Updated October 29th, 2020

‘He’s the Reason I’m Alive:’ Howard Stern Show’s Robin Quivers Says Stern Was Most Dedicated Caregiver During Her Cancer Battle

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The Perfect Caregiver

After radio host Robin Quivers was diagnosed with cancer, she says best friend Howard Stern made sure she had the best doctors and treatments available.
She had a 12-hour surgery to remove tumors on her organs, and while recovering, Stern brought some much needed laughter.
Caretakers play a critical role in someone’s cancer journey, but a supportive environment can be hard to find sometimes.

In 2012, Robin Quivers, 68, known for taming large than life radio personality Howard Stern, 66, got through one of the hardest challenges a person can face. It turns out, Stern was with her every step of the way.

During a 2012 segment on “The Howard Stern Show,” fans noticed that Quivers’ was acting different than previous episodes. What they didn’t know is that she was silently battling stage 3 endometrial cancer a type of uterine cancer. She didn’t share the diagnosis with the public until a few months into treatment, and revealed the prognosis wasn’t looking promising. According to Quivers, the tumor had grown in size and attached itself to a number of vital organs, and she had to go through a 12-hour surgery to try to remove all of the cancer.

Quivers only shared updates about her surgery with close friends and family, which included Stern. He was so distraught over his friend’s condition that he even pledged he would cancel the show if Quivers passed away. Fortunately, that didn’t need to happen. Her procedure was successful, and afterward she went through chemotherapy and a ileostomy (surgery that makes a temporary or permanent opening in the small intestine). Three months later she was declared in remission.

Dr. Diana English breaks down the risks and symptoms of uterine cancer

In 2013, a year after Quivers was declared in remission, she spoke to Stern’s wife Beth about her cancer journey and the overwhelming support Stern gave her. While navigating the right treatment plan, Quivers says Stern took on the role of connecting her with the very best doctors and treatment options available in the country. He also checked in with her during every appointment, and provided some much-needed laughter and light during this difficult time in her life.

“I think [Howard] was more concerned for me than I was concerned for myself,” Quivers said. “I would wish everyone in the world a friend like Howard,” Robin said. “Because you couldn’t be more loved and more supported. And he’s done that for me my entire life since I’ve known him… He’s the reason I’m alive.”

Support Makes a Difference

Studies prove that people who are able to stay positive and uplifted during treatment have better outcomes. That’s why a supportive environment, and dedicated caregiver, can sometimes make or break someone’s cancer journey. Caretakers don’t need to be professional helpers or family members, sometimes close friends can be just as there for you.

Justine Almanda took on the role as a cancer caretaker when her mother, Paulette, was diagnosed with anal cancer. She and her siblings watched Paulette battle through grueling treatment, and stood by her side every step of the way. Even though the experience was understandably difficult, it taught she and her family about how valuable caregivers are.

“What I’d like to say, from one caregiver to another, is you are fucking awesome,” Justine 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.”

Justine Almada encourages cancer caregivers to be proud of what they’re doing

Support Can Be Hard To Find

Unfortunately, a strong support system isn’t guaranteed for everyone facing cancer. In a 2019 survey from All.Can, 34% of cancer patients revealed they didn’t receive the support they needed during their treatment process. Additionally, over 40% said that they did not receive information about resources such as support groups, charities, or organizations that could guide them.

Another problem is the friends people considered supportive may disappear after a diagnosis. This is called “cancer ghosting,” which is the process of cutting ties with someone suddenly and with no explanation. The issue is especially relevant in the cancer community, as an informal survey conducted by War on Cancer found that 65% of cancer survivors say someone close to them pulled away after they were diagnosed.

This was a lesson that breast cancer survivor Amy Grantham learned first-hand. She says cancer can be a great way of revealing who is really there for you and who really isn’t, and for that she’s grateful. “It really shows you who your true blue friends are that are around you, and who the bullshitters are,” Amy tells SurvivorNet. “Nobody’s got time for that when you have cancer and you’re going through treatment. Yeah, get them out. You just need people that support you and love you.”

Breast cancer survivor Amy Grantham says cancer can separate real friends from fake ones

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