NeNe Leakes reveals her husband Gregg is battling stage 3 colon cancer

“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, NeNe Leakes has made a devastating revelation about her husband’s health. The reality star also shared how she’s been dealing with the situation.

Season 11 of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” premiered yesterday, November 4, and it started on a sad note, especially for fans of NeNe. The star finally revealed that her husband, Gregg Leakes, is battling stage 3 colon cancer.

Before now, the 63-year-old businessman had opened up about his health battles but didn’t say what type of cancer he has. NeNe explained on RHOA that Gregg first felt the symptoms in May and the pain was nothing like he had ever felt. She recalled:

“It was Cinco de Mayo. Gregg was in excruciating pain. Like, I’ve never seen him say, ‘I’m hurting so bad, the pain is so bad in my stomach.’ And finally he said to me, ‘Take me to the hospital.’”

The doctors were able to diagnose Gregg and let him know he needed immediate surgery. The procedure would involve taking out part of his colon, and NeNe said they were not prepared for such news.

Gregg also admitted that the urgency of the situation scared him; the doctors told him he could die if he didn’t get the surgery.

NOT AFRAID TO DIE

But Gregg said he wasn’t afraid to die. “I went over and prayed to God, and I told Him, ‘If it’s time, let’s go,’” he said.

It was the letter he had to write for his wife in the event of his death that broke the man. Gregg revealed tearfully:

“I wrote a note to my doctor and I told him to give it to you if I didn’t come out. Writing that note was the hardest thing I ever did in my life.”

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

Gregg did survive the surgery, and the experience taught him that he was stronger than he thought. It also gave him a newfound appreciation for his wife.

“You have been my light,” Gregg told NeNe. I couldn’t do this without you. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t even try. So I want to thank you, baby.”

NENE'S BATTLES

Meanwhile, NeNe, 50, also went through a roller coaster of emotions during the time. The “Glee” actress, who shares two sons with Gregg, confessed that even though she tried to be strong, there were times of weakness.

“It’s a very hard role to take care of someone,” said NeNe. “I feel like if I crumble, then Gregg and Brentt is going to be over. I just feel like I have to be the strong voice.”

So, NeNe took to crying in the privacy of her room and her car. It was her way of expressing the emotions she felt as a result of her husband’s condition. She had implied earlier in a series of tweets that the cancer was worsening Gregg’s attitude.

THE POWER OF PRAYER

Another thing that came in handy was prayer, as the reality star said:

“In order to get through something like this, you have to pray for strength… We’re basically going to pray for healing, comfort and understanding.”

TILL DEATH DO US PART

Although NeNe said there’s a recurring chance for Gregg's cancer, she’s glad he picked up on the symptoms earlier on. “At a time like this, this is when you really have to think back to the vows you took. Sickness and health… these vows are really showing up right now,” she noted.

NeNe and Gregg have been married since 1997. They divorced in 2011 but remarried in June 2013.