'Different Strokes' and 'Facts of Life’ star Charlotte Rae diagnosed with bone cancer

The woman who played Edna Garrett on the popular '80s TV sitcoms The Facts of Life and Different Strokes has been diagnosed with bone cancer.

Charlotte Rae, who is now 91 years old, shared the news about her grim diagnosis with People.

“Last Monday, I found out I have bone cancer,” the actress revealed. “About seven years ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer — which is a miracle that they found it because usually it’s too late. My mother, sister and my uncle died of pancreatic cancer. After six months of chemotherapy, I was cancer-free. I lost my hair, but I had beautiful wigs. Nobody even knew.

“So now, at the age of 91, I have to make up my mind. I’m not in any pain right now. I’m feeling so terrific and so glad to be above ground,” she explained. “Now I have to figure out whether I want to go have treatment again to opt for life. I love life. I’ve had a wonderful one already. I have this decision to make.”

In 2015, Rae released a memoir titled The Facts of Life named after the show in which she played the beloved matriarch figure and told Fox News then about her past struggles. "Alcohol became my drug of choice so I could get sleep at night. It was difficult. I was doing Sesame Street [1971-1972] as Molly the Mail Lady and I had to get to sleep so I could get up for the kids and do the TV show Monday-Friday."

And what about her extremely difficult decision about whether or not to undergone treatment for bone cancer? Well, she did cancel her appointment scheduled for last Thursday, however, Rae now thinks that she is going to have it.

“I wanted to think about it first,” she said. “I think I’m going to go for it. The side effects were not too bad when I did it originally. I’ve had a great life, but I have so many wonderful things happening. I’d like to chose life. I’m grateful for the life I’ve already had.”