Receiving the news of a loved one’s diagnosis of a deadly disease like cancer will be undoubtedly one of the most challenging and heart-wrenching experiences for anyone. It can change one’s life in a matter of seconds, making one feel helpless, hopeless, and fearful. This was the case for Julia Lemigova, the wife of legendary tennis player Martina Navratilova. In 2010, Navratilova was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she underwent surgery and radiation therapy to combat the disease. Although she was declared cancer-free in 2011, the cancer returned in 2020, entailing further treatment. The news came as a shock to her wife, Lemigova.

Throughout her journey, Navratilova has been a symbol of strength and resilience, inspiring others with her positive attitude and determination. Although the 59-time Grand Slam champion took it as another test, Lemigova was far from the calm and composed self she usually is.

Martina Navratilova bravely fought against her cancer diagnosis with her wife, Lemigova

The RHOM star has revealed that she “literally forgot to breathe” when Navratilova shared the news of her diagnosis. She was overcome with emotions for the woman she loved and the thought of what lay ahead. However, she didn’t let fear take over her life. Instead, she turned to the box as a way of punching out her fear and living in the present. According to the Daily Mail, Lemigova shared, “I knew my eyes were getting wet, but she didn’t see my tears. I was saying: ‘Listen, we’ll deal with this.’ She said: ‘Julia, you’re squeezing me too hard.’ It was because I was cramping. I literally forgot to breathe I was so scared.”

The RHOM star also added, “I never saw Martina going down without a battle, and where there’s a battle there is hope for a win.” The reality TV star explains that the fear of losing Navratilova was too terrifying to imagine, but even the thought of it made her stomach squeeze. She had to push away those thoughts and focus on the present moment. She knew that they had a battle ahead of them, but she was determined to face it head-on.

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Boxing has given Lemigova a way of releasing her pent-up emotions and focusing on the present moment. She says that she has to concentrate on her breathing and her movements, which helps her to stay in the moment and not let her fears and worries take over. She also highlights the importance of support and love in the face of adversity.

Navratilova fought her way out of this battle as well

Last month, Navratilova announced she is free from cancer, bringing some much-needed positive news to tennis fans. She revealed the same in a recent interview with Piers Morgan. After undergoing a lengthy and challenging treatment, she has successfully overcome the disease. Navratilova still has a few preventive procedures to undergo before her health can be considered completely clean.

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The news was even shared by Lemigova during a segment of RHOM. She expressed their happiness at the successful recovery. While she still has some radiation sessions to complete as a precautionary measure, she is currently out of danger and can look forward to enjoying many more years with her partner.