Actress and Cancer Survivor Suzanne Somers Dishes With SurvivorNet Ahead Of Her 75th Birthday: ‘I Live My Life With No Expiration Date’

Somers, known for her role as Chrissy Snow 70’s sitcom Three’s Company, has had her fair share of struggles with cancer throughout her life. She’s battled skin cancer in her 30’s and two decades later faced breast cancer in her 50’s. In 2000, she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, and bravely shared her journey with fans throughout the process. However, some of her decisions concerning treatment drew controversy. She rejected chemotherapy, and underwent a lumpectomy  where a surgeon removes the part of the breast that is infected with cancer and radiation to treat her disease.

Related: Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

However, when it came time to discuss breast reconstruction, she rejected doctors’ advice to go through a traditional mastectomy and instead opted for another unconventional option. Somers found a doctor at the University of Tokyo who was leading a clinical trial on using stem cells to regenerate the breast, got approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to go through procedure, and thus became the first woman in the U.S. to legally undergo a process called "cell-assisted lipotransfer.” Despite people’s opinions, Somers still strongly stands by her decision.

“What I wanted to do was less controversial than implants,” Somers says. “I was restoring my breast exactly as it was prior to the surgery.”

Dr. Sarah Cate explains the difference between a lumpectomy and mastectomy

Somers’ Life After Breast Cancer

Going through breast cancer, particularly reconstructive surgery, can have a profound effect on women both physically and emotionally. Like many other women, adjusting to her new body after surgery was quite a difficult thing for Somers. She was particularly nervous how her husband, Alan Hamel, would react, but was relieved to find that nothing had changed between them.

“Having a breast half its size after surgery was difficult for me for awhile. I worried how Alan would respond and respond he did. He said ‘Now I have one for every mood!’ That was his way of saying nothing is changed,” she says. “We are way past in our relationship [to check] out our physical selves. Alan tells me everyday how much he loves me and that’s after 54 years.”

Somers offers some advice to women dealing with self confidence issues after breast cancer. “A good therapist can help you reconnect with your body and grow to love your body. If you have a partner you are totally committed to and in love with, they will love you no matter what,” she says.

Related: The Role of Diet and Exercise in Cancer Risk

Somers is known to millions as the author of a series of self-help books and a spokeswoman of the popular Thighmaster machine, so needless to say taking care of herself is extremely important to her. To keep herself healthy and happy, Somers practices self love by taking care of her immune system, doing the things she loves, and continuing to stay positive.

“Cancer is still a mystery, [but] I live my life like an athlete,” Somers says. “I grow my own organic food. I eat a balanced diet. I work on supporting my immune system. I think positive thoughts. I really enjoy writing my books and developing organic products for SuzanneSomers.com.” She says the latest best seller is “Gut Renew 30 Day Challenge.  “It’s so in demand, we just ordered 72 more tons of the powder,” she says.

Breast cancer survivor Caitlin Kiernan explains how women can feel beautiful during and after cancer

Somers’ Words of Wisdom

Now in remission, and with a number of accomplishments under her belt, Somers has wisdom to share as she approaches her 75th birthday. Going through cancer can really change a person’s perspective in how to live life and taking care of herself. As a result of her diagnosis, Somers now encourages every person to seek as many treatment options as possible and always ask questions.

Related: 'Cancer Brought Me So Many Lessons' Says Survivor Fernanda Savino; It Can Change Your Perspective On Life

“I know how unpredictable and evil cancer can be,” Somers says. “[It’s] important to investigate every possible solution, both alternative and standard, of care. Also, it’s very important that once you have settled on the direction you have to totally believe in it. The mind is the body’s primary healer…I love my age. I love my wisdom at this age. I love knowing who I am. I love helping people change their lives and become positive believers. I live my life with no expiration date.”

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.