Melissa Etheridge: Pot got me through

Melissa Etheridge, Special to CNN
5 minute read
Updated 9:30 AM EDT, Wed August 7, 2013
Marcia Cross, who starred on "Melrose Place" and "Desperate Housewives," revealed on Instagram in September 2018 that she had successfully battled anal cancer.
Marcia Cross, who starred on "Melrose Place" and "Desperate Housewives," revealed on Instagram in September 2018 that she had successfully battled anal cancer.
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Reality star Abby Lee Miller was reportedly diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in May.<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjfkXzpFvdo/?hl=en&taken-by=therealabbylee" target="_blank" target="_blank"> In June she wrote on Instagram </a>"There's nothing I enjoy more than swimming and a good tan. Instead, I start round 3 of chemo......... another battle that I must win!!"
Reality star Abby Lee Miller was reportedly diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in May. In June she wrote on Instagram "There's nothing I enjoy more than swimming and a good tan. Instead, I start round 3 of chemo......... another battle that I must win!!"
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Former "America's Next Top Model" contestant Jael Strauss reveals on social media she has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. "With treatment it may prolong my life longer than the 'few months' doctors said I could make it," the 34-year-old <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jael.strauss/posts/10155906204387066" target="_blank" target="_blank">wrote on Facebook.</a> "I don't want to die."
Former "America's Next Top Model" contestant Jael Strauss reveals on social media she has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. "With treatment it may prolong my life longer than the 'few months' doctors said I could make it," the 34-year-old wrote on Facebook. "I don't want to die."
Erik C. Pendzich/REX/Shutterstock
Val Kilmer denied it in 2016 when a former co-star, Michael Douglas, said the actor was suffering from oral cancer. But during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session in April 2017, Kilmer said he "<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/01/entertainment/val-kilmer-cancer/index.html">did have a healing of cancer</a>."
Val Kilmer denied it in 2016 when a former co-star, Michael Douglas, said the actor was suffering from oral cancer. But during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session in April 2017, Kilmer said he "did have a healing of cancer."
Jason LaVeris/ getty images
Devin Lima of LFO, seen here at the Grammys in 2006, was diagnosed in October 2017 with stage 4 adrenal cancer. His band mate, Brad Fischetti, delivered the news to fans via a video on social media.
Devin Lima of LFO, seen here at the Grammys in 2006, was diagnosed in October 2017 with stage 4 adrenal cancer. His band mate, Brad Fischetti, delivered the news to fans via a video on social media.
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Julia Louis-Dreyfus announced she has breast cancer in a post on her official Twitter account in September 2017. Louis-Dreyfus wrote that "1 in 8 women get breast cancer. Today, I'm the one."
Julia Louis-Dreyfus announced she has breast cancer in a post on her official Twitter account in September 2017. Louis-Dreyfus wrote that "1 in 8 women get breast cancer. Today, I'm the one."
Dan MacMedan/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
"Grey's Anatomy" actress Kate Walsh revealed she was diagnosed in 2015 with a benign meningioma, a tumor that arises from the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Within three days, she had the tumor surgically removed.
"Grey's Anatomy" actress Kate Walsh revealed she was diagnosed in 2015 with a benign meningioma, a tumor that arises from the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Within three days, she had the tumor surgically removed.
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Former CNN talk-show host Larry King revealed in September 2017 that he underwent surgery for lung cancer. The former smoker said he was diagnosed with stage 1 cancer after receiving a chest X-ray.
Former CNN talk-show host Larry King revealed in September 2017 that he underwent surgery for lung cancer. The former smoker said he was diagnosed with stage 1 cancer after receiving a chest X-ray.
