Beloved Hallmark actress and director Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe is out of the hospital and recovering after undergoing a double mastectomy. On February 21, 2026, Lowe provided her first post-surgery update in a video shared via Instagram.
Sitting upright in bed with her button-down pajamas revealing her post-surgical compression garment and bandages, Lowe wrote in her caption, “I’m healing and out of surgery. I’m so grateful for all of your love and support. My expanders are in and I’ll know how everything is looking soon. I’m praying that we got it all. My expanders are over the muscle which I was hoping for. I’m still pretty out of it but I’ll let you know how it’s going asap”
Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe Says Her Surgeon Removed Five Lymph Nodes for Testing
Lowe, who underwent four months of chemo after revealing her stage three breast cancer diagnosis in October 2025, had surgery on the morning of February 19. The day before her surgery, she told fans on social media that she was feeling a mix of emotions, but looking forward to knowing the tumor in her right breast had been removed.
“Hi guys, I just wanted everyone to know I’m safe, the surgery went well; as far as I know we got it out,” the “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” star said softly in her new video. ”
Lowe noted that they removed five lymph nodes, including one that was “definitely infected,” and that she’ll know more “when I get the report back.” She said she’d be talking to her surgeon “in a couple days.”
It’s very common for surgeons to perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy during a mastectomy, according to Mayo Clinic, because when breast cancer spreads, it typically starts in the underarm lymph nodes. Found using a “radioactive tracer and dye,” the removed nodes are tested for cancer to determine if additional treatment is necessary.
Surgery Lasted Six Hours & Left Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe Feeling ‘So Nauseous’
Lowe acknowledged in her video, “I definitely still feel out of it. I’m not, like — I still have the drugs, I think, from the hospital.”
The “Shifting Gears” director also revealed that she felt “so nauseous” when she came out of anesthesia following her six-hour surgery, telling her followers, “That was probably the worst part for me so far.”
“Also, my elbows are really hurting, but I think it’s probably because my body was in a position for, like, six hours,” she said. “Otherwise, I’m healing. Thank you, guys.”
During her mastectomy, Lowe had expanders placed inside her chest to prepare for her reconstruction surgery. According to Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center, surgeons slowly expand the temporary implants with liquid over the course of six to eight weeks, stretching the skin to prepare for a permanent implant. Lowe has also previously shared that her team has determined she’ll need radiation, as well.
Famous Friends & Fans Have Flooded Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe With Love
GettyFans and friends have flooded Lowe’s comment section with love and well-wishes, including her Hallmark bestie Kristin Booth, who wrote, “You are beautiful!!”
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” creator Martha Williamson chimed in, “How can a woman who’s been through all THAT look so amazing? I’m running out of synonyms for ‘inspiring.’ Now sleep, dear girl. We love you”
“Hannah Swensen Mysteries” star Alison Sweeney called Lowe a “powerhouse,” Holly Robinson Peete left five red heart emoji in her comments, and Tamera Mowry-Housley wrote, “Love you 😍”
Heather Hemmens commented on Lowe’s post, “Great news 🙏🏽💕💜🫶🏽”
Recovery typically takes four to eight weeks for a double mastectomy, per Mayo Clinic. Lowe likely has at least one Jackson-Pratt drain placed on each side of her torso, which have to be monitored and drained multiple times a day for several weeks, according to MKSCC.
Healing 🙏🙏🙏 Prayers Crystal 🙏🙏🙏
MY GOD SHINE HIS LIGHT ON YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE
Here’s prayers for an all-clear report this coming week. You did it Crystal – you are a trouper.
Crystal – praying for clear margins and a speedy recovery. As someone who has had this surgery, I know the expander can feel “tight” but you’ll get used to them quickly. Once the implants are in, you’ll feel much more comfortable. Get rest, drink water, and don’t push yourself. Sending you lots of healing vibes.
I love you! I am so glad to hear that you doing well, since my birthday wish true. please still remember that no matter what I will continue to pray for you. Hang in there, you go girl !