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Ananda Lewis, the beloved former MTV VJ and TV host, recently opened up about her ongoing battle with breast cancer, revealing that her condition has now progressed to stage IV. During an emotional discussion with CNN’s Stephanie Elam and anchor Sara Sidner—who is also fighting breast cancer—Lewis shared how her journey began and the choices that have brought her to this point.

Lewis, now 51, initially revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in 2020, sharing that she was at stage III at the time. In a candid Instagram post, she admitted she had avoided mammograms for years, fearing the effects of radiation exposure. But despite her efforts to treat the cancer naturally, she’s now facing a more advanced stage of the disease.

In the roundtable conversation, Lewis explained that she initially rejected her doctors’ recommendation to undergo a double mastectomy. She believed that her body could heal itself and decided to approach her treatment with a focus on eliminating toxins and embracing a holistic path. “I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” she shared. Lewis opted to keep the tumor and attempted to work it out of her system through alternative methods, including homeopathic treatments, dietary changes, and improved sleep.

Reflecting on that decision, Lewis expressed some regret, saying, “Looking back on that, I go, ‘You know what? Maybe I should have.’” Despite initial improvements, Lewis revealed that her cancer spread last year, affecting her lymphatic system. This was a turning point, leading her to confront the reality of her illness and the possibility of death in a deeply personal way.

In a raw and powerful moment, Lewis described her battle with the disease and the toll it took on her both physically and emotionally. “It was the first time I ever had a conversation with death,” she shared, recalling how she was bedridden for nearly eight weeks. “I was just like, ‘Fudge man, I really thought I had this.’ I was frustrated, I was a little angry at myself, and I said, ‘Man, listen. I know you’re coming for me at some point. But I don’t want it to be now. And if you could just wait, I promise when you do come, I’m gonna make it fun for you.’”

As she continues to fight, Lewis is encouraging others to take their health seriously.