Reality television personality Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi LaValle, 38, has announced she will undergo an open abdominal hysterectomy following a diagnosis of stage one cervical cancer. The procedure is scheduled after doctors found cancerous cells on her cervix, a condition detected due to abnormal Pap smear results over the past four years.
LaValle revealed her diagnosis on February 20, stating that while the news was not ideal, it was not the worst possible outcome as the cancer was caught early. She shared that her oncologist presented three treatment options: chemotherapy, radiation, or a hysterectomy. LaValle stated her intention to proceed with the hysterectomy, explaining that she plans to keep her ovaries but will have her cervix and uterus removed. The procedure may also include the removal of lymph nodes to check for potential spread.
Surgical Approach
Polizzi LaValle explained the necessity of an open abdominal hysterectomy, which resembles a C-section scar, over a less invasive laparoscopic approach. She stated that the surgeon needs to perform the surgery with a larger incision to ensure all cancerous cells are removed. According to LaValle, a laparoscopic procedure carries a nine percent risk of not fully eradicating the cancer.
Preparations and Recovery
In preparation for the surgery and recovery, LaValle has been seeking advice from her social media followers, who number over 37.4 million. She posted a TikTok video showcasing items she purchased for her recovery, including an abdominal band, medication for constipation, and a weighted heating pad. LaValle described herself as sensitive to pain and discomfort, emphasizing her desire to be as comfortable as possible during her recuperation.
Hours after her initial video, she shared another TikTok showing oversized underwear and large T-shirt dresses she acquired from Walmart to aid in her comfort post-surgery.
LaValle is married to Jionni LaValle, and the couple has three children: Lorenzo, Giovanna, and Angelo. She is currently featured in the eighth and final season of 'Jersey Shore: Family Vacation,' airing Thursdays on MTV. Additionally, she is set to star in a forthcoming ghost-hunting series, 'Snooki: The Paranormal Rookie,' premiering in Canada in October.