Today (May 31) isn’t just another birthday for Monyetta Shaw-Carter — it’s a full-on rebirth. After battling stage 1 breast cancer, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star’s special day hits different.
She is turning 45 and celebrating with purpose, power, and a whole lot of pink.
Monyetta Shaw Carter announces her breast cancer diagnosis just before her 45th birthday
“I caught the cancer early, and because of that, I will be here for my kids,” she told People. “There’s nothing more important than getting checked often and early to protect your future. Our health is irreplaceable.”
Her diagnosis came after she felt an unusual sensation in her left breast last September. She didn’t find a lump but told People she had a strange feeling that something was off. She listened. And that instinct saved her life.
“It was literally like my body was alerting me that something was wrong,” Monyetta said. “It’s so important for me to share this story because I hope to inspire others not to dismiss their gut feeling. Our body speaks to us, and when it does, we have to listen. It can be a matter of life or death.”
One month after that self-check, a mammogram confirmed she had stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. She underwent a lumpectomy in January and completed 16 rounds of radiation by May 2.
Now, weeks later, she’s bringing her loved ones together for a joyful, pink-powered birthday bash. Her party honors life, resilience, and sisterhood.
Monyetta Shaw Carter credits family for support during breast cancer battle, also shouts out RHOA stars and ex-fiance NE-YO for being there
Monyetta credits her husband, Heath Carter, for being her rock through it all. She also had the support of her ex-fiancé, singer NE-YO, with whom she shares two children.
“NE-YO was just showing up for me in a major way and just always asking and making sure everything was okay,” she recalled in a recent interview. “He was like, ‘Oh, you’re gonna beat this.’”
Her RHOA circle also showed up with love. Kandi Burruss, Cynthia Bailey, Porsha Williams, Shamea Morton, and Shereé Whitfield all supported.
For Monyetta Shaw-Carter, breast cancer is real but not unbeatable. So why not celebrate? As the founder of Keep It Classy Nails, a mother of four, and a businesswoman, she wants Black women everywhere to trust their instincts, take care of themselves, and live on their own terms.
“I’m stepping into this new chapter with deeper gratitude, unstoppable faith, and a whole new glow,” she wrote on Instagram. “This birthday is more than candles and cake…it’s a celebration of life, a reflection of pain & purpose, of healing, and God’s grace. I’ve faced one of the biggest battles of my life… and I WON!!!”