Kathy Bates, the Oscar-winning actress known for powerhouse performances in Misery and Titanic, has faced battles far beyond the screen—quietly fighting and surviving both ovarian and breast cancer.

In a candid episode of the MeSsy with Christina Applegate & Jamie-Lynn Sigler podcast, Bates shared a deeply personal decision: she chose not to undergo breast reconstruction surgery after her 2012 breast cancer diagnosis.

“I don’t miss them,” she said with characteristic honesty. “They were like 10 pounds!”

Her choice reflects not only her physical recovery but also her mental liberation from societal expectations about femininity and body image. Bates emphasized that living authentically and comfortably in her own skin mattered more than meeting traditional ideals.

By speaking out, Kathy Bates continues to inspire countless others—not just as an actress, but as a fierce, unapologetic survivor who’s rewriting what strength looks like after cancer.