Ananda Lewis, former MTV VJ, has been open about her battle with breast cancer, which has progressed to stage IV. Her journey, marked by personal decisions, unconventional treatments, and raw reflections, offers a powerful perspective on living with cancer. At 51, Lewis continues to inspire as she navigates her health challenges, sharing lessons on life, choices, and self-care.
Ananda Lewis’ Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Journey
In 2020, Ananda Lewis revealed that she had been diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. This announcement came after she had refused mammograms for years due to concerns about radiation exposure. Her diagnosis shocked many, but Lewis’ approach to her treatment journey was unique, reflecting her belief in the body’s natural intelligence.
Lewis initially opted for alternative treatments instead of the traditional double mastectomy recommended by her doctors. She shared in an interview, “My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent. Our bodies are brilliantly made.”
This decision, although controversial, was deeply personal for Lewis, as she chose to explore homeopathic remedies, changes in diet, and improving her sleep as part of her holistic treatment plan.
Choosing Homeopathic Treatments Over Surgery
Despite her doctors’ advice for a double mastectomy, Lewis decided to follow a different path. She explained that she wanted to maintain her quality of life and hoped her body would heal through less invasive means. “I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,” she said. This decision reflected her desire to avoid what she felt were aggressive treatments that could drastically change her body and life.
Ananda’s alternative treatment methods included homeopathy combined with medication, radiation, and lifestyle changes like improved diet and sleep. While this approach seemed to show progress initially, Lewis later discovered that her cancer had metastasized, spreading to other parts of her body.
Reflections on Life and Facing Death
After her cancer spread, Ananda Lewis had a deeply personal encounter with the reality of death. She shared candidly, “It was the first time I ever had a conversation with death because I felt like: This is how it is.” She described a moment of clarity where she accepted her mortality, acknowledging that death is inevitable but hoping to delay it as long as possible.
Despite her cancer progressing to stage IV, Lewis maintained her positive outlook. “I was frustrated, I was a little angry at myself,” she admitted, but her resolve to live life on her own terms remained unshaken. Her reflections on death were not about fear but about living fully in the time she has left.
The Backlash and Ananda’s Response
Ananda Lewis’ decision to forgo a double mastectomy brought both support and criticism. Some people questioned her choice, especially after the cancer spread. However, Lewis stands by her decision, acknowledging that everyone must make their own choices when it comes to health and treatment. “You can’t spend your time wishing you did things differently. You will never live. I’m not going to spend time regretting,” she said.
Speaking with Shameika Rhymes on the show Soulibration, Lewis reflected on the backlash, saying, “I understand that people don’t get it. They’re entitled to their opinion.” She emphasized the importance of personal autonomy in medical decisions and expressed her hope that women can learn from both her victories and her mistakes.
The Importance of Early Detection
One of Ananda’s biggest regrets was her delay in getting regular mammograms. She openly admits that not prioritizing early detection was a mistake. “My biggest mistake was not staying on top of early detection,” Lewis said, reflecting on how catching cancer early could have potentially changed her journey.
While she is still uncertain about the benefits of mammograms due to radiation exposure concerns, Lewis now advocates for women to be more proactive about their health. She highlights the importance of other forms of early detection, like 3D ultrasounds, as viable alternatives to traditional mammograms.
Integrative Treatment and Living with Consequences
Ananda Lewis’ treatment plan was a combination of traditional and alternative therapies, which she describes as “integrative” care. She underwent chemotherapy in small doses, red light therapy, high-dose vitamin C IVs, and even hyperbaric chamber treatments. She made these choices, knowing they would be controversial, and even faced disagreement from people close to her.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Lewis has no regrets about her journey. “It might have been a mistake for me not to have surgery. I don’t know,” she shared. “But where I’m at now, I’m fine with, and so whatever mistakes I’ve made, I’m in a great place.”
Conclusion: Ananda Lewis’ Legacy of Resilience
Ananda Lewis’ story is one of resilience, personal choice, and courage in the face of life’s toughest challenges. Her decision to prioritize her quality of life and explore alternative treatments highlights the importance of individual autonomy in health care. While her journey
through breast cancer has been difficult, she continues to inspire others with her honesty, strength, and determination to live on her own terms. Lewis’ legacy is one of empowerment—encouraging women to make informed choices about their health and embrace life, no matter the circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of breast cancer does Ananda Lewis have?
Ananda Lewis was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2020, and it has since metastasized to stage IV, spreading to other parts of her body.
2. Why did Ananda Lewis refuse a double mastectomy?
Lewis chose not to undergo a double mastectomy because she believed in her body’s natural ability to heal and wanted to explore alternative treatments. She also prioritized her quality of life.
3. What treatments did Ananda Lewis try for her cancer?
Ananda Lewis pursued a mix of homeopathic and traditional treatments, including small doses of chemotherapy, red light therapy, high-dose vitamin C IVs, and hyperbaric chamber treatments.
4. Does Ananda Lewis regret not getting mammograms earlier?
Yes, Lewis has expressed regret about not prioritizing early detection through mammograms. She now advocates for regular screenings, including alternatives like 3D ultrasounds.
5. How has Ananda Lewis’ outlook on life changed since her diagnosis?
Lewis has become more reflective and focused on living life fully. She has accepted the reality of death but continues to embrace each day with strength and positivity.