Keeping Spirits High During A Cancer Journey
- Robin Roberts, who previously battled breast cancer herself, has been supporting her partner, Amber Laign, during her own breast cancer journey. Thankfully, Laign finished her radiation treatments last month.
- Throughout Laign’s cancer journey, Roberts has stayed steadfast in her commitment to prayer and positivity. Hopefully, her uplifting perspective on life has only helped Laign through the recent challenges she’s faced.
- Breast cancer is a common cancer that has been the subject of much research, so there are many treatment options out there. Mammograms, a standard screening procedure for breast cancer, and self breast exams can save lives.
Roberts has been with her partner, Amber Laign, 47, for a lot of highs and lows. Most recently, she’s filled the role of Laign’s caregiver as she, too, faces her own battle with breast cancer.
Read More“As we go through difficulties it’s easy to live worried and stressed,” she said in a video taken in her dressing room. “The circumstances may look overwhelming and frightening. In the noise and chaos, it can be difficult to hear these words: Be still and know that I am God.”View this post on Instagram
She then went on to explain her belief that facing hard times means you’re “in the middle of a miracle.” A miracle that, for Roberts, is unfolding at the hands of God.
“Right now, forces of darkness are bent on destroying you they are being pushed back,” she said. “Today’s opposition may be bigger than anything you’ve ever faced, but it’s not a surprise to God.
“If you’re not seeing the victory yet, don’t panic you are in the middle. Healing is coming. Breakthroughs are coming. Restoration is coming.”
She ended her morning pep talk with a simple, but poignant prayer.
“Father, thank you. Thank you that no matter what the circumstances are around us, we can be still and know that you are God right at this very moment,” she said. “Thank you that if we are in the middle right now, you will bring us through.
“We believe and declare that we are going to triumph. In Jesus name, Amen.”
As she always does, the beloved anchor concluded her prayer by pressing a button that lets out a sound of someone's voice presumably Laign's.
"Right, sweet Amber," she said before pressing the button. “You go out there, and you have yourself a blessed day and be a blessing.”
Robin Roberts and Amber Laign Battle Breast Cancer
Roberts and her partner, Laign, have been together through many highs and lows over their 17-year relationship including each of their battles with 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.
The Unique Features of Breast Cancer: Deciding the Right Course of Treatment
Roberts received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2007. Ironically, she was diagnosed after finding a lump in her breast during her preparation for a news segment on performing self-checks.
As Roberts knows all too well, it's very 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.
Additionally, it's important to note that 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.
Thankfully, Roberts was declared cancer-free after surgery. But Roberts shared that Laign had to face breast cancer as well in February. Since her partner's diagnosis, Roberts has been doing everything she can to support her partner throughout her cancer journey.
When Should I Get a Mammogram?
"I didn't realize how much I had blocked out during my journey, and it was because of sweet Amberbecause she protected me and navigated for me," Roberts said in a previous interview with Ellen Degeneres. "So, I'm doing the same thing for her."
And though she's "had some complications with the chemotherapy" and "challenging" weeks to work through, Laign has since triumphantly completed her radiation treatments. In a post from July, Roberts shared the exciting news with fans.
View this post on Instagram
"Sweet Amber completing radiation, a very important phase of her treatment!," Roberts wrote under a video of Laign ringing a bell to signify the end of radiation. "We both thank you for all your well wishes and prayers. Proud of her and all fellow Thrivers for your grit and grace during a challenging time. This is indeed my #mondaymotivation."
Perspective after Cancer
It's apparent through her prayers and messages to fans that Roberts has a positive outlook on life. And not to say that this outlook is a product of cancer, but it is worth noting that many cancer survivors tend to say that their cancer journeys truly put life into perspective.
For breast cancer survivor Fernanda Savino, her experience with the disease forced her to slow down and gave her a whole new appreciation for her body and loved ones.
"I'm a lawyer, and I used to be such a workaholic," Fernanda previously told SurvivorNet. "I would work for long hours, and I would never make room for doctor appointments or anything like that.
"I started to take care of my health and be more respectful to my body, to me. I started to exercise more."
Like so many others, Fernanda also said she relied on a lot of support from her loved ones something she'll always be grateful for.
"I had all the support … my family, my friends, even the ones that weren't so close, they always were present," she said. "I don't know how I would have gotten through all of this without them."
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