First Photo! Food Network Star Sandra Lee 'Groggy But Grateful' After Double Mastectomy
May 19 2015, Published 5:14 p.m. ET
Sandra Lee is recovering from her , and the TV chef posted her first post-op photo on social media, writing that she's "groggy…but grateful."
The 48-year-old Food Network star recently announced her breast cancer diagnosis on Good Morning America and revealed that she decided to undergo a double mastectomy.
Her longtime boyfriend, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, was by her side during the May 19 operation and is seen standing next to her in the posted picture.
Lee's team updated her status on Facebook following her operation: "Sandra is out of surgery! She is currently in a recovery room with Governor Cuomo and her sister Kimber. She's still a little groggy, but grateful the surgery is completed for today. Check them out—stylish even in scrubs!" They also detailed Lee's upbeat attitude prior to the grueling surgery.
"The day started out in the middle of the night. She was up before 4a.m. to prep for surgery," read the post. The update revealed that even while Lee was preparing for surgery, she was more concerned about those around her.
"Governor Andrew Cuomo drove Sandra and her sister Kimber to the hospital. She was worrying most about her sister and the nursing staff—making sure they were comfortable. Did Kimmy need a sweater? Were the technicians' shoes comfortable enough with so much standing? Did they all have breakfast?" the post explained.
"She and Governor Cuomo chatted with the medical staff and thanked them for all their care and concern. After Sandra was stepped in to an operating gown, the governor joined her dressed in scrubs—with a neat tie underneath."
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Lee's team also revealed that she put on a brave face for the surgery. "When the medical staff rolled a gurney in to wheel Sandra to the O.R., she said she'd rather walk. And so she did, with the governor by her side down the long hospital corridors. If it's possible to look red-carpet ready in scrubs, they were THAT couple. Once Sandra was in the O.R., Governor Cuomo stayed by her side until she fell asleep, and the surgeons got to work."
Governor Cuomo later showed his gratitude to well-wishers when he tweeted a sweet message about Lee's recovery.