had been when first diagnosed with   breast cancer, adding an extra layer of  fear and uncertainty to her situation. Upon receiving the news, Christina admitted to  feeling extremely scared. The reality of facing   a life threatening illness, particularly one that  had already impacted her family so significantly,   was overwhelming. However, rather than succumbing  to fear, she chose to face her diagnosis head on. One of the first steps Christina took was  to undergo genetic testing. The results   revealed that she carried a mutation in the BRCA  gene, which significantly increased her risk of   developing breast cancer and the likelihood of  recurrence after treatment. This information   played a crucial role in her decision  making process regarding treatment options. Armed with this knowledge, Christina  made the difficult decision to undergo   a double mastectomy. This aggressive approach  involved surgically removing both breasts,   a choice she made to dramatically reduce  her chances of cancer recurrence. When   asked about her decision to "let both of  them go," she responded affirmatively,   understanding the gravity of her choice but  also recognizing its potential to save her life. The journey through cancer treatment and recovery  was challenging for Christina. As a public figure,   she faced the added pressure of her  diagnosis becoming public knowledge   before she was fully prepared to share it.  This lack of privacy made it difficult for   her to process her emotions and come to  terms with what was happening to her body. After her surgery, Christina experienced a moment  of emotional breakdown. She described to More   Magazine how she "totally fell apart" when the  reality of her situation finally hit her. The   rapid pace of events following her diagnosis had  left little time for her to truly absorb what was   happening. When things finally slowed down, all  the pent up emotions came rushing out at once. Despite these challenges, Christina  found ways to cope. She shifted into   what she called "taking care of things"  mode, which included making significant   changes to her diet to support her health.  This proactive approach helped her regain   a sense of control over her life  during a time of great uncertainty. Christina's experience with breast cancer didn't  end with her recovery. In twenty seventeen, aware   of her increased risk of ovarian cancer due  to the BRCA gene mutation, she made another   tough decision. She chose to have her ovaries and  fallopian tubes removed as a preventative measure.   This surgery was another way for her to take  control of her health and reduce her cancer risk. New Health Challenges:  Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis As Christina Applegate approached her  50th birthday, she began experiencing   strange and unsettling symptoms. Her body  started to feel like it was vibrating,   with a peculiar buzzing sensation in  her arms and legs. Simultaneously,   she noticed a loss of sensation in these  areas, as if her limbs were going numb. These   symptoms were just the beginning of a new health  challenge that would dramatically alter her life. At first, the changes were subtle. Christina  noticed her toes going numb but didn't think   much of it. When the numbness spread to the balls  of her feet, she still brushed it off. However,   the situation quickly escalated.  She found herself losing balance   and stumbling unexpectedly, which  was both concerning and frightening. When Christina shared her concerns with others,  many dismissed her symptoms as simple neuropathy,   a form of nerve damage that can cause  tingling and numbness. But she knew   something more serious was happening. Her  instincts proved correct when she received   a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis  in the summer of twenty twenty one. Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological  disorder where the body's immune system attacks   its tissues. This autoimmune response disrupts  communication between the brain and the rest   of the body, leading to a wide range of  symptoms. These can include mobility issues,   vision problems, balance difficulties,  muscle weakness, and speech impairments. The impact of multiple sclerosis on Christina's  life was immediate and profound. While filming   the Netflix series "Dead to Me," she struggled  to walk even short distances. She also noticed   changes in her sleeping patterns, unexpected  weight gain, and increasing difficulties with   balance. These symptoms became so severe  that production of the show's third season   had to be paused for five months to allow  her to receive medical treatment and care. Adapting to life with multiple sclerosis has  been a significant challenge for Christina.   In an interview with The New York Times,  she spoke about confronting the many major   losses she had experienced, both in  terms of her life and a part of her   identity. She admitted to using humour as  a shield to maintain a facade of normalcy,   while internally struggling with the  weight of her emotions and new limitations. The physical toll of multiple sclerosis  has drastically affected Christina's   work. Although she can still  walk, it's noticeably slower,   and she now relies on a cane for support.  The California heat and long working hours   on set became increasingly difficult to manage.  She often needed a wheelchair between takes,   and crew members had to assist her in staying  upright during scenes. Some sequences had to   be rewritten to allow her to lean against  doors for support, and there were days when   filming had to be cancelled altogether because  she lacked the strength to leave her home. These challenges have led Christina to  contemplate retirement from live action roles.   