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In August, "Real Housewives of Orange County" cast member Tamra Judge posted on Instagram that a freckle on her backside was diagnosed as melanoma. In January, she shared that she had <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYUdCPFlN1H/?hl=en&taken-by=tamrajudge" target="_blank" target="_blank">surgery to remove other cancerous legions. </a>
In August, "Real Housewives of Orange County" cast member Tamra Judge posted on Instagram that a freckle on her backside was diagnosed as melanoma. In January, she shared that she had surgery to remove other cancerous legions.
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Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood revealed in August that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer three months earlier. Wood, who chain-smoked for 50 years, <a href="https://twitter.com/ronniewood/status/894254546314297344" target="_blank" target="_blank">tweeted</a> that he is fine now after surgery and ready to head on tour with his band.
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood revealed in August that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer three months earlier. Wood, who chain-smoked for 50 years, tweeted that he is fine now after surgery and ready to head on tour with his band.
Victoria Will/Invision/AP
Maria Menounos was diagnosed with a brain tumor after she began feeling lightheaded on set and suffering from headaches and slurred speech in February. Menounos' surgeon was able to remove nearly 100% of the tumor, which was benign.
Maria Menounos was diagnosed with a brain tumor after she began feeling lightheaded on set and suffering from headaches and slurred speech in February. Menounos' surgeon was able to remove nearly 100% of the tumor, which was benign.
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Comedian and writer Jeannie Gaffigan underwent nine hours of surgery May 1 to remove a tumor from her brain stem.
Comedian and writer Jeannie Gaffigan underwent nine hours of surgery May 1 to remove a tumor from her brain stem.
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"Bachelor" alum Lesley Murphy has used social media to document her fight against potentially getting cancer. In April, she had a double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA 2 gene mutation, which greatly increases a person's risk of developing breast cancer.
"Bachelor" alum Lesley Murphy has used social media to document her fight against potentially getting cancer. In April, she had a double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA 2 gene mutation, which greatly increases a person's risk of developing breast cancer.
Eamonn M. McCormack/Longines/Getty Images
Actor Ben Stiller revealed in October that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014. The tumor was surgically removed three months later, in September 2014, and Stiller has been cancer-free since.
Actor Ben Stiller revealed in October that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014. The tumor was surgically removed three months later, in September 2014, and Stiller has been cancer-free since.
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Hugh Jackman recently underwent treatment for basal cell carcinoma, again, according to a social media post. The Australian actor has been treated for basal cell carcinoma at least four times.
Hugh Jackman recently underwent treatment for basal cell carcinoma, again, according to a social media post. The Australian actor has been treated for basal cell carcinoma at least four times.
Hugh Jackman/Instagram
Jaime "Taboo" Gomez of the Black Eyed Peas revealed in November that he survived testicular cancer.
Jaime "Taboo" Gomez of the Black Eyed Peas revealed in November that he survived testicular cancer.
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In August 2015, actress Shannen Doherty <a href="http://www.people.com/article/shannen-doherty-breast-cancer" target="_blank" target="_blank">confirmed to People </a>that she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She went public with the news after TMZ reported she was suing a former business manager, accusing her of letting the star's health insurance lapse. In August 2016, she said that the cancer has spread and she's had a single mastectomy.
In August 2015, actress Shannen Doherty confirmed to People that she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She went public with the news after TMZ reported she was suing a former business manager, accusing her of letting the star's health insurance lapse. In August 2016, she said that the cancer has spread and she's had a single mastectomy.
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Debbie Rowe, Michael Jackson's ex-wife and mother of two of his children, <a href="http://www.etonline.com/news/192475_michael_jackson_s_ex_wife_debbie_rowe_diagnosed_with_breast_cancer/" target="_blank" target="_blank">told Entertainment Tonight in July 2016</a> that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Debbie Rowe, Michael Jackson's ex-wife and mother of two of his children, told Entertainment Tonight in July 2016 that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Aaron Lambert/AP
Former supermodel and reality TV star Janice Dickinson <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3509772/I-breast-cancer-Courageous-supermodel-Janice-Dickinson-reveals-diagnosed-disease-says-Don-t-feel-sorry-m-gonna-stick-long-long-time.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">revealed in an emotional interview</a> that she was diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer in March.
