Busy Philipps received life-changing news while preparing to begin a dream television role. The actress learned she had a brain tumor that required surgery, creating an unexpected medical challenge. However, she also made a surprising request during her consultations with doctors.
Busy Philipps recalls asking doctors for a temporal brow lift during brain tumor surgery planning
During an October appearance on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, Philipps recalled the moment she received her diagnosis. The actress said the discovery came on the same day she learned she had landed a dream role. Her upcoming series, Cupertino, was scheduled to begin filming within six weeks.
Phillips explained that doctors needed to remove the tumor surgically. She immediately had two questions about the situation and its timing. “Secondly, can you give me a temporal brow lift at the same time?” she recalled asking.
The request concerned a cosmetic procedure, even as she faced a serious health situation. Philipps joked that doctors refused to combine the procedures during her brain surgery. “Turns out although I think they should,” she said, adding that the refusal “felt rude to me.”
Philipps also explained how a preventative medical scan helped uncover the tumor. The scan took place shortly after the death of her close friend and former Dawson’s Creek co-star, James Van Der Beek. She said she felt spiritually protected by him and another friend, Kate.
Van Der Beek died the day before Philipps’ scheduled scan. Her former husband, Mark, encouraged her to attend, reminding her of the importance of caring for herself.
Philipps ultimately underwent surgery on March 2. She said her recovery had gone well and that the incision was healing remarkably well. “My makeup artist said my hair was getting done; it’s incredible how good it is,” she shared.
The experience also affected how Philipps approached motherhood. Her older daughter was home from boarding school when the diagnosis emerged. Philipps recalled reassuring her daughter that she would survive the ordeal.
She explained, “I promise you are not in the movie where your mom dies your senior year of high school.” Philipps’ story highlighted the importance of early detection while marking her return to work.
