Living Life After Treatment
- Robin Roberts, 61, and her 47-year-old partner are vacationing in Capri, Italy, just weeks after Amber Laign completed radiation treatment for her breast cancer.
- The couple has been together through many highs and lows over their relationshipincluding each of their battles with breast cancer. Roberts received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2007 after finding a lump while, ironically, preparing a news segment on performing self-checks.
- It's important to celebrate life's important milestones, especially when completing phases of cancer treatment. If you are unable to take a dreamy getaway in a foreign country, book something local in town or toast with an intimate group of loved ones out at a special dinner. You deserve it!
Certainly, the inspirational ‘Good Morning America’ host and breast cancer survivor Robin Roberts is living out her dream in Italy right now, and, for some of us, the Instagram footage of Capri’s famous Blue Grotto, gorgeous panoramic views and mouth-watering food provides a glimpse into how life could be after treatment.
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“So breathtaking I could watch this all day. Peaceful and relaxing,” wrote another. Roberts and Laign’s vacation sparked praise from fans, with a third Instagram user commenting, “Enjoy every second!!! And oh my goodness EAT ALL THE FOOD!! ALL OF IT!! Seriously, how is the food just so incredible? I miss Italy.”
Robin Roberts and Amber Laign Battle Breast Cancer
Laign and Roberts have remained partners for 17 years. And over the course of their relationship, they've had to support each other during many highs and lows including each of their breast cancer battles.
Roberts, a two-time cancer survivor, 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.
In addition to breast cancer, which she fought through early detection and surgery, Roberts had MDS, known as myelodysplastic syndromea rare type of blood cancer where abnormal cells form in the body's bone marrow. She ultimately underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant.
Meanwhile, although Laign has completed chemotherapy and radiation, it remains unclear what further treatment she may need.
Roberts, the author of Brighter By The Day, recently celebrated 20 years with 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," Roberts 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."
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Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a common cancer that has been the subject of much research. Many women develop breast cancer every year, but men can develop this cancer too though it is more rare, in part, due to the simple fact that they have less breast tissue.
Screening for breast cancer is typically done via mammogram, which looks for lumps in the breast tissue and signs of cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) says women should begin yearly mammogram screening for breast cancer at age 45 if they are at average risk for breast cancer. The ACS also says those aged 40-44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year, and women age 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms.
It's also important to be on top of self breast exams. If you ever feel a lump in your breast, you should be vigilant and speak with your doctor right away. Voicing your concerns as soon as you have them can lead to earlier cancer detection which, in turn, can lead to better outcomes.
The Resilience of Cancer Warriors
Although cancer is a major challenge, there is no shortage of stories showing the resiliency of humans facing daunting circumstances and persevering.
Danielle Ripley-Burgess, a two-time colon cancer survivor, is another resilient cancer survivor like Roberts and Laign. She was first diagnosed with colon cancer in high school and proceeded to beat the disease not once, but twice.
Understandably so, Ripley-Burgess has had to work through a lot of complex emotions that came with her cancer journey. Even still, she's always managed to look at life with a positive attitude.
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"As I've worked through the complex emotions of cancer, I've uncovered some beautiful things: Wisdom. Love. Life purpose. Priorities," she previously told SurvivorNet. "I carry a very real sense that life is short, and I'm grateful to be living it! This has made me optimistic. Optimism doesn't mean that fear, pain and division don't exist they do. Our world is full of negativity, judgment, and hate. Optimism means that I believe there's always good to be found despite the bad, and this is what my life is centered around."
After going through something as difficult as cancer, Ripley-Burgess now goes through life with a sense of purpose. Happily in remission today, she's determined to, one day, leave the world better than she found it.
"We can choose to stay positive, treat others with respect and look for the light in spite of the darkness," she said. "This type of attitude and behavior will lead to the kind of legacies I believe all of us hope to leave."
Contributing: Abigail Seaberg
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