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Sandra Lee is undergoing a hysterectomy surgery — nearly seven years after being diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.
The lifestyle guru, 55, was due to have the operation in Los Angeles on Tuesday, with her fiancé, Ben Youcef, by her side at the hospital, Page Six is told.
Sources told us that Lee was given the strength to move forward with the surgery after reading about Amy Schumer and Angelina Jolie, both of whom have been open about their own medical issues.
In a post shared to Instagram on Tuesday, Lee revealed she was meant to have the “intense surgery” following her mastectomy a few years ago, but it was postponed due to COVID-19.
“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,” Lee said.
Lee admitted she was scared to undergo the surgery after suffering an infection following her double mastectomy.
“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,” she shared.
“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.”
Lee continued on, telling fans, “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,” she added. “My sweet Ben 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.”
Lee concluded her post by saying she was 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. Hopefully this 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,” she continued.
“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.”
Lee — often known as the “First Girlfriend” — moved to Malibu after her split from former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2019.
Cuomo was with her when she underwent a “grueling” double mastectomy in May 2015 after being told by her doctors that she was a “ticking time bomb.”
Since then, Lee has been open about embarking on a series of surgeries to reconstruct her breasts, which was put on hold when she developed an infection from her double mastectomy.
In August 2015, she revealed how she was rushed to the hospital with a terrible infection, saying: “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.”
Lee began her reconstructive surgery in 2016, telling People at the time that it was a difficult process.
“It’s a really intense thing, having that operation,” she said. “Being put out, it’s lights out. You go, ‘Oh God, please sweet Lord, take care of me while I’m here.’”
She’s been a strong proponent of women getting checked out regularly ever since, telling the outlet in 2018: “Early diagnosis just gives you the opportunity to be the most aggressive that you can be … it’s the best treatment.”
Lee even made a 2018 documentary for HBO called “RX: Early Detection, A Cancer Journey with Sandra Lee.”
As Page Six first revealed, Lee has been dating Youcef, an Algerian actor and producer, since 2021.
She professed her love for him on Valentine’s Day, sharing that she “never” thought she would find love again after her breakup with Cuomo.
“So this happened! Ben happened! Love happened! Happiness happened!” the TV chef wrote in a gushy Instagram post. “I was certain it never would again. I was shocked when it did.”
She added, “I swore I would never fall again, trust again, love again or open myself up again…On our one year anniversary I shall share the story of how we met but until then, my wish for you is that no matter where you are, how old you are or what has happened, you can welcome hope back into your life again.”
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