Despite recently announcing her cancer-free status, tennis legend Martina Navratilova suffered both physical and psychological side effects from her battle with the disease.
Navratilova, 66, provided an update on her health after receiving a diagnosis of throat and breast cancer at the end of last year during an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Monday. She was joined in the interview by her wife, Real Housewives of Miami star Julia Lemigova.
It’s been seven months of emotional and physical hell, she said, since my diagnosis in early December, when I finally received the all-clear.
Navratilova added that although her cancer was largely curable, the actual protons radiation therapy treatment was “horrific. ” .
It really beat me up, she said, referring to chemotherapy and radiation. “Physically speaking, it was brutal. Whatever the situation, it is still slung over your shoulder. You cannot avoid it. I was definitely left feeling helpless, but at least I have some control over my attitude. However, Julia was really helpless in that situation. At first, she was very frightened. We were both extremely frightened. ”.
Lemigova, who was filming RHOM while she was receiving treatment, but who “would come in and out” to be with her, was there to support her, she claimed. “Of course, Chris Evert and I had basically gone through the same thing together, supporting one another,” says the friend and former tennis player. (In 2021, Evert received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. ).
'Seven months of hell, emotionally and physically.'
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) July 17, 2023
Martina Navratilova describes her relief after getting the 'all clear' from cancer in June. pic.twitter.com/X1T6PDOy5u
Navratilova also mentioned losing about 25 pounds. throughout the ordeal. “It’s been challenging, but, knock on wood, I’m cancer-free now. “.
Lemigova claimed in the interview that the experience altered the way she views the world. “With a tragedy like this, life gives you new perspective. Be grateful for every moment of life and don’t take it for granted.
We currently treat Martina in this manner.
Every day, we appreciate and give thanks and view life in a very different way.
”.
Last month, Navratilova tweeted her appreciation to “all the doctors, nurses, proton and radiation magicians, etc. “after a day filled with tests at Sloan Kettering,” the nine-time Wimbledon champion wrote.
She captioned the post “What a relief,” adding the hashtags “byebyecancer:) and yes, f—cancer!!!” with a smiley face.
When asked about her initial diagnosis, Navratilova admitted that despite being informed that her cancer was “very” treatable, she was initially in a panic for three days and worried she might not make it to Christmas. “.
Lemigova recalled being by Navratilova’s side when she received the good news in a March interview with PEOPLE. “I was by her side through the good, bad, and ugly. So, it’s no secret that I was with her when she received her cancer diagnosis. Yes, I was with her when she shared the good news, of course. I had to be. That day, we had a celebration. “.
Former tennis rivals Navratilova and Evert spoke about their friendship and recent cancer diagnoses in a Washington Post interview earlier this month. After learning that she had ovarian cancer, Evert recalled that “[Martina] was one of the very first people I told.”. “I felt like I was coming home when I called her.
”.
Although she was declared cancer-free in 2010, Navratilova was initially diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago. Navratilova admitted to PEOPLE at the time of her initial diagnosis: “It knocked me on my ass, really. I feel like I have such complete control over my life and my body, but then this happens, and everything is out of my hands. “.
