One of the original inspirations to Netflix’s hit show GLOW, enthusiastic wrestler Beckie Mullen, passed away after battling stage 4 colon and kidney cancer. In her honor, former teammates and GLOW cast members are sounding off on her legacy and the impact she made in the wrestling world.
Mullen passed away from stage 4 kidney and colon cancer on July 27 at the age of 55, according to a tweet posted by former GLOW teammate Angelina Altishin (stage name Little Egypt). According to Mullen’s daughter, the former wrestler was diagnosed with cancer in October. Mullen was one of the original stars of the 1986 show “Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling” syndicated female wrestling show, where she played Sally the Farmer's Daughter. The 80’s cast inspired the 2017 Netflix dramedy GLOW, which has aired for three seasons to rave reviews.
Read MoreWe lost one of our #GLOW #GorgeousLadiesofWrestling sisters yesterday. My heart goes out to the family, friends and fans of #BeckieMullin #SallytheFarmersDaughter
You will be missed sweet girl? @GlowNetflix pic.twitter.com/C4xxcq7pms— Little Egypt ®™ (@LittleEgypt) July 28, 2020
“We lost a Fan Favorite and in my opinion one of the Best Wrestlers in Glow,” Summerland wrote on the Facebook page. “She was battling demons and one Big Demon Was Cancer she passed away Monday evening of colon cancer. Her Dear Mother is left with Extreme heartache and now cremation fees during this pandemic so if you all would like to donate please do and share. Fly High Sally.”
Colon Cancer: An Overview
In order to receive effective treatment, it’s important to catch cancer early. In order to do this, knowing what symptoms to look for and bring up to your doctor can be a critical way in learning about a diagnosis before it reaches later stages. In colon cancer, the most common symptom pointing to the disease is a sudden change in bowel movements. This can include changes such as diarrhea, constipation, changes in the size and shape of bowel movements, or changes in color to a person’s feces. Additionally, a person may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain or unintentional weight loss.
In many cases, treatment options for a cancer diagnosis can depend on the stage of the disease. In the case of early-stage colon cancer, the survival rate is promising for many patients. However, like many types of cancers, treatment options become more limited the later the disease is diagnosed.
Dr. Heather Yeo explains why it’s important colon cancer patients know their treatment options
For those battling stage 4 colon cancer, also known as metastatic colon cancer, there are still treatment options available. Most commonly, patients will undergo chemotherapy, either alone or in combination with surgery, as a way to fight off tumors where the disease has spread. However, surgery cannot always eliminate the tumors completely, and in that case, doctors will monitor the patient and manage the disease to make sure the tumors don’t continue to spread. Your physician will factor in your age, how well you might tolerate side effects of chemotherapy, specific genetics of the tumor, and where the primary tumor is located in order to decide which chemotherapy regime will be the most effective.
Related: Colon Cancer Survivor Alison Solomon Says "5 Seconds Is All It Takes To Change Your Life"
Dr. Paul Oberstein explains treatment options for stage 4 colon cancer
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
