Maria Menounos recently called off plans for a baby shower as she prepares for the arrival of her and Keven Undergaro’s daughter via surrogate this summer. After many years of trying to conceive, the couple is thrilled to become parents finally. However, they are not in the mood to throw a big party to celebrate their new addition. Menounos revealed that the past year had been filled with trauma, stress, and catastrophe, and she is focusing on improving.
In the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine, the former E! News correspondent and “Heal Squad” podcast host speaks about her fight with Stage 2 pancreatic cancer. She kept her diagnosis a secret for over three months while recovering from the illness. After undergoing successful surgery to remove a 3.9-centimeter tumor, she is now urging people to seek medical attention for their health concerns.
Menounos, who was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor in 2017, was shocked by the recent diagnosis. She felt great until she began experiencing severe leg cramps in June last year. After a hospital visit, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in her family. She followed a strict diet, monitored her glucose levels, and eventually was prescribed insulin, which significantly improved her condition.
Menounos was feeling great in October, but one month later, she was rushed to the emergency room with excruciating abdominal pain and diarrhea. A CT scan and other tests returned negative, but the pain persisted. Weeks later, while on a flight, she experienced severe pain, and an MRI discovered a 3.9-centimeter growth on her pancreas.
A biopsy confirmed that the mass was a Stage 2 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.
Luckily, Menounos could detect cancer early, and she underwent surgery to remove the tumor, a portion of her pancreas, her spleen, a large fibroid, and 17 lymph nodes. The recovery process was grueling, and Menounos describes it as “extremely agonizing.” She credits her husband and father for being excellent caregivers during this time.
Menounos’ physicians say she appears in good health and does not require chemotherapy or additional treatment. Instead, she will only need annual scans for the next five years. Menounos is grateful for the miracle that saved her life and is excited to welcome her baby.
