'Basketball Wives LA' Brandi Maxiell on Beating Ovarian Cancer: 'I Thought It Was a Death Sentence'
Brandi Maxiell, one of the new faces on "Basketball Wives LA," may have ruffled a few feathers amongst her co-stars during her season 3 debut, but fans have hailed the VH1 star as an "inspiration." She recently opened up about her heroic battle with cancer, her marriage and her faith in an exclusive interview with The Christian Post.
Last month during episode one, viewers of the hit reality TV show were introduced to the striking mother of one and wife of Orlando Magic power forward Jason Maxiell. Her confidence was quickly mistaken for arrogance by her co-star, Brittish Williams, however behind the glamour and pearly whites is actually a humble cancer survivor whose story continues to touch and inspire.
"When I heard [I had] cancer I immediately thought it was a death sentence," Brandi, who was just 24 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, told CP.
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"I had all of the symptoms. I had the bloating ... I looked 5-6 months pregnant. If I had to go to the bathroom I couldn't hold it," she said of her symptoms. "The hardest part was not knowing what to do or what was going to happen."
After her life-changing diagnosis in 2007, Brandi, now 30, soon began chemotherapy which had many side effects including hair loss. At the time, she and Jason, 31, were engaged to be married, however, the joy of their engagement was overshadowed by Brandi's cancer battle.
"My doctor said 'you're gonna lose your hair on the 16th or 17th day.' I remember on the 15th day it was around Thanksgiving time, I went to [Jason's] game and my head was itching," she recounted.
"I scratched my hair and I remember a whole bunch of hair in my hands, it just kept coming ... I had to hurry down and go to the bathroom and I tried to comb it to cover it up but it didn't work so I just had to leave," she said adding "I was devastated."
Jason, who was playing with the Detroit Pistons at the time, went to heartwarming measures to show support for his then-fiancée throughout her brave ordeal. The NBA star shaved his head and played the entire season sporting a shaved head to support her.
"It made me insecure to lose my hair ... but once I saw that [Jason] was there for me and what type of man he was I was no longer insecure about my relationship," she shared.
"[The gesture] meant that he was there. That he loves me no matter what and he supports me no matter what," she continued. "He loves me unconditionally. This journey that Im going through is his as well. I know that what I went through made our bond closer."
During episode two Brandi, who went on to marry Jason in 2009, opened up about his infidelity during a night out with her co-stars Draya Michele and Malaysia Pargo. Her comment about [cheating] being a part of "the lifestyle" raised questions about her marriage, however she has since clarified her statement.
"My husband never cheated on me in my marriage ... I think people kind of took it the wrong way [on the show]," she explained.
"I feel like it doesnt matter if your guy is a professional athlete or takes trash out for a living or is a CEO of a company ... It doesnt matter what your husband does, a guy is going to cheat no matter what," she said. "I Just wanted [Draya] to know that these are one of the of the issues that come with you dating a professional athlete."
Today Brandi and Jason are happy and stronger than ever and they are currently planning baby no. 2. In 2011 the couple were blessed with a baby boy, Jason II, after having once been uncertain about Brandi's ability to conceive due to illness.
The Midway Salon Suites business owner credits her family for supporting her throughout her battle with cancer and says the disease ultimately led her back to her faith.
"I kind of lost track and I found my way back. Through the whole cancer situation I came back [it reinforced] my morals and faith in God," she said. "For me and Jason as a married couple it's important that we pray together everyday, every night [and] every morning and before he goes to his games. That's important to us."
The couple also makes sure to donate 10 percent of all income to the church as a way to give back because as Brandi says, "He's first and foremost in my life."
While Brandi prides herself on having a close-knit family, her social circle remains divided on "BBWLA." Viewers saw the reality star instantly clash with Williams and fellow newcomer Sundy Carter upon meeting on the show. It appears that there is little hope for potential friendships down the line.
"I don't know, I guess I rubbed Brittish the wrong way," Brandi said of why she believes she clashed with Williams and Carter.
"Still to this day I'm not friends with neither one of them...too much has been said and done," she added.
"Basketball Wives LA" airs Mondays at 8/7C on VH1
For more information on Brandi follow her on Twitter here
