Christina Applegate Reveals How She Would like to Spend the Time She Has Left amid MS Battle

Christina Applegate, the beloved actress and comedic icon, has shared her plans as she bravely battles multiple sclerosis (MS). Eager to relish more memorable moments, she expressed her desire to spend time with some inspiring figures.

“There are things I want to do with the days I have left in life. I want to work with Shirley MacLaine And do shots with [C]her! And yes my days are so big. Just saying,” Applegate declared on X, formerly Twitter.

Shirley MacLaine, an award-winning actress, is best known for her role in the 1989 film “Steel Magnolias.” Cher is a music icon who gained fame with hits such as her 1998 song “Believe.”

Supportive comments poured in for Applegate, surrounding her with encouragement and admiration after she shared her wish to collaborate with two icons. “I wish you to fulfill the dreams you still have. You are the Best!” commented one Twitter user, deeply moved by her plans.

Another fan, clearly captivated by the actress’s spirit and vision, chimed, “You’re just a beautiful woman inside and out. I hope you get to do everything you ever wanted and more. Best to you!”

Another supporter urged, “I love this! Go after it girl [sic]!” In another concise yet profound message, an admirer summed up the collective hope of Applegate’s fellow supporters: “I want you to do everything your heart desires.” The actress’s transparency about her condition has resonated deeply with many.

In a March 2024 interview with “Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts, Applegate discussed her MS diagnosis alongside “The Sopranos” actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who was diagnosed with the same condition in 2001.

Applegate publicly revealed her diagnosis in 2021 after experiencing symptoms while filming the final season of her hit Netflix show, “Dead to Me.”

“My symptoms had started in the early part of 2021, and it was, like, literally just tingling on my toes. And by the time we started shooting in the summer of that same year, I was being brought to set in a wheelchair. Like, I couldn’t walk that far,” Applegate told Roberts.

Recognizing the seriousness of her condition, Applegate credited “Legally Blonde” star Selma Blair, diagnosed with MS in 2018, for urging her to get tested. She recalled how Blair insisted she get tested for MS, even though Applegate initially dismissed it.

Blair’s intuition proved crucial. “She knew. If not for her, it could have been way worse, Applegate,” said. Reflecting on her journey, Applegate believes she may have had MS for as long as seven years before her diagnosis.

During the first season of “Dead to Me,” Applegate experienced episodes on set where her legs would give out. She initially dismissed these symptoms as fatigue, dehydration, or weather-related issues, often going months without much attention.

As her condition worsened, living with MS profoundly impacted Applegate’s life. She described it as a “kind of hell” and noted the disease as “invisible,” leading her to isolate herself at home. “It can be very lonely because it’s hard to explain to people,” Applegate shared, adding that she has become used to its “excruciating pain.”

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease with no known cause or cure, and its symptoms can vary widely, including fatigue, numbness, weakness, dizziness, and severe pain. Applegate expressed frustration over how the condition affects her life, especially as a parent.

She shared that the disease prevents her from fully engaging in activities she loves, such as running, dancing, and being a mom to her 13-year-old daughter, Sadie Grace LeNoble.

“She keeps me going because … I’m flipping the bird all day long at this thing and I’m angry. I’m really, really pissed,” Applegate said of LeNoble. Despite the challenges, Applegate finds strength in her friendship with Sigler.

Their bond has inspired them to launch a new podcast titled “MeSsy,” which debuted on March 19. This platform allows them to share their experiences and support others facing similar battles.

Applegate has also opened up about her drastic weight loss, shedding light on the severe health challenges she’s facing rather than a dieting success story. She shared that her weight loss journey is a direct result of her battle with MS, which she described as “devastating.”

Applegate recently recounted her numerous hospitalizations due to the mysterious and intense pain accompanied by vomiting. “They don’t know what’s wrong, but we’re pretty sure my stomach and my intestines are not very good friends. It causes me intense pain and vomiting,” she disclosed.

She added, “I gained 45 lbs. when I was diagnosed, from steroids and lack of mobility. It’s just a body that doesn’t feel right. And I’ve lost 30-something. People are like, ‘What have you been doing?’ And I’m like, ‘Vomiting.’ Not Ozempic. Barfing.”

Addressing her coping mechanisms in the face of MS, Applegate shared which time of day is hardest for her. “My symptoms are worse in the morning, like crazy-town bad. The pain and the numbness and the balance,” she shared.

Applegate remains hopeful that she will have a long and happy life where she can experience the milestones in her daughter’s life. She feels a strong need to be there for these moments and is determined to fight the disease and improve her health.

Despite the challenges, Applegate has maintained a good-humored approach to her diagnosis. She humorously addressed her condition during an award presentation at the Emmys, earning a standing ovation and quipping about the audience’s gesture, given her difficulty standing.

While Applegate continues her battle with MS, her daughter, Sadie Grace LeNoble, has shared how she feels about her condition in a previous “MeSsy” podcast. Facing her own health challenges, LeNoble deeply relates to her mother’s struggles.

She reminisces about their earlier, more active days together and expresses the difficulty of seeing her mom lose the abilities she once had. Despite these changes, LeNoble finds reward in supporting her mom, sharing moments like attending concerts together, even if it means pushing her wheelchair.

LeNoble understands and empathizes deeply, given her own experiences with misophonia and POTS, which give her a unique perspective on her mother’s pain and tremors. Their mutual understanding and support highlight the strength of their relationship amid the challenges of MS.