This time, she decided to turn her tragedy into inspiration for other women. This brave lady didn’t lose her vibrant personality along the way and even joked, “I don’t miss my breasts as much as I miss Harry’s Law,” while thanking her fans for the support they’ve provided during her tough times.

She did her best to replace the plate of sour green tomatoes her life served her with one of Fried Green Tomatoes instead, and we are lucky she did it.

Currently, Kathy Bates is cancer-free, but the disease left her with a condition known as lymphedema, which affects around 30 percent of breast cancer survivors. It is a result of the removal of her lymph nodes. Unfortunately, it causes her pain and swelling that makes her feel uncomfortable.

“It’s a souvenir you definitely don’t want. I really felt that life was over for me. I probably wouldn’t work again, and I was angry for a long time.”

This whole experience made her speak about her condition publicly in hopes of inspiring other women to do regular check-ups and to know that they are not alone in their battle. Bates also became an ambassador for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN).

“I’m grateful my hardships have given me a purpose. Funny how that happens.”

Below is her interview where she gets brutally honest about what it feels like to face the battles she fought.