Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is opening up about one of the most difficult moments of her life.
Several months after revealing she would undergo a hysterectomy following her stage one cervical cancer diagnosis, the Jersey Shore star shared an emotional video documenting her surgery and recovery, admitting she was overwhelmed with fear before going into the operating room.
Snooki Says She Was ‘Terrified’ Before Surgery
In a heartfelt video posted to TikTok on July 31 and later shared on Instagram, the 38-year-old reflected on the emotional moments leading up to her operation.
“Right when I go in, it’s just like, ‘Oh my god, it hit me, like holy s--t. I’m going under surgery,’” Snooki recalled. “‘I’m losing my uterus and my cervix, fallopian tubes, half my vagina, like holy s--t.’”
The reality TV star became emotional as she described the experience.
“I just start hysterically bawling, I’m so scared,” she continued through tears. “I don’t know what’s gonna happen. I don’t wanna feel pain. It’s very scary.”
Snooki, who shares Lorenzo, 13, Giovanna, 11, and Angelo, 6, with husband Jionni LaValle, documented the hours before the procedure in the eight-minute video.
Anxiety Took Over Before the Operation
The Jersey Shore Family Vacation personality, who first announced her stage one cervical cancer diagnosis in February, said her nerves intensified as she was wheeled into surgery.
“I was starting to get nervous and anxious, getting checked in and stuff, and then they wheel me in where they’re doing the procedure,” she explained. “And I’m like, ‘Stay positive, it’s gonna be fine, don’t freak yourself out.’ My heart’s starting to race, I’m getting anxiety, and I’m getting the shakes.”
Doctors Removed Additional Tissue During Procedure
Snooki revealed that her surgery involved more than a standard hysterectomy.
Along with removing her uterus and cervix, doctors also removed her fallopian tubes and “some parts of my vagina just to make sure we get everything.” However, she said her ovaries were left intact to prevent early menopause.
© GettyThe MTV star also shared that surgeons repaired separated abdominal muscles during the same operation.
“I’ve had three kids,” she explained. “Sometimes your abs, they disconnect. I don't have like a six-pack. You don't see it, but everyone has it. So he ended up putting them back together."
She appeared to be referring to diastasis recti, a condition that commonly occurs during or after pregnancy when the abdominal muscles separate.
Recovery Has Been Painful
Snooki admitted that the healing process has been physically challenging, though she's doing her best to stay positive.
She said she's been able to walk a little, but noted that "it hurt so bad," adding that she's still learning how to cope with the pain following surgery.
© Dimitrios KambourisDespite the difficult recovery, she said she wants to continue sharing her experience in hopes of helping other women facing similar health challenges.
Encouraging Women to Prioritize Their Health
While looking ahead to recovery, Snooki said she's hopeful the surgery will leave her cancer-free and allow her to move forward with peace of mind.
“I don’t have to take birth control anymore. Hopefully, I’ll be cancer free,” she said. “I love you. Thanks for being here. And get your Pap smears, OK?”
Her emotional message served as both an update for fans and a reminder about the importance of routine cervical cancer screenings.
