Monyetta Shaw-Carter privately faced “one of the biggest battles of [her] life”… and came out victorious.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta friend was diagnosed with cancer late last year after feeling an unusual sensation in her left breast. She recalled the moment in a recent interview with People magazine, saying she immediately knew something wasn’t right.
“Last year in September I was doing a self-check because I felt this random sensation that I can’t really describe in my left boob,” she told the outlet. “It was like nothing I’ve ever felt before. It was literally like my body was alerting me that something was wrong.”
Monyetta Shaw-Carter shares details on her cancer journey
About a month later, Monyetta went in for a routine mammogram and was informed there was a cancerous lump in her breast. Doctors diagnosed the mother of two with “slow-growing” stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma in November and immediately developed a plan of action.
“It was obviously one of the hardest and scariest moments of my life,” she said about her diagnosis. “Everything around me stopped. My heart dropped. I was afraid. I was angry. I was just numb.”
Monyetta, who appeared in RHOA seasons 14 and 15 as a friend, said she initially considered having a double mastectomy but decided against the surgery after her “genetic testing [results] came back favorable.” She instead opted for a lumpectomy, which allowed doctors to remove the mass and surrounding tissue while preserving the rest of her breast. The procedure was performed in January and was followed by radiation treatments, which Monyetta finished in early May.
Monyetta Shaw-Carter celebrates being cancer-free
Monyetta said she is now cancer-free and feeling “stronger than ever.” She celebrated the good news with a pink-themed birthday party surrounded by friends and family.
She reflected on her journey in a May 31 Instagram post, explaining how the hardships gave her a renewed sense of gratitude and “unstoppable faith.” She also gave thanks to her husband, Heath Carter, as well as the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who helped her along the way.
“This birthday is more than candles and cake…it’s a celebration of life, a reflection of pain & purpose, of healing, and God’s grace,” she wrote. “I’ve faced one of the biggest battles of my life… and I WON!!! This one’s personal! This one’s powerful! This one’s for every version of me that didn’t give up!! Today, I’m finally ready to share that I am a breast cancer survivor!! The journey was private, but the victory is loud!!!”
How Bravolebs supported Monyetta Shaw-Carter during her health issues
Monyetta also recognized the support she received from her fellow Bravolebs, including RHOA alums Kandi Burruss and Shereé Whitfield, as well as RHOA’s Porsha Williams, Shamea Morton, and Cynthia Bailey.
“When I told Kandi, she immediately was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, what can I do?’” Monyetta recalled. “She’s been so super supportive. She came by, sent, like, the biggest stuff, like her, and my other friends are in competition with who can send me the biggest flower arrangements.”
She continued: “Seriously, just being super supportive and just showing up, asking if I need anything. I also told Porsha, Cynthia, and Shamea a couple of weeks before my surgery and they have been super supportive.”
Learn more about Monyetta’s blended family life and her co-parenting relationship with singer Ne-Yo.