Desperate Housewives star Kathryn Joosten is battling lung cancer for the second time in less than 10 years.

Kathryn was first diagnosis with cancer in 2001, but quickly recovered, thanks to surgery and early detection. On Monday, the 69-year-old actress, who plays busy body neighbour Mrs McCluskey on the ABC dramedy, told PEOPLE that the disease has returned.

“I’ve got a little hang-up here but we’re going to handle it and move forward. I’m doing great,” she said. “I felt like the legs had been pushed out from under me. I completely did not expect it, and was devastated. I was crying for nearly five days straight.”

Kathyrn broke the news to her Housewives co-stars today, and notes that show producers are being “totally supportive” with arranging her filming schedule around treatment.

The star — once a heavy smoker — hopes to use her celebrity to “erase some of the stigma of lung cancer.”

Here’s to a speedy recovery, Kathyrn.