Moments after Sandra Lee did a photo shoot for People magazine’s Most Beautiful issue in March, she received the scariest news of her life: Her doctor called her to tell her she had breast cancer.
"I didn't even cry. I was stunned,” the 48-year-old said in an interview with Good Morning America. “You know, and that's just how fast life turns. It turns on a dime."
Lee, a renowned chef and star of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee, said she underwent a lumpectomy. Doctors then suggested she also have a mastectomy on both her breasts.
Her longtime partner, Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo, released a statement emphasizing his devoted support:
"A situation like this quickly puts life in the proper perspective and reminds one of what’s truly important," he said. “To that end, I expect to take some personal time because I want to be with Sandy to support her in any way I can as she handles the trauma of her operation and the pain of the recovery.”
As Lee waits for her next surgery, she said she’s speaking out to encourage other women to get screened even before the suggested age. The American Cancer Society recommends women begin as early as 40, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says to wait till 50.
“If it saves one person, and makes one more person go get a mammogram, and if they're sitting at home right now watching this, don't watch this TV,” Lee said. “Go pick your phone up, and call your doctor, and get your rear end in there and get a mammogram right now.”
Please SHARE her message with all the women you know!
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