Busy Philipps Felt Protected by Deceased Friends After Brain Tumor Surgery

Actress Busy Philipps recently shared her experience undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor in March. During her recovery, she felt a profound sense of protection from two friends she had lost to cancer: James Van Der Beek and Kate Cooper Serge. Philipps noted that Van Der Beek, her "Dawson's Creek" co-star, died of colon cancer on February 11, just before her own diagnosis. Serge had also passed away from cancer in 2023.

Philipps described hitting a low point in April following an infection that necessitated a second surgery. It was during this challenging time that she felt the spiritual presence of her friends most strongly. She recounted seeing an image of Van Der Beek in a waiting room before her second surgery, which she interpreted as a sign of his presence. She stated, "I just felt like I was really divinely protected by my two friends."

A biopsy revealed the removed mass to be a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, which her neuro-oncologist confirmed is malignant but highly treatable. Fortunately, the tumor was caught and surgically removed early. Philipps confirmed no further treatment like chemotherapy or radiation is needed, and she will undergo regular scans for the next two years to monitor for recurrence.

Reflecting on her health battle, Philipps stated that losing loved ones, rather than her own health scare, has fundamentally changed her perspective on life. She emphasized the importance of cherishing every moment and expressing love, a philosophy she adopted after Serge's passing and was further reinforced by Van Der Beek's courageous fight. Philipps lives by the motto, "Well, every day is all there is."