Breast Cancer Survivor Robin Roberts Encourages People to Focus on Their Dreams & Have Faith; ‘Don’t Talk Yourself Out of Your Dreams’

She writes on Instagram today, “A little later than usual but hopefully on time for you…” And she joyfully says, in her uplifting video: “God calls you what you are before you become it. People call you what you are after it happens. There are promises, goals, and dreams that God has placed in your heart. You didn't come up with them on your own!”

Roberts passionately says, “Those aren't just your desires God put them there…I know, they seem too big, too far out. That's your destiny calling. That's God telling you what you can become. So don't talk yourself out of it God has spoken it. Human nature says, when I see it I'll believe it. Faith says, I'll believe it then I'll see it.”

 

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Robin’s Cancer Journey

In 2007, Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she went through her cancer battle quite publicly, too. In addition to her breast cancer battle, the anchor had to have a bone marrow transplant to treat her MDS, a rare type of blood cancer. Roberts discovered her breast cancer while on the job: She was preparing for a news story about the need for early detection for breast cancer, and she performed a self-check at home. While doing an exam on herself, Roberts discovered a lump.

Related: The Angelina Jolie Effect Important New Research for Women Making Critical Decisions About Breast Cancer

"At first I thought, 'This can't be. I am a young, healthy woman,'" Roberts said after the incident. She treated her breast cancer with surgery, one of several treatment options for this disease. Breast cancer can also be treated with radiation and chemotherapy. As Roberts discovered, early detection is critically important when it comes to saving lives and expanding treatment options as well.

Related: Finally! A Comfortable Bra for Women After Breast Cancer Surgery

When discussing surgical options to treat breast cancer, Dr. Ann Partridge, an oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, says in an earlier interview, "So when I talk to a woman who comes to me and she has breast cancer, I evaluate what the standard options for treatment for her are, which typically include cutting out the cancer which is either a lumpectomy if you can get it all with just a little scooping around of the area that's abnormal or a mastectomy for some women meaning taking the full breast because sometimes these lesions can be very extensive in the breast. And I'll talk to a woman about that and I'll say these are two main options or the big fork in the road."

When Should You Consider a Mastectomy?

Dealing with a Difficult Diagnosis

Coping with a diagnosis like cancer can feel overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. Getting help from a professional is a great way to work through and tackle any anxiety felt.

In an earlier interview, Camila Legaspi shares how therapy helped her when cancer touched her family, and she lost her mom to breast cancer. She says, “Therapy saved my life. I was dealing with some really intense anxiety and depression at that point. It just changed my life, because I was so drained by all the negativity that was going on.”

“Going to a therapist helped me realize that there was still so much out there for me, that I still had my family, that I still had my siblings,” says Legaspi.  The reality is, is when you lose someone, it’s really, really, really hard. And it’s totally OK to talk to someone. And I’m so happy that I talked to my therapist. Keep your chin up, and it’s going to be OK.”

"Therapy Saved My Life": After Losing A Loved One, Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help

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