NeNe Leakes supports husband during his cancer battle & explains why he's rejected chemotherapy

“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, NeNe Leakes has been by her husband’s side since he was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, and even now, she’s supporting Gregg in his decision to reject chemotherapy.

On Sunday’s episode of the Bravo reality show, fans got to see NeNe accompanying Gregg as they visited the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

DOCTOR'S OPINION

Although Gregg had surgery to remove a part of his colon and has currently been declared cancer-free, the doctor, Scott Kopetz, explained that he is still at risk.

“There are other areas of cancer that may still be in the body that we just don’t know about. …If we don’t do anything for those, will grow back and show back up as cancer.”

Kopetz also suggested chemotherapy to reduce the risk of a recurrence. “What we do know is that chemotherapy can reduce that risk of the cancer coming back by about half,” he said.

GREGG'S DECISION

But Gregg is not enthusiastic about having chemo, and NeNe is entirely in support. She explained:

“Chemo is not something that Gregg is thinking about doing at the moment. Obviously we hear all the report of people doing chemo and being very sick. So he feels like if there’s any other options that can take, I’d rather take those options and let chemo sit on the back burner for now.”

Instead of chemo, Gregg and NeNe are considering alternative medicine options, and even though Kopetz stated that those methods had not been adequately studied, the couple is going ahead with it.

Gregg, 63, added:

“I’m deciding to really take my life and use it as a mouthpiece for other people. I just want to use my life in a way to help someone. So I can say I’m Gregg Leakes and I have cancer, but I will be a survivor.”

SHE WANTS HER MAN BACK

Meanwhile, NeNe, who agrees with Gregg that chemo “destroys people,” is ready to try as many options as possible as long as it will heal her husband.

Although she admitted dealing with holistic wellness practitioners can be challenging, the reality star is already listening to recommendations and bringing trees believed to help with healing into her home.

“I’m here to do whatever I can to make Gregg heal,” the 50-year-old said. “If someone tells me I need to buy trees, I buy the whole damn forest. ‘Cause I want my Gregg back. The one I married.”

BUMPY RIDE

NeNe had previously opened up about the roller-coaster of feelings experienced by Gregg and how the cancer diagnosis has also affected her.

“It’s like a roller coaster,” she admitted. “We have good days, then we have bad days. I feel alone.”

SUPPORT SYSTEM

The “RHOA” star has also been grateful for her fellow “housewives,” Marlo Hampton and Cynthia Bailey who have supported her throughout the journey.

She’s probably drawing strength from their teenage son as well because NeNe revealed Brentt Leakes has not cried since learning of his father’s diagnosis.

Initially, she was concerned, but as she later explained:

"He is a strong teenager. He's a very mature boy, so I feel like I was a little concerned at first — like he hasn't cried or anything, is that a problem? But I think it's OK.”