Former supermodel and reality TV star Janice Dickinson revealed in an emotional interview that she was diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer in March.
Richard Shotwell/Invision//AP
Former Rolling Stone bass player Bill Wyman was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016. An original member of the band, which formed in 1962, Wyman left the group in 1992.
Former Rolling Stone bass player Bill Wyman was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016. An original member of the band, which formed in 1962, Wyman left the group in 1992.
Ben Cawthra/Sipa USA/AP
Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh took to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TerrapinCrossroads/posts/905618469521331" target="_blank" target="_blank">Facebook to reveal</a> he was battling bladder cancer. In an apology to fans for canceling a pair of concerts, Lesh announced he's received treatment at the Mayo Clinic and his prognosis is good.
Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh took to Facebook to reveal he was battling bladder cancer. In an apology to fans for canceling a pair of concerts, Lesh announced he's received treatment at the Mayo Clinic and his prognosis is good.
Erika Goldring/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
In 2015, TV chef and author Sandra Lee <a href="http://www.people.com/article/sandra-lee-breast-cancer-surgery-complications-mastectomy-walked-into-operating-room" target="_blank" target="_blank">announced that she would have additional surgery</a> to deal with complications from breast cancer. She revealed her diagnosis in May, and her longtime boyfriend, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/12/politics/andrew-cuomo-sandra-lee-breast-cancer/index.html">announced that he would be taking some</a> personal time to support her through her double mastectomy.
In 2015, TV chef and author Sandra Lee announced that she would have additional surgery to deal with complications from breast cancer. She revealed her diagnosis in May, and her longtime boyfriend, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, announced that he would be taking some personal time to support her through her double mastectomy.
Thos Robinson/Getty Images/File
Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, 52, pulled out of the band's tour in June 2015 after his Hodgkin's lymphoma returned.
Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, 52, pulled out of the band's tour in June 2015 after his Hodgkin's lymphoma returned.
David Becker/Getty Images for Def Leppard
Tommy Chong of Cheech & Chong, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/tommy-chong-i-have-rectal-cancer-2015176#ixzz3dKSb6yKV" target="_blank" target="_blank">told Us magazine</a> that he was undergoing treatment for rectal cancer. As he did for the prostate cancer, he's using marijuana to take the edge off: "I'm using cannabis like crazy now, more so than ever before," he told the magazine.
Tommy Chong of Cheech & Chong, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, told Us magazine that he was undergoing treatment for rectal cancer. As he did for the prostate cancer, he's using marijuana to take the edge off: "I'm using cannabis like crazy now, more so than ever before," he told the magazine.
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Olivia Newton-John was first diagnosed in 1992, and the singer has become an advocate for breast self-examination. In 2018 she announced she was once again battling the disease.
Olivia Newton-John was first diagnosed in 1992, and the singer has become an advocate for breast self-examination. In 2018 she announced she was once again battling the disease.
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Actress Rita Wilson, who can be seen on HBO's "Girls," revealed in April 2015 that she was fighting breast cancer and has undergone a double mastectomy. She thanked her family, including husband Tom Hanks, and doctors for their support in a<a href="http://www.people.com/article/rita-wilson-breast-cancer-double-mastectomy-reconstruction" target="_blank" target="_blank"> statement to People magazine</a>.
Actress Rita Wilson, who can be seen on HBO's "Girls," revealed in April 2015 that she was fighting breast cancer and has undergone a double mastectomy. She thanked her family, including husband Tom Hanks, and doctors for their support in a statement to People magazine.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Fans of singer Morrissey knew the star had been ill after he canceled some U.S. tour stops, but it appears the performer hae been battling cancer. "They have scraped cancerous tissues four times already, but whatever," Morrissey <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/morrissey-hints-at-cancer-scare-if-i-die-then-i-die-20141007" target="_blank" target="_blank">said in an interview with Spanish-language outlet El Mundo</a> in 2014. "I am aware that in some of my recent photos I look somewhat unhealthy, but that's what illness can do. I'm not going to worry about that."
