Last year, American actress Selma Blair revealed she had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - a chronic illness affecting the central nervous system. Per the Independent, the mother-of-one received her diagnosis back in August of 2018, after seeing a doctor for what she believed was a pinched nerve.
Back in October of last year, the actress shared an Instagram post from a dressing room, to not only revealing her diagnosis to her followers, but also express her gratitude to costume designer Allisa Swanson.
She wrote in the post's caption: "I have #multiplesclerosis. I am in an exacerbation. [...] I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken GPS. But we are doing it. And I laugh and I don’t know exactly what I will do precisely but I will do my best."
Since then, Blair has been incredibly open and honest about her illness and struggles, most notably in an interview with ABC News' Nightline.
In the clip below, Blair reveals how doctors did not take her pain seriously for years:Now, the 47-year-old inspirational actress has shared a defiant semi-nude image of herself as she celebrates the end of her chemotherapy treatment for her MS.
Captioning the image: "Portrait of a lady. @thombrowneny in #calfornia. Shot by @creativerehabnyc #subversive universe #barbie", the proud star wore only a jacket as she held a crab bag in front of her privates. Blair elegantly poses in the mirror, holding her bald head, and flashing her bum to the camera.
And despite the shot getting heaps of overwhelming praise and support - including a heartwarming comment from former Cruel Intentions co-star Sarah Michelle Geller, who wrote: "You know they have medicine for that" - Blair's post wasn't without its critics.
Instagram user dawncadyoverton commented on the pic: "I don’t get it but that’s just me. It’s a tough disease but never lose your dignity, Selma. I get the shock factor though."
Amazingly, Blair responded to the comment, saying: "I think it’s a vulnerable, humorous, odd and interesting fashion shot. I like it."
And when user iowagyrl58 commented: "Sorry unfollowing", Blair was quick to retort in the comments section with: "Is it something I said ??"
However, amongst all the kind and critical comments, one fan pointed out that Blair was only commenting on the negative reactions. Instagram user loobelle1 typed: "You respond to the strangest comments, but not the heartfelt ones."
But Blair replied, assuring her fans that their support was much appreciated, saying: "You are right. That is odd. I appreciate the heartfelt ones so much. ❤️❤️"
Per the Metro, the Legally Blonde star began physiotherapy last week, saying it was the beginning of her "journey to healing" and the "long road to getting where I want to be".
Last month, Blair thanked her supporters for their continued love in a lengthy Instagram post. She said:
"It is darkest before the dawn, I have always heard. And I keep it in mind. And I still get overwhelmed in the chaos of the dark. And I am so deeply moved at how many people called or wrote or left comments after my last post.
"The old me was ashamed. Ashamed to be so transparent with vulnerability or fear. And I wanted to delete the image. The heart bruised words. But you all changed that with your words of support. I was humbled. I couldn’t even read til now. Thank you. Thank you.
"I failed as a mom a million times yesterday. And Arthur was fine. The world didn’t stop. I was exhausted and just wanted to let us transition into each other’s space and there was an empty fridge and a lagging AC and I don’t know where anything is and it smells weird and he noticed my big belly but likes my bald head and I smell dog pee with my chemo senses and and and. Breathe. I cried. He laughed.
"He played a fishing video for me. We slept and woke and he took this. He is golden. Alive. Happy. Thank you universe.
"I will get there. Have patience. Thank you. All of us. Be gentle. With ourselves and others. It is a wonderful feeling. Thank you to everyone here and in my life who did that for me the last few days. I can do this now."
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