Valerie Harper Beating ‘Terminal’ Cancer, Doctor Says (Video)

Doctor tells "Today" that actress' cancer is almost in remission

Actresss Valerie Harper's cancer is "pretty close to remission," months after she was given a terminal diagnosis, her doctor told "Today" on Thursday.

In an interview with Meredith Vieira, neuro-oncologist Jeremy Rudnick said the 74-year-old "Rhoda" actress has made dramatic progress in her fight with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a cancer that strikes the membranes around the brain.

Harper called her new diagnosis "amazing."

Rudnick cautioned, however, that Harper's condition could worsen because cancer develops "resistance to the therapy."

"And it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when," he said.

"So is it about buying time in the hope that something better comes–" asked Vieira.

"Life is about buying time," Rudnick answered.

"Exactly. That’s what I always say," added Harper.

The actress announced nearly six months ago that she might have as litle as three months to live.

Also read: Valerie Harper Joins 'Dancing With the Stars' (Report)

This week,TMZ reported that she has signed on to the upcoming season of "Dancing With the Stars." In July, she joined the television film "The Town That Came A-Courtin," which will air on the cable network UP in January.

Watch the interview:

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