‘Diamonds Take Time, So Does Surviving Cancer:’ ‘Real Housewives’ Alum D’Andra Simmons, 56, Reflects on Diamond-Studded Photoshoot Before Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery

“Diamonds take time, pressure, and fire. So does surviving cancer,” she wrote, drawing a poignant parallel between the transformation of gemstones and the resilience required to heal.

Support poured in from fans, including Instagram user Lisa Deubel Weigle, who commented, “You will always ‘shine bright like a diamond.’ Continued prayers for your good health.”

Simmons, who appeared on RHOD from 2016 to 2021, publicly revealed her diagnosis in late July. Fortunately, her cancer was detected early—meaning the tumor was small and hadn’t spread to her lymph nodes—making it highly treatable.

She credits a routine self-exam for catching the disease. “If I hadn’t been doing self-examinations, it wouldn’t have been found until much later,” Simmons said in a recent Instagram video, urging others to stay alert to changes in their bodies.

WATCH: Getting to Know Your Breasts with Self-Exams

Health experts stress that monthly breast self-exams can be a vital tool in early detection. Becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel can help you notice warning signs like new lumps, swelling, nipple changes, or unusual discharge. Simmons’ experience is a powerful reminder that proactive care can save lives.

Still, self-exams are not a replacement for regular mammograms, which remain the gold standard for breast cancer screening.

Simmons has now entered the next phase of her treatment: radiation therapy. This approach is commonly used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells in the breast or surrounding tissue. As Dr. Subhakar Mutyala explained to SurvivorNet, “Radiation therapy is actually ionizing energy… it causes DNA damage to destroy cancer cells.”

WATCH: Debates Around Radiation for Breast Cancer

Radiation treatment continues to evolve, with ongoing debates among experts about how to reduce side effects while optimizing outcomes. Dr. Chirag Shah, Director of Breast Radiation Oncology at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, outlined three key areas of discussion:

• Whole vs. Partial Breast Radiation: Shortening treatment duration and minimizing side effects are promising, though long-term data are still emerging.
• Identifying Patients Who May Not Need Radiation: Some individuals may not benefit from radiation, and omitting it could reduce unnecessary risks.
• Technique Optimization: Advancements in delivery methods aim to improve effectiveness while limiting harm to healthy tissue.

“I think the first debate that we have is whole breast radiation versus partial breast radiation and the idea of reducing duration of treatment and reducing side effects for patients, albeit with less than 10 years’ worth of long-term data,” Dr. Shah explained to SurvivorNet.

Simmons’ diagnosis marks the third case of breast cancer on her mother’s side—a fact that fuels her commitment to raising awareness and encouraging others to prioritize their health.

More on Radiation Therapy to Treat Breast Cancer

Radiation therapy—using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells—is a common follow-up to breast cancer surgery, especially for patients who choose a lumpectomy over a mastectomy. Its goal: reduce the risk of recurrence by targeting any lingering cancer cells in the breast or surrounding tissue.

While effective, radiation can come with side effects, both immediate and delayed. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Swelling
• Scar tissue
• Shortness of breath

One of the more serious concerns involves the heart, which can unintentionally absorb radiation due to its proximity to the breast.

“When the radiation is delivered, unfortunately, the heart happens to be somewhere very near to where they have their breast cancer, and it becomes an innocent bystander absorbing some of the radiation,” explained Dr. Jean-Bernard Durand to SurvivorNet.

This exposure can lead to complications such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and even heart failure—sometimes surfacing decades after treatment.

“We make it a point to see them on a regular basis so that we can catch these things very early and treat them,” Dr. Durand added.

Even advanced techniques like proton therapy, which aim to minimize damage to healthy tissue, aren’t immune to side effects. Fatigue remains a common complaint, and the risk of long-term injury still exists.

“Radiation is a form of energy… and when we give radiation, it has the ability to scatter,” Dr. Durand said. “Even though we may target one particular area, that scattering of energy can cause injury to the local surrounding structures, including the heart.”

Over time, this injury can lead to the development of scar tissue within the heart muscle, its electrical system, and blood supply.

“We believe it is what causes all the injury, that ultimately leads to the symptoms,” he explained.

For survivors, this underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and open conversations with care teams.

Sometimes Cancer Treatment Affects Your Appearance

Simmons is still in the midst of her cancer treatment journey, so it’s too soon to know whether treatment will impact how her breasts look or some other part of her body.

One way to prepare yourself for possible body changes during cancer treatment is to understand that changes are possible but also, frequently, temporary. This can also help build up your self-confidence. Your support group, filled with loved ones, can help you during this stage of your journey as well.

Psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin shares with SurvivorNet some additional tips cancer warriors can explore to help manage the emotional toll body changes can have during treatment.

Dr. Strongin encourages survivors to take ownership of the part (or parts) of their body impacted mainly by cancer treatment. She says that although they may represent “fear and pain,” they also represent “strength and courage.”

“Research has found that when looking in the mirror, we are more likely to focus on the parts of our body we are dissatisfied with, which causes us to have a negative self-view and lower self-esteem. Therefore, I would like you first to spend time gazing at the parts of your body you love, give them time, honor them, and then thank them,” Dr. Strongin said.

Dr. Strongin then suggests looking at the part or parts of your body impacted by the cancer or cancer treatment. She recommends creating a regular practice of accepting your body image because it helps you accept your cancer journey emotionally and physically.

“As you allow yourself to spend more time looking at all of you, you will begin having a new relationship with your body. It may not happen immediately, but with time, you can begin honoring and thanking your new body,” Dr. Strongin added.

What To Ask Your Doctor

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may have questions about keeping your strength through treatment. Here are a few questions to help you begin the conversation with your doctor:

• What treatment will I be receiving?
• What side effects are associated with this treatment?
• Are there steps I can take daily to help minimize these side effects?
• What physical activity routine do you recommend for me during treatment?
• Do you have recommendations for someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy exercise?
• Can you recommend a dietitian who can help me with healthy eating tips and weight maintenance?
• I’ve been having trouble sleeping. Do you have any treatment recommendations?

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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