Martina Navratilova, the legendary tennis champion, recently detailed her path to cancer remission, highlighting the disease’s physical and emotional toll on her.
In an open interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Navratilova, accompanied by her wife, Real Housewives of Miami star Julia Lemigova, detailed her health challenges after being diagnosed with throat and breast cancer at the end of the previous year.
“I received my diagnosis in early December, and it was only three weeks ago that I finally received the all-clear,” Navratilova said of her battle.
So I’ve been through a rigorous emotional and physical journey for the past seven months.” Despite the relief of being cancer-free, she realized that the disease’s specter remained a threat.
Navratilova called her treatment, which included proton radiation therapy, “horrific” and described the physical brutality she endured during chemotherapy and radiation. “It beat me up,” she said.
“Regardless of the outcome, the cancer remains a constant presence that cannot be avoided.” I felt utterly powerless, but I could at least control my thoughts. Julia, unfortunately, was left feeling helpless. She was afraid at first, and we both experienced that terror.”
Navratilova extended her gratitude to her wife and personal friend, Chris Evert, a former tennis player battling cancer.
Despite her wild filming schedule, Lemigova remained by Navratilova’s side throughout the experience. “Chris and I went through essentially the same thing, and we supported each other,” she added.
Navratilova’s cancer fight took its toll, as she confessed she had dropped over 25 pounds during the experience. She was upbeat about her current situation, saying, “It has been a difficult journey, but I am now cancer-free, and I hope for the best.”
In the conversation, Lemigova discussed how the experience changed her life perspective. “A tragedy like this teaches you to appreciate life in a new light. We live in the moment and find joy in every second.”
That is precisely what we are doing with Martina. We appreciate and express gratitude daily, experiencing life through an entirely different lens.”
Navratilova turned to Twitter to express her gratitude to the medical personnel that aided her on her trip.
“What a relief!” she tweeted last month following a day of exams at Sloan Kettering. Her hashtags, which were accompanied by a happy photo, expressed her joy: “#byebyecancer:)” and “#f—cancer!!!”
Navratilova admitted that despite being told her ailment was treatable, and she went through a three-day panic, afraid she wouldn’t live to see the following Christmas.
In March, Lemigova recalled being by Navratilova’s side when she learned she was cancer-free. “I stood by her side through the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
I was present when she was diagnosed with cancer. And I had no choice but to be present when she received the fantastic news. That was the day we rejoiced.”
Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert described their enduring relationship and recent cancer encounters in an article for The Washington Post earlier this month.
Evert recalled telling Navratilova of her ovarian cancer diagnosis and how “calling her felt like coming home.” Navratilova, diagnosed with breast cancer thirteen years ago and certified cancer-free in 2010, revealed her own experience, saying, “It truly knocked me off my feet.” I felt so in control of my life and body that everything seemed to slip away.”
