Heeding Her Own Advice During Difficult Times
- GMA anchor Robin Roberts, 61, was back at it in her dressing room for her morning message and prayer video Instagram seriesthis time for “Thankful Thursday.”
- Robin reminds us that our life and health can “suddenly” improve and get better, so we have to stay positive during difficult times.
- Robin’s partner Amber Laign, 47, has been battling breast cancer, and is currently back in treatment after some challenges along the way.
- While it is undeniably difficult to be diagnosed with and treated for cancer, the family members and friends who care for cancer patients also face their own set of challenges. Caregivers need to take care of themselves as well!
“I hope you know how much #GlamFam and I truly appreciate hearing what you are most grateful for,” the two-time cancer survivor captioned her “Friday eve” video.
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Members of the “Glam Fam” glam squad shared what they’re most grateful for: the long holiday weekend ahead!
“Based on what you just said, Robin, I realize I don’t have to be perfectI just have to be present and persistent,” one of the women said, playfully warning viewers to not get in trouble this weekend. Robin chimed in saying “You don’t get in trouble,” to her tribe, saying she doesn’t want to get any calls from anyone.
In all seriousness, when Robin speaks of her “suddenly” message, we can’t help but think of what’s largely on her mind these days (especially since she mentioned how health can “suddenly” turn around). Robin’s partner Amber Laign has been battling breast cancer, and is currently back in treatment after some challenges along the way.
The NYC journalist recently took some time off work to be there for her love, as Amber was there for Robin when she battled breast cancer and a secondary blood cancer.
We truly hope that Robin and Amber have their “suddenly,” and they can put this difficult chapter behind them as soon as possible. And that goes for everyone else out there suffering right now!
Robin & Amber's Cancer Battles
Robin Roberts has been open in saying that her faith got her through both of her cancer battles, and now she is continuing to lean on her faith as she helps Amber through her own journey. Amber is a bit more private in her life, but Roberts, as a public figure, has felt compelled to continually raise awareness for what she has been through.
Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 after discovering a lump. Ironically, she made this discovery while prepping for a news segment on performing self-checks, which shows just how important they are to perform at home.
"At first I thought, 'This can't be. I am a young, healthy woman,'" Roberts said, which tends to echo through many women's heads following a diagnosis.
The journalist's early detection was a critical factor in her survival. She treated her breast cancer with surgery, one of several treatment options for this disease, which can also be treated with radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy.
The Brighter By The Day author recently celebrated 20 years with her own show, GMA, and also addressed Amber's battle.
"When you're the patient you know what you're doingby your treatment, you have your doctors, you have people watching over you that are helping you," Robin began, addressing how her own battle was much different than what she is experiencing now. "When you're on the other end as a caregiver, you feel helpless," she admits. "And that's what's been so difficult."
An Important Message for Caregivers
While it is undeniably difficult to be diagnosed with and treated for cancer, the family members and friends who care for cancer patients also face their own set of challenges.
"Caregiving is the most important job in the universe, because you are there through the highs and lows," Julie Bulger, manager of patient and family-centered care at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, TN, tells SurvivorNet. "You are there to support your loved one, to manage all of the daily tasks as everything is changing in your life."
Related: 'A Sacred And Blessed Calling': Managing Life As a Caregiver
Caregiver burnoutthe stress, anger, fatigue, and illness that can come from putting another person's needs ahead of your ownis real. It can sneak up on you if you don't take care of yourself. "It is important to have some things that you can do outside of the focus of caring for somebody that you love with cancer," Bulger says.
She suggests that you take a walk. Get a massage. Visit a support group for cancer caregivers, either online or in person. And see a therapist if you're struggling to cope with all of your new responsibilities. Joining a support group and building your support team is often a very important strategy and can help prevent or reduce the risk of caregiver burnout.
Know that you are doing truly important work, and appreciate yourself for it. "There's so much evidence that outcomes are better when somebody has an incredible caregiver by their side," Bulger says. Research also finds that caregivers who take good care of themselves provide the best quality of care. "So you are helping your loved one in more ways than you know."
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