Kathy Bates opens up about her courageous battle with cancer, providing an insightful look into her personal journey.

After receiving her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2012 at the age of 64, Kathy underwent a double mastectomy, a significant and life-altering procedure. However, she made the personal choice to forgo reconstruction surgery to restore her breasts. This decision reflects her deep contemplation about her life stage and priorities. “At my age, I thought, ‘You know, I really don’t wanna go through that,’” Kathy, now 76, explained during her candid conversation with Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler on the November 12 episode of their engaging MeSsy podcast. She articulated her feelings about her relationship status and age, stating, “I just didn’t wanna go through it. I wasn’t in a relationship, I was older, and I didn’t think that I would be in a relationship. So I was kind of like, ‘Why do I have to?’”

Kathy Bates, an Academy Award winner, has faced multiple health challenges, including her diagnosis of ovarian cancer back in 2003. This background informs her decisions and perspective on health and femininity. She also shared a unique and personal reason for her choice to avoid reconstruction. “The other thing—this is really weird, maybe—but I had really heavy breasts,” she revealed. “They were, like, 10 pounds when they removed them, and I kind of enjoy not having breasts.” This statement not only reflects her acceptance of her body but also highlights a lesser-discussed aspect of post-mastectomy life.