Sandra Lee Smiling, Energized After Surgery Following Breast Cancer Complications

Celebrity chef Sandra Lee smiled and offered a thumbs-up to reporters as she left a New York City hospital Wednesday after undergoing additional surgery to treat complications stemming from the double mastectomy she had in May.

The 49-year-old Food Network star was seen leaving the hospital with boyfriend Gov. Andrew Cuomo. She got into a waiting SUV, and Cuomo told reporters, "The hospital was great. She's anxious to get home. Everything went well, so it's all good." 

Earlier, Lee posed for a photo in her hospital room, and representatives posted on her Facebook page that she "seems to be back to herself -- rearranging flowers on the table, cleaning countertops and organizing seating for her visitors."

The Facebook post said Lee, who had her second surgery Tuesday following her breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year, was concerned about whether the hospital staff had eaten breakfast and placed a call to ensure the cake she created was delivered for her niece's birthday.

 
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Dear Facebook family,Game, set, match!We visited Sandra in the hospital this morning and we're happy to share she...

Posted by Sandra Lee on Wednesday, August 12, 2015

"It was the third and fourth days that were the toughest last time, but she is determined to go home later on today, even if that means 'hosting' a pick line or med line for IV infusions, as she must stay on massive antibiotics for a couple of weeks to fight against infection," the Facebook post said. "What can we say? The girl simply wants to GO HOME!!"

Lee said she tried modern medicine and Eastern and holistic treatments before she and her boyfriend, Gov. Cuomo, opted for the second surgery, "but infection is an incredible monster."

The "Semi-Homemade Cooking" star says tennis is her favorite sport and "it's time for a mean backhand."

Those close to her appear to think that time will come sooner rather than later.

"We're just happy that she's happy - but most importantly, we're happy because we think she's won the match!" the post on her Facebook page said.

Lee was taken to the hospital with fluid buildup Aug. 5 but went home over the weekend before heading back to the hospital for surgery.

Lee revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in May on ABC's "Good Morning America." The cancer was found after a routine mammogram. She said she decided to talk about her illness to encourage other women to get screened.

"If it saves one person, and makes one more person go get a mammogram, and if they're sitting down right now watching this, don't watch this TV," she said during the interview. "Go pick your phone up and call your doctor and get your rear end in there and get a mammogram right now."

Lee also is a cookbook author and magazine publisher. She and Cuomo share a home in Westchester County.

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