Seven years after undergoing a double mastectomy due to breast cancer, Sandra Lee went back under the knife this week for a complete hysterectomy.
The TV chef first shared she was preparing for the operation on her Instagram account on Tuesday shortly before she was scheduled to go in to the hospital. Alongside a smiling selfie, Lee wrote, “Soooooo this is happening! Several years ago I was supposed to have quite an intense surgery. It was a follow up to my breast cancer surgery, but I had repeatedly put it off and then COVID hit. Fast forward to now, during a routine appointment with my gynecologist, she noticed a change in some of my cells. I went for a second and third opinion and they all confirmed the same.” She then explained that following these appointments she remembered a conversation she’d had with a friend years ago about considering a complete hysterectomy, “But after all of the issues I had experienced with my breast cancer surgery, the last thing I wanted to do was have another major operation—so I didn’t!”
She continued, “Over the last few years I have watched and admired the grace of other women who went public with their own health decision while I sat on the sidelines in awe and with a bit of fear. Brave women, like my friend’s mother who sadly had lost her battle with breast cancer after it had spread to her ovaries. I admit, I am a little embarrassed that I hadn’t had the courage to get this final stage done until now. So while you’re reading this post I am undergoing hysterectomy surgery. A surgery that so many brave women before me have had to do. It’ll be an everything out procedure and after that, there won’t be any more halo of worry hanging over my head. My sweet [boyfriend] Ben [Youcef] is with me and will be taking a little time off work to stay home. I’m so grateful for his and everyone’s support, my friends and family have been incredible.”
“I am filled with all sorts of emotions. I am scared but also happy to be getting this done- strength and courage! We must always remember to have strength and courage,” Lee concluded, adding that she hopes her post will “encourage anyone who needs to get a concerning procedure done to take the opportunity now so you can live as happy and healthy as possible. We must all live our best lives every day and in every way. With that I send you all the love in the world, your well wishes and prayers are appreciated more than you know.” A representative confirmed to People that Lee’s “surgery was a success and she’s resting comfortably” following the procedure.
This operation comes seven years after Lee underwent a double mastectomy in May 2015 following her diagnosis with breast cancer in March of that year. That mastectomy caused an infection which delayed her reconstructive surgery until 2020 and sent her back to the hospital in August 2015. In a Facebook post at the time, Lee wrote, “I did my very best to avoid this (when I tell you I did everything, I mean everything – modern, Eastern and holistic) but infection is an incredible monster. I am a long way from where I was and a long way from where I need to be, but at this point I understand that right now I just need to complete this unexpected phase of a tough journey.”
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