The Real Housewives of Dallas alum D'Andra Simmons has been diagnosed with breast cancer. "Today is the day! I didn't think I would be the recipient of care at the UTSW Simmons Cancer Center my uncle Harold Simmons and his Foundation established almost 30 years ago, but now I have breast cancer," Simmons, 56, captioned an Instagram post on Tuesday, July 29. "I am truly grateful to have such an excellent care team in place. I'm the 3rd woman on my mother's side of the family to be diagnosed with breast cancer ... that we know about." Before revealing she underwent three separate surgeries on Tuesday, Simmons told fans that she would add "breast cancer survivor to a long list of life experiences" in her life. "I look forward to telling my story to inspire others in the future," Simmons concluded. "Thank you to everyone that has sent prayers and support to my family and me. We appreciate it so very much and love having your support." Former 'Real Housewives of Dallas' Stars: Where Are They Now? Simmons subsequently offered several updates throughout the day. "Today is the day! On the way to the hospital to have my breast cancer surgery. Ready to get phase one over with," Simmons captioned an Instagram Story image on Tuesday. Her next post was a video that came as Simmons was seated in a "private waiting room" ahead of the first procedure - seed localization. View this post on Instagram A post shared by D'Andra Simmons (@dandrasimmons) "They go in there and they put a marker in my breast where the tumor is. That way, when the surgeon goes in, they'll know exactly where to take the tumor out," Simmons said, noting that the "second procedure" will "light up the lymph nodes so the surgeon knows which ones to take out." She completed a total of three procedures on Tuesday. Another Instagram Story video revealed that Simmons had her mom, Dee Simmons, by her side ahead of the second procedure. Stars Who Beat Breast Cancer: Linda Evangelista, Cynthia Nixon and More "Were finding your sentinel lymph nodes," a medical professional could be heard saying in the background. Simmons added, "The next phase is the surgery. Told you it's gonna be, kind of, a long day." Simmons' final Instagram post was a photo as she got ready for surgery - and she appeared to be in high spirits. "Almost ready to get this surgery started!" she wrote. "At least my good friend @debbfarrmd is doing my surgery today!" Simmons was a main cast member on RHOD from the show's second season, which aired in 2017, until the Bravo series ended following season 5 in 2021.