Fans of singer Morrissey knew the star had been ill after he canceled some U.S. tour stops, but it appears the performer hae been battling cancer. "They have scraped cancerous tissues four times already, but whatever," Morrissey said in an interview with Spanish-language outlet El Mundo in 2014. "I am aware that in some of my recent photos I look somewhat unhealthy, but that's what illness can do. I'm not going to worry about that."
Mike Pont/Getty Images
When former "Good Morning America" host Joan Lunden learned she was facing an "aggressive" form of breast cancer, she was determined to face her health battle head on. Knowing she would need chemotherapy, Lunden decided to remove her familiar blond hair before her locks could be affected by the treatment. "You know it's going to happen one of these days and you are wondering how or when," <a href="http://www.people.com/article/joan-lunden-bald-reveal-breast-cancer" target="_blank" target="_blank">Lunden explained to People magazine</a>, which she posed for without her wig in September. "So I just owned it."
When former "Good Morning America" host Joan Lunden learned she was facing an "aggressive" form of breast cancer, she was determined to face her health battle head on. Knowing she would need chemotherapy, Lunden decided to remove her familiar blond hair before her locks could be affected by the treatment. "You know it's going to happen one of these days and you are wondering how or when," Lunden explained to People magazine, which she posed for without her wig in September. "So I just owned it."
People magazine
Hugh Jackman posted a picture to Instagram in November showing his nose bandaged after his doctor found and removed a cancerous growth.
Celebrities and battles with cancer —
Hugh Jackman posted a picture to Instagram in November showing his nose bandaged after his doctor found and removed a cancerous growth.
thehughjackman/instagram
Former "Dancing With the Stars" co-host Samantha Harris <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20804710,00.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">was diagnosed with breast cancer</a> and underwent a double mastectomy. Harris told People magazine she detected a lump during a self-exam and then followed up with a specialist after receiving a clean mammogram.
Former "Dancing With the Stars" co-host Samantha Harris was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. Harris told People magazine she detected a lump during a self-exam and then followed up with a specialist after receiving a clean mammogram.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
Actress Brittany Daniel of "Sweet Valley High" and "The Game" fought stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Daniel recalls in an issue of <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20798283,00.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">People magazine</a> that her 2011 diagnosis "happened so suddenly," but she was able to face it with the support of her family.
Actress Brittany Daniel of "Sweet Valley High" and "The Game" fought stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Daniel recalls in an issue of People magazine that her 2011 diagnosis "happened so suddenly," but she was able to face it with the support of her family.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images/File
Famed journalist Tom Brokaw <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/11/showbiz/tom-brokaw-cancer/index.html" target="_blank">revealed in February 2014 that he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma</a>, a cancer that affects blood cells in the bone marrow.
Famed journalist Tom Brokaw revealed in February 2014 that he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects blood cells in the bone marrow.
Ben Gabbe/Getty Images
ABC's Amy Robach found out she had breast cancer in November 2013 after she had a mammogram done live on "Good Morning America" for cancer awareness month.
ABC's Amy Robach found out she had breast cancer in November 2013 after she had a mammogram done live on "Good Morning America" for cancer awareness month.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Radio personality Robin Quivers quietly battled cancer for months, but she had happy news to share with "Howard Stern" listeners in September 2013. On the show, Quivers revealed that her doctors believe she's cancer-free after receiving treatment, including chemotherapy.
Radio personality Robin Quivers quietly battled cancer for months, but she had happy news to share with "Howard Stern" listeners in September 2013. On the show, Quivers revealed that her doctors believe she's cancer-free after receiving treatment, including chemotherapy.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images/File
Singer Melissa Etheridge became <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/16/ac360.etheridge/index.html">an advocate for the use of medical marijuana</a> after her 2004 breast cancer diagnosis.
