Vicki Gunvalson is speaking out about a secret cancer diagnosis she was faced with nearly two years ago.
After sharing the unexpected news last week, the Real Housewives of Orange County alum went into detail about her uterine cancer before confirming her hysterectomy was “successful” and turning over a new leaf following weeks of turmoil with ex-fiancé Steve Lodge.
“I was diagnosed with uterine cancer almost [two] years ago,” Vicki told Celebuzz on November 22. “Due to the diagnosis, I had to undergo a non-elective full hysterectomy. I was fortunate to catch it early thanks to always adhering to my annual exam schedule.”
As RHOC fans may have seen, Vicki first shared her cancer news alongside former castmate Tamra Judge as they appeared on Jeff Lewis‘ radio show last week. At that time, Vicki blurted out that she “had cancer” and “just got [her] whole f-cking uterus taken out” as she defended herself against the cancer scandal she was involved in with ex-boyfriend Brooks Ayers years ago.
“While I have lived my life in the public eye for over 15 years, at this point in my life, I decided to keep this particular health diagnosis private,” Vicki confirmed. “I also wasn’t looking for sympathy by revealing this, but most importantly I encourage women to get their annual pap smears, as I had no symptoms whatsoever. If I didn’t, most likely it would have been much more serious.”
Vicki said she was “fortunate” not only to have caught the cancer when she did but also to have undergone an “extremely successful” procedure afterward.
“I am fine now. The lesson here is to always make sure to pay attention to your body, go to your annual doctor appointments, and take care of your health,” Vicki stated.
After going public with the diagnosis, Vicki hopes she can “move forward” as she looks to life without her former partner, Steve, who she reportedly split from months ago (Vicki went public with their split in September while Steve claims they broke up in 2020).
“Everyone in the world is asking me to give a statement on Steve, as it’s become public knowledge that we broke up. People are looking for me to bash him, elaborate on things that went wrong, and basically do a tell-all. However, I am not going to do that,” Vicki explained. “Steve and I have mutually agreed to keep things peaceful and go our separate ways with dignity and respect for one another.”
“[I] am hopeful that one day, Steve and I can move forward simply as friends, even though our relationship did not end up working out… We had an incredible relationship and I enjoyed our time together with no regrets,” she added.
Vicki was featured on the first 13 seasons of The Real Housewives of Orange County in a full-time role and appeared on season 14 in a “friend” or part-time role.