After bravely battling breast cancer, The Real Housewives of Miami‘s Guerdy Abraira is officially in her “me” era.
The RHOM cast member, who had been cancer-free for about a year when Season 7 filmed last fall, recently explained to The Daily Dish that remission is a “new space” to set “rules and boundaries,” like she’d never done before.
“I’m still getting to learn this new version of myself, and I may make some mistakes,” Guerdy shared. “I’m not negotiating or people-pleasing anymore. It feels like it’s a relief in a sense.”
Amid her health journey, Guerdy further revealed that Julia Lemigova’s wife and fellow cancer survivor Martina Navratilova gave her a helpful tip: “Start being selfish and saying no to things.”
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Little by little, she’s been putting that advice into practice by turning down unwanted requests without explanation or fear of disappointing others.
“Not caring anymore about that and doing me first, it’s in my me era,” Guerdy elaborated. “That’s the only time I’m able to control the narrative and be able to speak my truth uninterrupted. … You may ruffle some feathers but, you know what, the truth hurts, right?”
Inside Guerdy Abraira’s “emotional” conversation with Dr. Jackie Walters about her health
Guerdy also touched on those themes during a video call with Married to Medicine‘s Dr. Jackie Walters on RHOM Season 7, Episode 9.
“Dr. Jackie and I have known each other for quite a few years, and we have a few things in common, including breast cancer. She’s a two-time survivor, warrior, queen,” she said of the Atlanta-based OB-GYN. “That is my girl, and I love to call on her when I need some good counseling.”
After sharing that she was “doing amazing,” Guerdy admitted she needed some advice about navigating one particular issue in her marriage to Russell Abraira amid her recovery.
“As you know, my husband’s been strong for me, Russell, and we went to couple’s counseling,” the RHOM ‘Wife shared. “We’re doing great, we’re still such a connected team. But what I do know is that it’s also affecting … my intimacy. Is there anything, Doctor, that you can help with?”
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Explaining that there are “many layers” to the breast cancer journey, Dr. Jackie offered to send Guerdy a “care bag,” before imparting some words of wisdom.
“What you have is imperfect perfection,” she said. “You don’t realize how many of us watch Guerdy. Like, we look at you and think, ‘Oh my god, you don’t look like what you’ve been through.’ When I watch you though, I get so emotional…”
As Guerdy began tearing up, Dr. Jackie continued, “It’s so emotional watching you. You’re amazing. You’re using your platform to give back. We love you. We absolutely love you.”
The event planner tearfully replied that the sentiment was “nice to hear” amid drama with her RHOM castmates whom she felt lacked “empathy” or a willingness to understand her POV.
“Those ladies that you’re calling friends, they’re there to build you up and make you stronger,” Dr. Jackie reminded her. “Remember: Struggles make you strong. And so, when they’re not understanding who you are, maybe say thank you. … There’s just as much power in the ugly parts of life as there is the pretty parts.”
After Guerdy said that she wants to “go forward,” the Married to Medicine doctor concluded, “That is why you see, like, a big windshield in the front and a small rearview mirror. You know, you look back a little bit, but you look forward a whole lot more.”
Guerdy Abraira opens up about life today after she beat breast cancer
Previously on Episode 7, which aired on July 23, Guerdy shared more updates during her “Celebration of Life” party.
“After cancer, I want to celebrate where I’m at, my attitude, my outlook on life, and I want to share in this happiness with everyone,” she explained of the event that also served to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.
While tearfully giving a speech, Guerdy added, “For me, cancer changed everything. Cancer showed me that I’m not always in control. And as horrible as cancer is, I thank cancer for showing me another way to live because now I’m living even louder.”
Joking that her MRI results confirmed she’s “100 percent that bitch,” she credited her husband, Russell, as well as their two sons, Miles, 17, and Liam, 11, with helping to keep her afloat.
“I must say that I would not be here tonight celebrating life if it wasn’t for the love of my life,” Guerdy said, calling Russell “my best friend, my soul, my heart” on stage. “Mommy could not have endured without you two, Miles, and Liam … I love you guys so much.”
In closing, she continued, “It wasn’t until I beat breast cancer that I decided to redefine how I live my life and be true to myself and my emotions, as we all should, by the way. So, if you’re gonna be happy, laugh and smile. If you’re gonna be sad, cry. If you’re gonna be mad, let it out.”
Get a sneak peek at what’s still to come with Guerdy and her castmates on RHOM Season 7 by checking out the midseason trailer.
— Reporting by Stephanie Gomulka