Singer Melissa Etheridge became an advocate for the use of medical marijuana after her 2004 breast cancer diagnosis.
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Michael Douglas offered <a href="http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/03/did-oral-sex-bring-about-michael-douglas-cancer-diagnosis-not-exactly/">some interesting insight</a> as to how he may have developed the throat cancer that he was diagnosed with in August 2010. Douglas later told the "Today" show that his tumor was gone.
Michael Douglas offered some interesting insight as to how he may have developed the throat cancer that he was diagnosed with in August 2010. Douglas later told the "Today" show that his tumor was gone.
Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images For IMG
Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly was <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1659872-buffalo-bills-legend-jim-kelly-to-undergo-surgery-for-cancer-in-jaw" target="_blank" target="_blank">diagnosed with cancer of the upper jaw bone</a>. "Doctors have told me that the prognosis for my recovery is very good," <a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/A-statement-from-Jim-Kelly/931d9214-0f2b-435d-a068-28c07a98ade7?campaign=tw_buf_article" target="_blank" target="_blank">Kelly said in a statement from his former club</a>. Indeed, in August, <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24719421/as-seen-on-the-nfl-today-jim-kelly-and-his-battle-with-cancer" target="_blank" target="_blank">Kelly was told</a> that he was cancer-free.
Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly was diagnosed with cancer of the upper jaw bone. "Doctors have told me that the prognosis for my recovery is very good," Kelly said in a statement from his former club. Indeed, in August, Kelly was told that he was cancer-free.
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Actress Christina Applegate had a bilateral mastectomy in 2008. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/10/14/o.christina.applegate.double.mastectomy/" target="_blank">Doctors had diagnosed her</a> with cancer in her left breast and offered her the options of either radiation treatment and testing for the rest of her life or removal of both breasts.
Actress Christina Applegate had a bilateral mastectomy in 2008. Doctors had diagnosed her with cancer in her left breast and offered her the options of either radiation treatment and testing for the rest of her life or removal of both breasts.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
In 2006, singer Sheryl Crow underwent minimally invasive surgery for breast cancer. In 2012, she <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/05/showbiz/sheryl-crow-brain-tumor/index.html" target="_blank">revealed she had a noncancerous brain tumor.</a>
In 2006, singer Sheryl Crow underwent minimally invasive surgery for breast cancer. In 2012, she revealed she had a noncancerous brain tumor.
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KISS band member Peter Criss <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/15/male.breast.cancer/index.html">sat down with CNN's Elizabeth Cohen</a> in 2009, a year after his battle with breast cancer. The musician said he wanted to increase awareness of the fact that men can also get the disease.
KISS band member Peter Criss sat down with CNN's Elizabeth Cohen in 2009, a year after his battle with breast cancer. The musician said he wanted to increase awareness of the fact that men can also get the disease.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
Cynthia Nixon not only <a href="http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/25/cynthia-nixon-joins-the-big-c" target="_blank">joined the cast of Showtime's "The Big C,"</a> about a woman battling the disease, and portrayed a woman with cancer in the Broadway play "Wit" -- Nixon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.
Cynthia Nixon not only joined the cast of Showtime's "The Big C," about a woman battling the disease, and portrayed a woman with cancer in the Broadway play "Wit" -- Nixon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.
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Zoraida Sambolin was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2013, and she chose to have a double mastectomy. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/14/health/sambolin-double-mastectomy/index.html?iref=allsearch" target="_blank">Sambolin said</a> that Angelina Jolie's New York Times opinion piece about undergoing the procedure gave her courage to share her story.
Zoraida Sambolin was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2013, and she chose to have a double mastectomy. Sambolin said that Angelina Jolie's New York Times opinion piece about undergoing the procedure gave her courage to share her story.
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