BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR

"You don't forget the day when your life is completely changed forever. Although I did not hear the word cancer, your biopsies (are) positive. I am like 'positive is usually good, wait a minute, that is not good, what does it mean?'" ~Martina Navrátilová

 

Martina’s beloved grandma was also a great inspiration. She would make her special carrot salad, urging young Martina, “Eat it. It’s good for your eyes. You will see the ball better.” Unfortunately, despite all the advice and wisdom, some things cannot be prevented. In 2010, after putting off annual mammograms, Martina was diagnosed at the age of 53 with breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous cells and, staying true to herself, she competed less than two weeks later in the 24.9-mile cycling portion of a triathlon in Hawaii. As for the second part of her cancer treatment, Martina endured a six week radiation treatment in Paris so that she could do commentary on the French Open during that period as well as compete with the 1998 Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna in the legends doubles tournament, which coincided with weeks three and four of her treatment. Despite not feeling completely well, she won with Novotna. Martina now advocates for women to receive regular checkups. 

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