Peggy Sulahian recently underwent a preventative double mastectomy and breast reconstructive surgery and during a new inteview with The Orange County Register, the Real Housewives of Orange County star explained her decision to do so.

According to Sulahian, she was diagnosed with cancer after doctors discovered a lump in her breast. However, she remained coy about the ordeal because she was dealing with the passing of her father at the time.

“I was in denial, and I don’t want to sit there crying, because it hasn’t hit me yet, because I was still dealing with my dad’s death. So it’s been a mess. I was on medication. I was in pain; my face color is different, my tone is different,” Sulahian explained, according to a report by The Daily Dish. “You can hear me stutter, because my breasts were hurting so bad… they were expanding it and that pressure, it feels like metal in there, and I was just not a happy person.”

Although Sulahian's BRACA tests were negative, she told readers of her blog that she chose to move forward with the double mastectomy to prevent a cancerous growth from spreading.

"I was in denial the entire time from the beginning and was very difficult for me to accept it. Having the women interrogate me tremendously hurt me because those times were when I had to accept it and realize what I had gone through," Sulahian wrote. "It completely broke my heart, I have never been asked if I had CANCER and the abrupt question made me feel uncomfortable, especially when it became the main topic of conversation. I thank Tamra Judge though for being kind and thoughtful. So YES, once again I had CANCER!!"

Also in the blog, Sulahian revealed that her mother died from breast cancer at the age of 51.

"Breast cancer has haunted me most of my adult life. I hate the word and the disease. Personally, I have pushed it out of my mind and accepting the fact that I had cancer is surreal. My biggest fears had come to life. Not only had it taken my mother from me, but it loomed in the back of my mind," she revealed. "If I am confusing to all the ladies, it is because I don’t want to speak of my cancer, but I’ve realized it connects to viewers and their stories."

Tags: peggy sulahian Bravo Reality TV The Real Housewives of Orange County