Veteran actress Charlotte Rae has been diagnosed with bone cancer. The  former ‘Facts of Life’ star turned 91 on Saturday.

“Last Monday, I found out I have bone cancer,” the actress revealed to PEOPLE. “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 explains. “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.”

Rae was supposed to start treatment on Thursday, but decided to cancel. She has since decided to go through with it.