Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis opens up about her stage IV breast cancer diagnosis and her health journey.
Ananda Lewis, the former MTV VJ, has revealed that her breast cancer has metastasized to stage IV. At 51, she reflects on her health journey and the choices she made after her diagnosis. In a recent round-table discussion with CNN’s Stephanie Elam and Sara Sidner, Lewis shared her experiences and insights about battling cancer.
In 2020, Lewis announced her diagnosis of stage III breast cancer on Instagram. For years, she had avoided mammograms due to concerns about radiation exposure. When she finally received her diagnosis, doctors recommended a double mastectomy. However, Lewis chose a different path.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body,” Lewis explained.
She believed in the body’s natural ability to heal. “I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,” she said. Looking back, she expressed some regret about her decision, saying, “You know what? Maybe I should have.”
During the discussion, Elam described how Lewis had pursued homeopathic remedies alongside medication and radiation. Although she experienced some improvement, her condition worsened last year. “My lymph system really flared up,” Lewis shared. This led to a difficult conversation with herself about death. “I felt like: This is how it is,” she recalled.
The moment was pivotal for Lewis. She said, “I was just like, ‘Fudge man, I really thought I had this.’ I was frustrated, I was a little angry at myself.” She also had a unique conversation with death during this time. “I don’t want it to be now. And if you could just wait, I promise when you do come, I’m gonna make it fun for you,” she stated, highlighting her determination to face her illness with strength.
Lewis’s candid discussion sheds light on the emotional turmoil many face after a cancer diagnosis. She explained that the fear of death became a reality for her during her illness. “I literally had that conversation laying in my bed. I couldn’t get out of bed for, like, eight weeks,” she said.
Sidner, who was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer earlier this year, shared her perspective on finding joy amidst struggle. The two women’s experiences illustrate the complexity of dealing with such a life-altering diagnosis. While Lewis focused on her quality of life, Sidner emphasized her desire to thrive. “I want to be here… I want to thrive in a way I have never felt before,” she stated.
Lewis’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body and making informed choices. She expressed that her quality of life was crucial in her decision-making process. “I want to want to be here. So I had to do it a certain way, for me,” she said. This perspective resonates with many patients who must navigate their own health journeys.
The conversation is vital, especially in raising awareness about breast cancer. Elam expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss these important topics. She hopes their discussion will encourage women to get mammograms and take charge of their health. “If we can get just one woman to get their mammogram because of this conversation, that’s success,” she emphasized.
Lewis’s experience underscores the importance of awareness and education around breast cancer. Many women are hesitant to seek medical help due to fears or misconceptions. By sharing her story, Lewis hopes to empower others to make informed choices about their health.
Breast cancer affects many lives, and early detection is crucial. Discussions like these help to break the stigma surrounding cancer diagnoses and encourage open dialogue about treatment options. Lewis’s journey reflects the struggles and triumphs of countless individuals facing similar battles.
Ananda Lewis’s story is one of resilience and introspection. Her choice to keep her tumor, her subsequent health decline, and her conversations about death illustrate the complexity of dealing with cancer. As she navigates stage IV breast cancer, her insights may inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being. Through her experience, Lewis emphasizes the importance of living fully and facing challenges head-on, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
