Character is about how you treat others. That’s what Bravo TV’s “Below Deck” star Sandy Yawn, captain of a whole cruise ship on the reality TV show, and her girlfriend Leah want to tell the world after Leah’s surgery for early stage breast cancer.
Leah was diagnosed with what’s called “lobular carcinoma in situ.” Some people call it a pre-cancer, but it’s treated like a cancer. Leah chose to have the lump removed so it didn't even have a chance to develop into anything more.
Read MoreSome doctors don't even consider it a cancer, but rather a collection of abnormal cells or a pre-cancer, which is why some women opt for a watch and wait approach. But at major medical centers, standard treatment usually involves a lumpectomy and potentially radiation as well, a more aggressive treatment which does have side effects and potentially long term effects.
In less common cases, doctors will opt for more aggressive surgeries, based on the amount of carcinoma in the breast and other specific risk factors. Doctors may also want to remove the carcinoma if a biopsy reveals any evidence of more invasive carcinoma cells.
Leah’s love of music after cancer
In the Instagram post, Sandy included a photo of an ocean, with words scrawled on top of it reading “Character is how you treat others who can do nothing for you,” as well as some photos of leah singing in a studio. In the background, Leah’s voice singing about letting go of the fact that others may not remember the song you are singing, and singing it anyway. The resilience and perseverance in the song seems to have something to do with her recent journey with cancer.
The text alongside the video reads “The message here folks is "do it anyway" @leahshaferofficial #belowdeckmed #captainsandy #sandaleah #sandygram #captainsandycharity #bravotv #lifeisgood #jeep #ducati #doitanyway #rightleah.”
Supporters wrote in the comments about their love of the couple and their post after cancer, “God Bless the both of you[heart] Leah had an amazing voice!! Hope she’s doing well and wishing her a speedy recovery.. Hope to see you next season Sandy.. [heart]”
“Omg, love it… what a powerful and moving voice and message … goosebumps.”
“What a great saying, Sending you positive vibes”
Information about music and cancer
Swift and West are not the only one’s who have found that music can be helpful during cancer. Breast cancer survivor Bianca Muniz spoke with SurvivorNet, and said that music was a huge part of her cancer recovery. Bianca turned to music as an outlet during her experience with cancer, which began when she was just 11 years old. She received an ovarian cancer diagnosis at age 11, and a breast cancer diagnosis at age 22.
Breast cancer survivor Bianca Muniz talks about the impact of music during her cancer recovery
Cancer has affected her art in two different ways: it has acted as both a muse and a deterrent. Bianca says that undergoing a variety of different treatments did have an impact on her voice, but she never let that get in the way of her love of performing. Just like she never let a cancer diagnosis get in the way of what her life is really about music.
Sandy and Leah’s journey with breast cancer surgery
Ina recent Instagram post, Sandy wrote to notify her supporters that Leah would be getting her lumpectomy for stage zero breast cancer.
“Today is Leah's surgery and I'm asking all of you that believe to please pray for her. Thank you from all of me, heart and soul!” she wrote alongside a video slideshow of the two of them enjoying fun times together on the beach, with Leah’s singing voice in the background.
Supporters were really happy to be updated, and shared their love for the couple int eh comments, “Love the video and song of the two of you. You got this. Is it 12 days until you two are reunited? [prayer hands]”
“We sending our thoughts and prayers, all goes well and for a speedy recovery.”
“Thinking of sweet Leah..I met her very briefly at your event in Chicago…she was genuine and so friendly. This too shall pass..[pray] for an easy recovery and continuing good health!! [hearts]”
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