Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, 66, gives update on her treatment for breast and throat cancer after ‘seven months of hell’
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has revealed that she went through “seven months of hell” before being declared cancer-free in June this year.
The 66-year-old sports icon spoke of the ordeal that “hit her” during an interview with Good Morning Britain presenters Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley, along with his wife Julia Lemigova, 51.
Martina, who resides in Florida with his wife, revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast and throat cancer in early December, finally being cleared ‘three weeks ago’.
In an emotional response to Susanna, she said that proton therapy, a treatment that uses high-powered energy to treat tumors, had put her through “seven months of hell, emotionally and physically.”
He added that his wife, a former model and reality star, had been “incredible” during her treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has recounted the ‘seven months of hell’ she faced before being declared free of breast and throat cancer in June, while standing with her wife Julia (pictured right) during an interview from Good Morning Britain.
Martina continued: ‘Julia was amazing. Helping me throughout the treatment. Particularly in New York with the seven weeks of protons.
So I was diagnosed in early December and finally got the all clear three weeks ago.
“So it really has been seven months of hell, emotionally and physically.”
The Prague-born tennis star praised his wife, who at the time of Martina’s treatment was filming episodes for Bravo’s reality series The Real Housewives of Miami.
She said the actress was “in and out” to visit her and spend time with her while filming.
She continued, “I lost about 25 pounds, so now I’m really skinny.”
It has been very difficult, but now I am cancer free, knock on wood. And Julia, it scared her too. it was terrifying.’
In an emotional response to the host, Susanna, said the proton cancer treatment, a treatment that uses high-powered energy to treat cancer and some non-cancerous tumors, had put her through “seven months of hell, emotionally and physically”.
Julia, a mother of two, added: ‘It was very scary. But you know, in a tragedy like this, life teaches you different perspectives.
‘When you say, don’t take life for granted and cherish every moment of it, now that’s what we do with Martina. Value and be thankful every day. Look at life differently.
“Be positive and be thankful every day, which sometimes people forget to do.”
Martina also revealed that most of her cancer was treatable and “not exactly life threatening”, the treatment was still grueling.
She said: ‘The actual treatment was horrible. You know, the chemotherapy, the radiation, they really hit me.
“Physically it was brutal and it still hangs on your shoulder. No matter what you can’t escape it. We were both really scared.’
Messages of support from Twitter users also poured in as people took to the social media platform to wish Martina well.
The GMB hosts shared the couple’s relief, with Richard giving a heartfelt “congratulations” on the positive result.
Messages of support from Twitter users also poured in as people took to the social media platform to wish Martina well.
One person wrote: ‘So nice to see Martina looking and doing so well. Wish you good health and a happy future.
Another said: ‘I absolutely love Martina. A real goat. And a fighter through and through.
A third said: ‘Dear Martina Navratilova, God bless you. So glad she is cancer free Xx’.
