Wanda Sykes

Credit: Peter Yang

Wanda Sykes: I Feel Whole Again

Originally posted 10/27/2011 02:20PM

Wanda Sykes says it didn't take her long to decide to have both breasts removed.

"I just wanted the best odds," the comedian, 47, tells PEOPLE in this week's issue. "I made my decision because I love life."

Sykes was diagnosed with DCIS [ductal carcinoma in situ], a noninvasive type of breast cancer, after having a breast reduction in February. "My first thought was, 'Really? Me, breast cancer?' I just couldn't believe it," she says. "But I knew this was doable."

The comedian underwent a bilateral mastectomy in August, and spent the next month healing at home with her wife, Alex. "I was miserable. Every day I had to change the bandages and look at it, and it was not pretty at all," says Sykes. "I just wanted my life back."

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Filed Under: Health, Wanda Sykes

Credit: Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.

UpdatePosted 09/23/2011 12:00PM

Wanda Sykes: I Had a Double Mastectomy

Originally posted 09/23/2011 07:30AM

Wanda Sykes being outrageous – that's expected. But for the actress-comedian to be serious? That's rare. Even when the issue is personal.

In this case, it was also health-related, when she admitted for the first time, to Ellen DeGeneres during an interview to air Monday on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, that earlier this year she had breast cancer and then elected to have a mastectomy.

"I had breast cancer," says Sykes, 47. "Yeah, I know it's scary."

The cancer was found after she had undergone what was essentially a cosmetic procedure, to have a breast reduction.

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Filed Under: Health, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen DeGeneres, Wanda Sykes

Credit: Bauer-Griffin; CBS/Landov; AFP/Getty; AP

POLL: Who Should Host Next Year's Oscars?

Originally posted 10/27/2009 12:55PM

The first shot of next year's awards season was fired Monday, with the welcome announcement that British raconteur Ricky Gervais will be hosting the Jan. 17 Golden Globe Awards ceremony. The appointment has even prompted an opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times, declaring that this could potentially take a lot of the glimmer off the Oscars.

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Filed Under: Academy Awards, Oscars 2010, Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, Ricky Gervais, Russell Brand, Wanda Sykes

Credit: Cliff Lipson/CBS/Landov

Babies

Wanda Sykes Becomes Mom of Twins!

Originally posted 05/13/2009 05:15PM

Wanda Sykes and her wife, Alex, welcomed twins on April 27, her rep tells PEOPLE exclusively.

Daughter Olivia Lou weighed in at 6 lbs., 7 oz., and was 19-inches long. Son Lucas Claude debuted at 7 lbs., 9 oz., and was 20-inches long. The comedian's wife gave birth to the babies.

"All are happy and healthy and at home," says Sykes's rep Danica Smith.

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Filed Under: Wanda Sykes

Credit: Cliff Lipson/CBS/Landov

Wanda Sykes Proclaims, 'I'm Proud to Be Gay'

Originally posted 11/17/2008 10:30AM

Wanda Sykes came out against Proposition 8 – and came out of the closet, as well.

"I'm proud to be a black woman, and I'm proud to be gay," the comedian, 44, said at a Las Vegas rally on Saturday. (To view a clip of Syke's announcement, click here).

The Vegas event was just one of dozens across the country protesting the passage of California's Proposition 8, which took away the right of same-sex couples to marry. Sykes said she thought the marriage ban made Election Day bittersweet.