Comedy Icon Christina Applegate Suffering With 30 Lesions On Her Brain

Known for her roles in Anchorman and Dead to Me, the 52-year-old actress did not mince words when describing her experience with the disease, labeling it as the “worst thing that’s happened” in her life. Christina Applegate was diagnosed with MS in 2021, but she believes she likely had the disease for six or seven years before receiving a diagnosis. Despite the lesions behind her eye, the actress’s vision has remained unaffected, but the disease has significantly impacted her mobility, often resulting in seizure-like feelings in her head and discomfort in her hands.

Describing herself as the “worst MSer,” Christina Applegate confessed to retreating to bed rather than stretching her muscles on difficult days. She likened MS to a “mean girl” who punishes her body if she overexerts herself physically.

Reflecting on her journey with MS, Christina Applegate contrasted it with her previous battle with breast cancer, admitting to masking her struggles during that time of her life. “Everything I was saying was a freaking lie,” she admitted on the podcast, explaining how she kept her struggles hidden as much as possible. 

In 2008, Christina Applegate underwent a double mastectomy to address her breast cancer diagnosis. Additionally, in 2017, she opted to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a preventive measure against ovarian cancer, a disease that claimed the life of her cousin.

While Christina Applegate chose to keep closed about her cancer struggle, she’s decided to do the opposite when it comes to her experience with MS, believing that honesty serves a greater purpose. Her openness extends to discussing the practical challenges of living with MS, including moments where she’s unable to reach the bathroom in time, necessitating the use of diapers. Despite the hardships, she finds solace in the perks, such as being able to park in handicapped spots and board planes early.

Christina Applegate doesn’t shy away from injecting humor into her situation, as evident during her surprise appearance at the Emmys. She playfully chided the audience for applauding her and confidently strolled onto the stage with a cane that read, “FU MS.”

While Christina Applegate humorously copes with her condition, she also aims to dispel any discomfort others may feel around her. By sharing her story with authenticity and humor, she hopes to normalize disability and create an environment where laughter can coexist with adversity.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for those like Christina Applegate who are struggling with MS. However, ongoing research and advancements in treatment options offer hope for improved management of symptoms and enhanced quality of life. Despite the challenges posed by MS, individuals like Applegate continue to inspire with their resilience and determination to live their lives to the fullest, proving that even in the face of adversity, strength and positivity can shine through.