In a twenty twenty three interview with Vanity  Fair, she expressed uncertainty about her future   health progression and admitted she couldn't  even imagine going to a set at the moment. Despite the hardships, Christina's  journey with multiple sclerosis has   showcased her resilience once again.  She's been open about her struggles,   helping to raise awareness about the  disease and its impact on people's lives. Going Public With Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis Christina Applegate first revealed that she had  been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on Twitter,   describing her journey as "strange" but expressing   gratitude for the support she's received  from others who also have the condition. Note that this isn't Applegate's first health  challenge. In two thouand eight, she was   diagnosed with earlystage breast cancer and  underwent a double mastectomy. Her openness   about her health struggles has been a  consistent part of her public persona,   allowing fans and viewers to connect  with her on a personal level. The announcement of her multiple sclerosis  diagnosis prompted an outpouring of support from   fellow celebrities. Jamie Lee Curtis and Selma  Blair, who also lives with multiple sclerosis,   sent messages of encouragement. Blair, who starred  alongside Applegate in the two thousand two movie   "The Sweetest Thing," revealed her own  multiple sclerosis journey in twenty nineteen. Applegate's career has spanned decades,  starting with her breakout role as Kelly   Bundy in the sitcom "Married with Children."  She's also known for her appearances in films   like "Anchorman" and her recent starring role  in the Netflix series "Dead to Me." Production   on the third season of "Dead to Me" has been  temporarily paused following her diagnosis. In her announcement, Applegate quoted a  friend with multiple sclerosis who said,   "We wake up and take the indicated action."  She expressed her commitment to facing this   new health challenge head on while also  requesting privacy during this time. In twenty twenty three, Christina Applegate  received her star on the Hollywood Walk of   Fame. This event marked her first  public appearance since revealing   her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.  The ceremony was a touching moment,   with Applegate surrounded by former co stars  from her hit show "Married with Children." During her emotional speech, Applegate  expressed gratitude for her friends and   family, emphasizing their crucial role in her  daily life. She also mentioned her daughter,   describing her as the most important  person in her world. Applegate addressed   her multiple sclerosis diagnosis with  humor, joking about being barefoot due   to the discomfort shoes can cause for  some people with multiple sclerosis. The actress's approach to discussing her  condition sparked a conversation about how   society views and reacts to individuals  with diseases or disabilities. Some   observers noted the importance of not  pitying those with health challenges,   but rather recognizing their humanity  and ongoing personal experiences. Applegate has been open about her  journey with multiple sclerosis,   including her anger about the diagnosis  and the process of grieving her old self.   Experts explain that this range of emotions  is normal and part of the acceptance process. To better understand multiple sclerosis and  its impact, Dr. Coley, a medical expert,   provided insights into the disease. Multiple  sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where   the body's immune system attacks its nerves.  The severity and symptoms can vary greatly   among individuals, affecting vision,  mobility, and various bodily functions. Dr. Coley expressed frustration about the  lack of comprehensive treatments for multiple   sclerosis. The disease's unpredictable  nature means that symptoms can fluctuate,   with periods of improvement and worsening.  Some people may experience mild symptoms,   while others face more severe challenges. Recent research has linked the Epstein Barr  virus which causes mono to triggering multiple   sclerosis in predisposed individuals.  This discovery has led to hope for   potential preventive measures, such as  developing a vaccine against the virus. For those managing multiple sclerosis,  treatment options include steroids to   address flare ups and antibody injections to  modulate the immune system's response. While   there's no cure, these treatments aim to slow  the disease's progression and manage symptoms. From revealing her multiple sclerosis diagnosis  to receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,   Christina Applegate's journey took an emotional  turn. But what hidden struggles lay beneath her   public appearances? How did she navigate  the silent symptoms of mutiple sclerosis? From Silent Symptoms to Candid Conversations Christina Applegate also opened up about her   journey with multiple sclerosis in an emotional  interview on Good Morning America. She was joined   by Jamie Lyn Sigler, a fellow actress who has been  battling multiple sclerosis for over 20 years. Applegate tearfully recalled the moment  she first learned of her diagnosis in   twenty twenty one while filming the final season  of her Netflix series "Dead to Me." She described   being brought to the set in a wheelchair,  unable to walk long distances. This forced   her to reveal her condition to her colleagues as  she needed assistance to stand and move around. The actress believes she may have had multiple  sclerosis for six or seven years before her   official diagnosis. She remembered experiencing  symptoms during the first season of "Dead to   Me," such as her leg buckling, but she often  dismissed these signs as fatigue or dehydration. Interestingly, it was Applegate's "The  Sweetest