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Breast Cancer
Comedian Wanda Sykes knows that breast cancer is no laughing matter. And when the time came to decide whether to have both of her breasts removed to battle her cancer, the sharp-tongued funny lady knew it was the right thing to do.
"I just wanted the best odds," the actress, 47, tells People. "I made my decision because I love life."
Sykes was diagnosed with a non-invasive form of breast cancer -- ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS -- after having a breast-reduction surgery in February.
"My first thought was, 'Really? Me, breast cancer?' I just couldn't believe it," she says. "But I knew this was doable."
The mother of 2-year-old twins Olivia and Lucas underwent a double mastectomy in August and spent an entire month recuperating at home with her wife, Alex. Sykes admits the healing was a difficult time for her.
"I was miserable. Every day I had to change the bandages and look at it, and it was not pretty at all," she says. "I just wanted my life back."
Sykes also had reconstructive surgery -- and once joked "I'm gonna have cute boobs 'til I'm 90," about the result.
Throughout the process, she and Alex decided to be open with their toddlers about the medical ordeal. "We never hid anything from the kids. They were a huge part of my decision because I wanted to be around for them," Sykes says. "I feel whole again, I really do. I've told them, 'Mommy's boo-boo is much better now.'"
