Busy Philipps has revealed she was diagnosed with a rare malignant brain tumor and underwent two brain surgeries during what she described as the “weirdest six months” of her life.
The 47-year-old actress said doctors discovered the tumor during a scan on Feb. 12, 2026 — just one day after her former “Dawson’s Creek” co-star James Van Der Beek died of cancer.
Now, after months of fear, surgery and an unexpected complication, Philipps says she feels incredibly fortunate.
“I’m grateful to be alive,” she told PEOPLE, adding that she feels like “the luckiest girl in the world.”
Philipps said she underwent the scan after her cousin-in-law, internist Dr. Justin Donlan, encouraged her to take a proactive approach to her health.
Her primary care doctor had reportedly discouraged her from getting a full-body MRI in 2025, but Philipps ultimately kept the February appointment after encouragement from her ex-husband, Marc Silverstein.
The scan revealed something no one expected.
After a neurologist confirmed that the mass in her brain was a tumor, Philipps recalled being told, “Busy, it’s got to come out.”
Doctors identified the growth as a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare type of brain tumor.
On March 2, surgeons performed a five-hour operation to remove the 2.6-centimeter mass.
Neuro-oncologist Dr. Alexandra Miller said the tumor could have grown to two or three times its size if it had not been discovered when it was.
Although the tumor is considered malignant, Miller said Philipps’ particular diagnosis carries the “best prognosis of all of the malignant gliomas.”
But Philipps’ ordeal was far from over.
About a month into her recovery, she went to see her dermatologist for Botox when the doctor noticed something troubling around her surgical incision.
Philipps had developed a staphylococcus infection at the site.
The infection forced her back into the operating room in April for a second brain surgery to clean out the affected area.
Philipps admitted the setback was devastating.
She said she became “really, really upset” and felt like she had suddenly been sent “back to square one” after believing the hardest part was behind her.
The actress also had to face the heartbreaking task of explaining the diagnosis to her children, Birdie, 18, and Cricket, 13.
Philipps recalled trying to reassure Birdie with a powerful promise.
“Birdie, you’re just not in the movie where your mom dies your senior year of high school,” she told her daughter. “That’s just not the movie that you’re in. I promise you.”
Looking back, Philipps said there may have been signs that something was wrong long before doctors discovered the tumor.
She remembered once telling her close friend and fellow “Dawson’s Creek” alum Michelle Williams that she felt as though her “brain is broken.”
Today, she says that feeling is gone.
After surviving the frightening medical ordeal, Philipps is urging others to listen to their bodies, ask questions and advocate for themselves when it comes to their health.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of in having information,” she said. “It’s only empowering.”
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