Real-life drama has interrupted plans for a fictional return.
On the heels of her planned Days of Our Lives comeback, Kassie DePaiva has revealed that she’s been diagnosed with cancer.
The actress, who debuted on the NBC soap opera way back in 1975; left last fall; but was scheduled to return later this summer, updated her fans with this unfortunate news on Thursday afternoon.
“I was asked back to play Eve on ‘Days’ and had begun my exciting return,” DePaiva wrote, explaining what transpired next:
“During the 3 week July hiatus I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and have spent 6 of the last 9 weeks in the hospital.”
A soap opera veteran, DePaiva has also made appearances on General Hospital and One Life to Live.
She continued in her blog entry as follows:
“I will continue treatment over the next 3 months.
“My prognosis is good, I will not likely need a stem cell/bone marrow transplant, and we expect a complete cure. I consider this just a bump in the road.
“I have amazing prayer warriors, family, and friends that have been extremely supportive and life affirming throughout this.”
Adult acute myeloid leukemia very common. It is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloblasts (a type of white blood cell), red blood cells or platelets.
DePaiva said this diagnosis would have remained private, were it not known that her character of Eve was due back on Days of Our Lives.
It is now unclear what will happen to a storyline where (SPOILER ALERT!) Even was set to return for Theresa and Brady’s wedding… only to be abducted by Orpheus.
“This has been a private matter but with Eve’s return coming soon I felt it was time to let my loving fans know what’s been going on,” she wrote.
“The ‘Days’ and ‘OLTL’ family love runs deep. Although I’m unable to be ‘camera ready’ now… my goal is get back to stirring up trouble in Salem soon.
“Keep me in you thoughts and prayers.”
Of course, Kassie.
We have no doubt that you’ll soon be included in the list of celebrities below.
DePavia has been nominated twice for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series by the Daytime Emmy Awards.
She’s among the most popular stars of daytime television.
And this is how she concluded her latest post:
There is a tremendous need to find exact matches for stem cell/ bone marrow. If you would like to make a difference in someone’s survival please go to BeTheMatch.org and find out how you can be a donor.
If you would like to donate blood or platelets which Leukemia patients need a lot of, please contact your local blood bank or American Red Cross.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kassie DePaiva.