Anne With An E star Miranda McKeon reveals ‘mental health effects’ of battling cancer at age 19

Anne With An E star Miranda McKeon reveals 'mental health effects' of battling cancer at age 19

As I delve into Miranda’s captivating journey, my heart swells with admiration for her resilience and grace. Her story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity, a beacon that shines brightly amidst the darkest of storms.


Actress Miranda McKeon, known for her role as Anne on “Anne with an E,” shared about the psychological impact she experienced while fighting stage three cancer when she was just nineteen years old.

In 2021, as the actress prepared to begin her second year at college, she discovered a lump in her right breast and received a diagnosis of an illness.

She went through a rigorous regimen of therapies, which included a double mastectomy procedure, additional surgery for the removal of several lymph nodes, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Currently, Miranda is 22 years old, her illness has gone into remission, and she is absolutely excited to re-enter the industry again, as she expressed.

She expressed that she never imagined she’d feel this joyful once more, sharing deeply about the emotional effects of her cancer struggle with People magazine.

Anne With An E star Miranda McKeon reveals 'mental health effects' of battling cancer at age 19

Miranda, who’s penning a book about her experience, admitted that the psychological impacts of receiving a cancer diagnosis are often overwhelming. She confided that each evening, she would lie in bed, preoccupied with thoughts about it.

During her cancer treatment, she simultaneously sought therapy and started using an antidepressant, which has remained part of her routine ever since.

She shared that she once believed she’d constantly be preoccupied with cancer throughout her daily life, but now there are moments when she doesn’t dwell on it anymore.

Following her childhood performances off-Broadway, Miranda proceeded to study at the University of Southern California. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her first year at the university took place online.

In the academic year 2021-2022, which was her sophomore year, she got the chance to physically go to school. However, during her summer break, she discovered a lump on her right breast.

She admitted, “I became somewhat alarmed. My upbringing had always led me to believe that finding a lump in one’s breast could be a sign of having breast cancer.

Despite undergoing tests, the doctor aimed to reassure her, explaining that given her age and the absence of a family history, it was improbable she had cancer.

Yet, upon her journey to San Francisco for a summer agricultural course, she got a text message from her physician.

Anne With An E star Miranda McKeon reveals 'mental health effects' of battling cancer at age 19
Anne With An E star Miranda McKeon reveals 'mental health effects' of battling cancer at age 19
Anne With An E star Miranda McKeon reveals 'mental health effects' of battling cancer at age 19

Miranda recalled, “I found myself saying, ‘That’s strange, don’t doctors usually call?’ She then informed me that I had cancer, and it had advanced to my lymph nodes.

In that instant, it felt incredibly unreal. I found myself becoming quite emotional, and I recall calling my mother instantly on the phone straightaway.

Throughout her medical procedures such as a double-mastectomy, lymph node excision, eight cycles of chemotherapy, and twenty-five radiation treatments, she often had days when she felt utterly disintegrated or on the verge of collapse.

The physical impact of the chemotherapy included pain ‘coursing through my legs, neck and back’ as well as fatigue – a sensation that also affected her mentally.

Miranda, who enjoys challenging herself, admitted that it left her feeling defeated. Despite wanting nothing more than to rest in bed, she found that her pain was worst when she was still – thus, she had to force herself to stay active.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve personally navigated the challenging terrain of balancing the emotional impact of hair loss due to chemotherapy, all while maintaining an active and fulfilling college social life. It’s a delicate dance between healing and thriving.

As a passionate admirer, let me express that my tresses held a significant role in defining my essence. I adore the person I am, and relish meeting new individuals – yet, there was this lingering sense of inability to present myself authentically to them. It brought about an overwhelming amount of self-doubt. The thought of stepping out at frat parties donning a wig filled me with loathing.

She could rely on her friends to ensure her false hairline was correctly aligned, preventing it from making her forehead appear overly large. However, she often felt disconnected and isolated as if she didn’t belong among her contemporaries.

Anne With An E star Miranda McKeon reveals 'mental health effects' of battling cancer at age 19
Anne With An E star Miranda McKeon reveals 'mental health effects' of battling cancer at age 19

In addition, Miranda opted for egg freezing prior to her chemotherapy treatment, as this procedure sometimes leads to infertility in patients.

She admitted, ‘I never imagined I’d find myself in this situation, but I wanted to keep open the possibility of having kids later on.’

By 2022, she successfully put her cancer into remission, yet it wasn’t until early 2023 that her mental confusion, or “brain fog,” noticeably cleared up. This was during the second semester of her junior year in college.

At that moment, with a short, stylish bob reminiscent of Europe, she spent a semester studying abroad in Rome. It was then that she felt incredibly liberated, rediscovering herself and eager to resume her life. She felt like her usual self, which was exactly what she longed for.

She found support in her family, so she relocated to the East Coast following her college years since it’s where they reside.

Anne With An E star Miranda McKeon reveals 'mental health effects' of battling cancer at age 19

Miranda shared about the small comforts that help calm her before sleep – her pets Bodhi and Kona, going surfing, taking walks at the beach, and practicing Pilates.

She speaks highly of her boyfriend, referring to him as “an absolutely wonderful aspect” of her life, and eagerly anticipates resuming her career in the entertainment industry.

At present, she’s attending acting workshops at Juilliard, getting ready to make a smooth comeback in the entertainment scene.

She pondered, recognizing how numerous blessings have emerged from the challenges she’s faced. It’s made her deeply appreciative of the precious moments life offers us here on Earth.

Following my cancer going into remission, I took to Instagram with an honest post, revealing that throughout my treatment, I often felt as if my body had turned into a ‘time bomb’, one that desperately needed healing.

By March 2022, when she made her post, she was gradually regaining control of her body, viewing it as a radiant and precious present.

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2024-10-15 21:21

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