Tarek El Moussa Shares Before and After Photos After Beating Cancer Twice: ‘I Was Lucky’

He’s reflecting. Tarek El Moussa shared some before and after photos after beating cancer — twice — via Instagram on June 2. “The word ‘cancer’ is one of the scariest words a person can hear,” Tarek, 37, wrote. “It is a disease that not only affects the person that’s fighting for their life but also the friends and family members crying by their side. Today is National Cancer Survivor day. I was lucky enough to have overcome two different cancers in recent years … not everyone has been as lucky.”

The Flip or Flop star continued, “I was one of the lucky ones and I think about that every day … literally every day. I also think about my good friend and Flip or Flop contractor Frank Miller who recently lost his battle with cancer. I want to send my love to all that have beaten this disease and to those who are currently in battle. Keep up the good fight and know as human beings whether we know you or not we are by your side.❤️❤️❤️ We are rooting for you!”

Back in September 2017, the reality TV star took to Instagram to share one of the same throwback photos of himself as he was battling cancer. He wrote at the time, “NOT embarrassed to share!!! This was one of the absolute lowest points of my life!! After beating cancer twice I had a horrific back injury. Over the course of 10 months, I lost 50 pounds from all the pain meds which prevented me from wanting to eat and I was nauseous all the time. I remember those days … in this photo, I’m pale white …. eyes are black … and I was 169 pounds!! My clothing didn’t fit and it looks like I’m wearing drapes! This photo is a reminder that anything is possible with hope. While I went through this it was the first time in my life I wanted to quit! Thank god I didn’t … or I wouldn’t be standing tall today!! Reminder everyone, anything is possible! You just have to believe!”

As for the post from June, a lot of Tarek’s fans really appreciated his message he shared. “You remind me to live [life] to the fullest and never take life for granted,” one person wrote. Another fan commented, “We’re all glad you are one of the lucky ones.” Agreed.