Sandra Lee’s recovery will be difficult, however the TV chef’s condition is stable after she underwent a five-hour double mastectomy.
Just a week after announcing the shocking news that she has breast cancer, Lee made the difficult decision to have both of her breasts removed.
As the Inquisitr previously reported , she made the announcement last Tuesday while speaking to Good Morning America host Robin Roberts.
“I wanted you to know about the difficult news I recently received — I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I first shared this news publicly with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America today — because her own journey through this tough diagnosis was something that inspired me enormously — though I never dreamed I would be walking in her shoes. I am in good health. I have no family history.”
A new update: Sandra is out of surgery! She’s currently in recovery with @NYGovCuomo . She’s groggy… but grateful. pic.twitter.com/7L8hGsjj2v
— Sandra Lee (@SandraLee) May 19, 2015
Lee was diagnosed with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) in March and explained that she had no warning signs – no lumps, sickness, or tiredness. Her routine mammogram was the only thing that signaled that something was wrong.
“I didn’t even cry, I was stunned. You know, and that’s just how fast life turns. It turns on a dime.”
According to the New York Daily News , Sandra’s longtime boyfriend, New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo, accompanied her to the procedure, along with her sister, and never left her side.
“The governor joined her dressed in scrubs — with a neat tie underneath. When the medical staff rolled a gurney into wheel Sandra to the O.R., she said she’d rather walk. And so she did, with the governor by her side down the long hospital corridors. Once (she) was in the O.R. … Cuomo stayed by her side until she fell asleep, and the surgeons got to work.”
“If it’s possible to look red-carpet ready in scrubs, they were THAT couple.”
In a statement following the surgery, Cuomo revealed that Sandra was doing as well as could be expected.
“I am happy to report that she is doing as well as can be expected and has begun the post-surgery recovery process,” Cuomo said.
Another update on Sandra’s recovery: Even in her post-op haze, her lifestyle spirit rallied. #MovingForward pic.twitter.com/HxMxQPU7tY
— Sandra Lee (@SandraLee) May 19, 2015
“On behalf of Sandy and myself, I want to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers over the last few days. Your support has meant the world to us,” he added.
The Food Network also released a statement wishing Lee a speedy recovery.
“Sandra is one of the strongest women we know, a real fighter, and our thoughts go out to her and her family during this very trying time,” the statement read.
[Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for Housing Works]
