Pushing Forward Through Cancer
- GMA host Robin Roberts, 61, has been juggling a lot lately, especially as she has stepped into caregiver mode for her longtime love going, Amber Laign, 46, who is going through breast cancer.
- Roberts, also a breast cancer survivor, has made it her lifelong mission to motivate others and is evidently doing her best to keep it all together; The host posted a motivational message in her “Thankful Thursday” Instagram series, which shares various messages of gratitude.
- Despite life’s hurdles, it’s important to not lose your sense of self and make sure to get back to doing the things you love to dono matter what you’re going through.
Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, 61, has been going through a lot with her partner Amber Laign, 46, currently going through breast cancer treatment. Roberts, a survivor herself, has been juggling a book tour on top of her typical news grind, and her new role as caregiver for her longtime love. But her around-the-clock schedule hasn’t stopped her from spreading the love online, as she is known to do via video interviews from her dressing room.
Read MoreRoberts addressed the topic of people making mistakes in their past and points out that your past does not have to define your future. “You don’t have to go carrying that around with you,” she reminded her followers. “All you have to do is ask for forgiveness. You don’t have to carry around your mistakes any longer.” Additionally, the religious host urged her viewers to let the Lord “refresh and restore your soul,” and addressed her “Sweet Amber,” who was not present.
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Amber & Robin’s Breast Cancer Battles
Roberts' partner Amber, was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2021, and Roberts shared the news on social media in February 2022. She said the prognosis was "good." "It's my turn now to be there for her as she was there for me [through my cancer battle]," the broadcaster said. Amber, who she has been with for 17 years, had surgery and chemotherapy as part of her cancer treatment.
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In 2007, Robin was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she went through her cancer battle publicly, raising awareness around the disease in the process. The GMA host also had to have a bone marrow transplant to treat her MDS, which is a rare type of blood cancer.
Roberts discovered her cancer while at work. 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. She treated her cancer with surgery. Breast cancer can also be treated with radiation and chemotherapy.
Monitoring After Treatment for Breast Cancer
What to Expect After Breast Cancer Treatment
After completing treatment, patients with early-stage breast cancer will need to maintain regular visits to their doctors. Most early-stage, non-metastatic breast cancer patients are cured of their disease and it never comes back. Unfortunately for others, breast cancer can come back years, and even decades later. However, practicing mindfulness like Roberts can keep those negative thoughts at bay. It’s important to not lose your sense of self in the process and getting back to doing the things you love to do, no matter what you’re going through.
What Still Brings You Joy? Your Emotional Health is So Important
As far as what to expect after treatment, patients can expect to see their doctors every three to four months in the years following. There are a number of different doctors who may do the follow-up care. It could be a medical oncologist, a surgeon, or a primary care physician. If a woman still has her breasts, routine breast imaging will be part of her follow up care.
It's also important to remember that most aches and pains are just that. They're part of normal life. Oncologists worry more about symptoms that don't go away, such as a pain that lasts for weeks and gets worse, or a cough that doesn't improve with time.
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