Former Real Housewives of New Jersey Star Amber Marchese Opens Up About Her Lyme Disease Diagnosis

Reality star also continues to get treatment for breast cancer

Amber Marchese is ready to tackle her latest health obstacle.

As the Real Housewives of New Jersey alumna continues to receive treatment for breast cancer, E! News can confirm that the reality star was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease.

"I'm newly diagnosed so I am just now doing a lot of research on Lyme," she shared with E! News. "It's rather confusing right now for me to understand if what I am feeling is from breast cancer treatments, Lyme, sore from the gym, or simple aches and pains from pushing 40."

The proud mom added, "People have been reaching out and sharing their stories with me and what I do know is this is definitely an area that needs more research."

Feeling sexy in this number. I love to see my gains from hard work at the gym. I have been sculpting my legs for a very long time, increasing leg day to 3 to 4 times a week. Always hitting at least one leg/glute muscle at each session. dispelling that a muscle group can only be worked out once a week. I see a huge difference and very proud. I still get treatment for #breastcancer every three weeks. Plus, just got a diagnosis for #lymedisease. I won't be defined by these things. I will not succumb to any of it. Can't stop, won't stop. #whatsyourexcuse #health #weighttraining #weightloss #rawfooddiet #spartan #strongwomen #motivated #motuvation #sexy #women

A photo posted by Amber Corbino-Marchese (@amber_marchese_rhonj_season6) on Jun 20, 2016 at 1:06pm PDT

Fans first learned of the news when Amber revealed her diagnosis in an Instagram shared earlier in the week. Soon after the post was made public, Amber was overwhelmed with well wishes from friends and strangers.

"I honestly did not realize it would even get noticed when I posted that I was diagnosed," she confessed. "It told me that, unfortunately, this disease affects many. It has also shown me how much kindness there is in the world still."

While Amber has yet to reach out to Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Hadid, she has "nothing but respect" for her journey with the same disease. She added that her days are now consisting of research and meeting with professionals including an Infectious Disease Doctor.

As to how she got the disease, Amber is still unsure. She did admit, however, that she "was not entirely shocked living in the North East, in wooded area, with three dogs."

"I know I will be just fine," she told E! News. "I am a little nervous about it all, but I am trying to remain physically and mentally strong and positive."

(E! and Bravo are part of the NBCUniversal family)