Thing" co star, Selma Blair,   who also has multiple sclerosis, who  encouraged her to get checked for the   disease. Applegate initially doubted  the likelihood of both of them having   multiple sclerosis, but Blair's  insistence led to her diagnosis. Throughout the interview, Applegate  expressed her frustration with the disease,   calling it her least favourite among the  health challenges she's faced. She spoke   about her anger at losing the ability to do  things she loved, like dancing and running. Sigler has been a source of support and  inspiration for Applegate. She helps   Applegate stay positive and reassures  her that she will be okay. Their shared   experience with multiple sclerosis has  created a strong bond between them. Both actresses emphasized the isolating  nature of multiple sclerosis, often   referred to as an "invisible disease"  due to its symptoms not always being   apparent to others. They spoke about the  difficulty in explaining their pain and   struggles to people who can't see or  understand what they're going through. Christina Applegate's Raw Revelation: Navigating  Multiple Sclerosis and Redefining Her Truth Christina Applegate, the 52 year old star  of "Dead to Me," recently opened up about   her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis  on Dax Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast.   In a candid conversation, she shared  the stark reality of her condition,   revealing that she has 30 lesions on her  brain, which she likened to herpes sores. Applegate described the impact of these lesions,  particularly a large one behind her right eye   that causes significant pain. She also mentioned  experiencing "seizurey feelings" in her brain. The   actress expressed her frustration and unhappiness  about living with these brain lesions, which can   disrupt normal brain function and cause a range  of symptoms including weakness and confusion. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis while  filming the third season of "Dead to Me,"   Applegate went public with her condition  in twenty twenty one. She reflected on the   podcast that this battle is lifelong,  and she's uncertain about her future,   calling multiple sclerosis the worst  thing that's ever happened to her. In a departure from her previous public persona,  Applegate expressed regret over her past approach   to discussing health challenges. She recalled a  two thousand eight interview with Robin Roberts   following her breast cancer diagnosis and  double mastectomy, where she maintained a   positive attitude. Now, she admits she was "lying"  about her feelings at the time, believing that her   attempt to convince herself of positivity did a  disservice to others facing similar struggles. Recently, Applegate launched a podcast  called "MeSsy" with Jamie Lynn Sigler,   who also has multiple sclerosis. She has stated  that "Dead to Me" may be her final acting role,   though she's open to voice acting  opportunities in the future. Applegate's recent interviews, including one with  Robin Roberts where she said she lives "in hell"   with multiple sclerosis, have shed  light on the long term nature of   her symptoms. She believes she  may have experienced multiple   sclerosis symptoms for "six or seven  years" before her official diagnosis. The Messy Journey: Christina Applegate's  Brave Battle with Multiple Sclerosis As of April twenty twenty four, Christina  Applegate was going through a tough time   with her multiple sclerosis. She talked about  it on her new podcast called "MeSsy," which   she does with Jamie Lynn Sigler,  who also has multiple sclerosis. Applegate found out she had multiple  sclerosis in twenty twenty one. She   has been open about her struggles with  this illness that affects the brain and   nerves. In a recent podcast episode, she  shared how bad things have gotten lately. The actress was having a "pretty bad" flare up  of her multiple sclerosis symptoms. She was in a   lot of pain and having trouble with her body. Her  legs felt very weak and she couldn’t get them to   stop hurting. She was also having problems with  her eyes, which made it hard for her to sleep. Applegate said she wasn't able  to take a shower for three weeks   because of how much pain she was  in. Her legs weren't working well,   and she didn’t have much energy. She felt  very down and sad because of all this. The "Dead to Me" star is finding  it hard to do even small things for   herself. This has made her feel  very depressed. It's tough for   her to cope with how much her life has  changed because of multiple sclerosis. After Applegate was told  she had multiple sclerosis,   she met Sigler through a mutual friend, Lance  Bass. Sigler has had multiple sclerosis since   two thousand one. The two women started talking  on the phone for hours. They would laugh and   cry together. These talks helped them both so  much that they decided to start their podcast. Applegate told a magazine that they thought,   "This is helping us. Let's record it. Let's  do it." That's how "MeSsy" came to be. Even though things are hard now, Applegate  has had some good moments. In January,   she went to an awards show called the  Primetime Emmys. The host, Anthony Anderson,   helped her on stage. Everyone stood up  to clap for her, which was very touching. Applegate tried to make light of the  situation. She joked with the audience,   saying, "You're totally shaming me  with my disability by standing up."   This shows that even in tough times,  she tries to keep her sense of humour. Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed  this video, please hit the like button,   leave nice comments, and don't forget to  subscribe for more interesting content.   Check out another interesting video by clicking  on the video appearing on your screen right now.