Valerie Harper Terminal Brain Cancer: 'Mary Tyler Moore Show' Starlet Only has 3 Months to Live, 'It's Not Dying, It's Living in the Now'

Television icon Valerie Harper revealed in an exclusive People magazine interview the sad and unfortunate news that she was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. The beloved "Mary Tyler Moore Show" starlet confirms that on January 15, it was discovered that she has leptomeningeal carcinomatosis - a rare condition that occurs when cancer cells spread into the fluid-filled membrane surrounding the brain. Doctors believe that the 73-year-old "Rhoda" actress only has approximately three more months to live. According to Harper, "I don't think of dying... I think of being here now."

According to People, the former Broadway dancer was out promoting her new memoir "I, Rhoda" when she suddenly fell ill in January - "The side of my face started to feel kind of numb. I was slurring my speech," Harper remembers. She was thrilled when doctors told her it wasn't a stroke - but then they delivered the even more horrible news. Upon hearing that she was diagnosed with the incurable disease, Harper tells People, "I was stunned... And in the next minute I thought, 'This could draw more attention to cancer research.' I think there's an opportunity to help people."

For now, Harper has decided to live life out to the fullest - even with terminal brain cancer. "I'm of the thinking that we're all terminal; no one is getting out of this alive," Harper told Yahoo! Health last month. "So you shouldn't start sitting Shiva before it's time. Live the best life you can. Be as healthy as possible."

Harper (a non-smoker) was diagnosed with lung cancer back in March 2009. As a strong and powerful cancer survivor, the television legend (who has made appearances in hit shows including "Melrose Place," "That '70s Show," "The Office," "Sex and the City," "Desperate Housewives" and "Drop Dead Diva") is committed to staying positive optimistic.

For People's full exclusive interview with Harper, be sure to pick up a copy of the new cover issue when it hits newsstands on Friday, March 8.