A Loving Partner
GMA host Robin Roberts has been fortunate to have a loving partner and caregiver by her side as she went through two different types of cancer, and survived both. Robin, 44, discovered CBD-infused essential oils while looking for a way to help Roberts manage her symptoms during the time of her bone marrow transplant, according to the wellness entrepreneur’s company website. (CBD is derived from the hemp plant and is widely used as an anti-inflammatory, though it’s always best to check with your doctor before trying any new products.) Caregiver Justine Alemada tells SurvivorNet that although the job is difficult and affects the whole family, caregivers should be very proud of what they are doing.To ease the effects of Roberts’ cancer, Laign turned to Mother Nature, developing a line of CBD-infused essential oils.
Read MoreRelated: Actor Kristen Bell Honors Cancer Caregivers: 'I Know What it's Like to Lose Someone'
Roberts mentioned her “sweet Amber” in her morning prayer Tuesday on Instagram.
“You may go through seasons when you’re out of balance,” she says. “You have a disappointment. A loss. Someone does you wrong, but God is going to settle your case. He has seen every tear that you have shed. He has seen every injustice, every dark place. You’re not going to end up lonely, disappointed, or at a disadvantage, that is all temporary.”
Roberts has been vocal about using her faith to heal through life’s ailments, and leads a frequent prayer message with her GMA “Glam Fam” from her dressing room. “Compensation is coming,” she says optimistically, reminding her listeners this morning that “promotion is coming, vindication is coming, feeling is coming, blessing is coming.” Roberts then gives a warm shout-out to the wellness entrepreneur at the end of her message.
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Roberts and Laign met through mutual friends on a blind date in 2005, as Roberts shared with TV host Ellen DeGeneres on The Ellen Show.
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A Message for Caregivers
When acting as prime caregiver to someone going through cancer, the feelings the caregiver experiences can be just as intense as the person dealing firsthand with the disease. It can be very grueling and tiring, considering the patient may be suffering from many different physical and/or emotional symptoms. To be there for someone and to be strong when you may be scared or sad takes so much energy … putting on that “brave” face.
But overall, the reward is that you should be very proud of the important role in your loved one’s life. It is a selfless act that sometimes requires temporarily giving up on part of your own life or your own dreams as you put yourself there for someone else. It’s important to take care of yourself and take time for yourself. Other family members or friends can rotate stepping in while you take a much-needed breather.
Justine Almada, caregiver and co-founder of the Anal Cancer Foundation, has a special message for the caregivers out there. “What I’d like to say, from one caregiver to another, is you are fucking awesome,” Almada tells SurvivorNet. “It’s really difficult and also really wonderful at the same time, because you know you’re giving your loved one the best chance they have. And I hope that you’re really proud of what you’re doing every day.”
‘Be Proud Of What You're Doing’ Justine Almada's Ode to Cancer Caregivers
A Secondary Cancer
There is sometimes a risk in developing a secondary cancer after going through intense cancer treatment like Robin Roberts did with her breast cancer. Most people do not wind up with another cancer, but it is important to be aware of the possibility.
"In general, having a blood cancer means that your bone marrow is not functioning correctly,” Dr. Nina Shah of the UCSF Medical Center tells SurvivorNet. "And when your bone marrow doesn't function correctly, it means you can have something happen to you like anemia, or you could have low platelets, which makes it possible for you to bleed easily, or your immune system is not functioning correctly and you can have infections that most people won't have." Getting in for your regular follow-ups and blood tests can help you stay ahead of a possible secondary cancer.
What is a Blood Cancer How is it Different?
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