Izzie Stevens’ cancer storyline begins in Season 5, Episode 14 (“Beat a Dead Horse”) of Grey’s Anatomy, and continues through the remaining episodes of that season. It’s a pivotal arc that dramatically alters the course of her character and impacts the relationships she has with the other doctors at Seattle Grace Hospital.
The Shocking Diagnosis and Its Initial Impact
The gradual unveiling of Izzie’s cancer is one of the more emotionally devastating storylines in Grey’s Anatomy history. It starts subtly, with Izzie experiencing hallucinations of her deceased fiancé, Denny Duquette. Initially, these visions are dismissed as grief and stress. However, as they become more frequent and vivid, and accompanied by other symptoms, the medical team starts to suspect something more serious is at play.
The realization that Denny isn’t a ghost, but a symptom, is a turning point. Izzie eventually discovers a malignant melanoma that has metastasized to her brain, explaining the hallucinations. This discovery throws her life, and the lives of those around her, into turmoil.
Treatment, Relationships, and the Fight for Survival
Izzie’s diagnosis forces her to confront her mortality and make difficult decisions about her future. The subsequent episodes follow her through rounds of chemotherapy and surgery. Her relationship with Alex Karev deepens as he becomes her primary caregiver and source of emotional support. His unwavering loyalty and dedication become a crucial anchor for Izzie throughout her treatment.
However, the strain of her illness and the uncertainties surrounding her recovery place a significant burden on their relationship. Izzie’s medical journey also impacts her friendships with Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, George O’Malley, and other members of the Seattle Grace family, as they grapple with the reality of potentially losing one of their own.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Izzie’s Cancer Storyline
FAQ 1: What specific type of cancer did Izzie Stevens have?
Izzie Stevens was diagnosed with metastatic malignant melanoma. This means the melanoma, which originated on her skin, had spread to other parts of her body, specifically her brain. The brain tumors were responsible for her hallucinations.
FAQ 2: How did Izzie find out she had cancer?
Izzie initially dismissed her hallucinations as stress. However, as they intensified and she began experiencing other symptoms, she consulted with her colleagues. Eventually, Dr. Derek Shepherd, the head of neurosurgery, performed a brain scan that revealed the presence of tumors.
FAQ 3: Did Izzie undergo surgery for her cancer?
Yes, Izzie underwent surgery to remove the tumors from her brain. Dr. Shepherd successfully removed the majority of the tumors. However, the extent of the metastasis meant that she also required chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
FAQ 4: What role did Alex Karev play during Izzie’s cancer battle?
Alex Karev was Izzie’s primary caregiver and biggest supporter throughout her treatment. He was instrumental in encouraging her to seek medical attention, attending her appointments, and providing her with emotional comfort. His dedication to Izzie significantly solidified their relationship.
FAQ 5: How did Izzie’s cancer affect her relationship with Alex?
Izzie’s cancer deepened their relationship, forcing them to confront difficult emotions and rely on each other in unprecedented ways. However, the strain of her illness also created challenges and uncertainties, testing the strength of their bond. The fear of losing Izzie and the constant pressure of caregiving took a toll on Alex.
FAQ 6: Did Izzie’s cancer storyline have a positive or negative outcome?
The outcome of Izzie’s cancer storyline is somewhat ambiguous. While she initially responded well to treatment and appeared to be in remission, her subsequent departure from Seattle Grace and the circumstances surrounding it left her long-term prognosis unclear for a considerable amount of time. The nature of cancer is such that remission isn’t necessarily a cure.
FAQ 7: Why did Katherine Heigl (Izzie Stevens) leave Grey’s Anatomy?
Katherine Heigl’s departure from Grey’s Anatomy was attributed to various factors, including family reasons, career aspirations, and reported disagreements with the show’s producers. The circumstances surrounding her exit were complex and subject to much speculation.
FAQ 8: How was Izzie Stevens written off the show?
Izzie was written off the show in Season 6. After recovering from cancer, she made a medical error that led to a patient’s death. She was subsequently fired from Seattle Grace. Upset and humiliated, she leaves Alex and Seattle. It was later revealed that she sent divorce papers to Alex and left him everything.
FAQ 9: Did Izzie Stevens ever return to Grey’s Anatomy?
Yes, Izzie Stevens returned to Grey’s Anatomy in Season 16, Episode 16 (“Leave a Light On”). It was revealed that she had secretly been living in Kansas and raising her and Alex’s twin children, conceived using frozen embryos she and Alex had created years earlier.
FAQ 10: What happened to Izzie and Alex in the end?
Ultimately, Alex left Jo Wilson to be with Izzie and their children. This created significant controversy among fans as his character had seemingly built a solid future with Jo. He sent letters to Meredith, Jo, Bailey and Richard explaining his decision. He stated, simply, that he needed to be with Izzie and his children.
FAQ 11: How realistic was Izzie’s cancer storyline portrayed in Grey’s Anatomy?
While Grey’s Anatomy is a fictional medical drama, it often strives for a degree of realism in its medical storylines. Izzie’s cancer journey depicted the emotional and physical challenges faced by cancer patients, the impact on their relationships, and the complexities of treatment. The producers consulted with medical professionals and cancer survivors to ensure the accuracy of the depiction. That said, it is still a fictional narrative, and some dramatic liberties are taken for the sake of storytelling.
FAQ 12: What is the overall message of Izzie’s cancer arc in Grey’s Anatomy?
Izzie’s cancer arc highlights the fragility of life, the importance of human connection, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. It emphasizes the profound impact that illness can have on individuals and their loved ones, while also showcasing the capacity for love, support, and hope even in the darkest of times. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and the ongoing battle against cancer. It demonstrated how cancer can affect all aspects of life and the importance of supporting those who are going through it.