Cheryl Ladd Praises Husband Brian Russell’s Support During Her Breast Cancer Battle

Cheryl Ladd is reflecting on her breast cancer journey and the unwavering support she received from husband Brian Russell. The actress shares how his care, along with encouragement from loved ones, helped her through treatment and recovery.

Cheryl Ladd is opening up about her experience with breast cancer and the support system that helped her through it. The actress credited her husband, Brian Russell, for standing by her side throughout her diagnosis and treatment.

A Swift Response to Diagnosis

Ladd recalled the moment she first sought medical attention, prompted by her husband’s urgency. "He said, 'Call the doctor. We're going to deal with this right now,'" Ladd recalls. "He just about threw me in the car."

Following a biopsy, doctors determined she had a highly aggressive form of breast cancer. Treatment began immediately, including oral chemotherapy and radiation.

Facing the Physical Toll

During her treatment, Ladd experienced visible changes, including hair and eyelash loss. Despite the challenges, her husband remained a constant source of reassurance.

“I looked like an alien. My husband would say, ‘But, honey, a beautiful alien,'” she says. His constant encouragement helped her cope with the physical effects of the illness.

Support Through Daily Care

Ladd described how Russell took an active role in caring for her, particularly when her appetite declined.

"He was so kind, and sometimes I didn't have any kind of appetite, so he'd say, 'How about I make you just a little tomato soup? Could you eat a little orange?'" she shares. "He literally babied me along and kept me eating so I didn't just get skinnier and skinnier and skinnier."

"He kept me pretty close to my normal weight," she continues. "He just cooked for me, encouraged me and hugged me. I'm telling you, I sure married the right guy."

A Strong Circle of Support

In addition to her husband, Ladd leaned on her family and close friends. Her daughter, Jordan Ladd, and Russell’s daughter, Lindsay Walker, offered encouragement during her treatment. They would come and visit her constantly to encourage her, and would pray for her and her recovery as well.

Her "Charlie's Angels" co-stars also played a role in her support system. Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson, who both faced their own cancer diagnoses, provided understanding and encouragement.

"Talk about a sisterhood,” Ladd says. “The fact that all three of us have had cancer is kind of strange, but all of us are doing great." She also revealed that Smith sent her wigs during her treatment.

Now cancer-free, Ladd says she has returned to feeling like herself again. "Between my husband and the Lord, we got through it. It was just a miracle, really," she reveals.

She continues to monitor her health with regular checkups, including mammograms every six months. Cheryl Ladd’s experience highlights the importance of support during serious illness. With the help of her husband, family, and friends, she navigated her treatment and recovery. Today, she reflects on the journey with gratitude and a renewed focus on her health.