Behind the Scenes with Robin Roberts

My first experience behind the scenes with Robin Roberts came one week after my mastectomy. Good Morning America did a story about my decision to share my breast cancer journey with the public on Channel 5 and thebostonchannel.com.

It was a strange feeling to be interviewed live on TV and be the subject, not the storyteller. But I felt and still feel that my story could raise awareness and save lives.

Robin made me feel at ease with her intelligent, thoughtful and compassionate questioning. But it was what she did after the interview that I will never forget. In the commercial break, instead of moving on to prepare for the next segment she asked to speak to me off camera. She let me know she would be thinking about me and praying for my recovery.

It was a small gesture but a telling one, and I was deeply touched.

Six months later, I watched stunned as Robin told viewers she too had breast cancer. My heart sank. I knew she had lost her beloved Dad a few years back and recalled how Hurricane Katrina devastated her hometown. Now this.

I should have known Robin would blow us away with her strength, positive attitude and commitment to educating the public about breast cancer. I have followed her journey with admiration and awe.

When we decided to do a week-long series leading up to Stand Up To Cancer, I knew I had to finally meet Robin and tell more of her story. Two weeks ago, I went to GMA’s Times Square studio for an interview.

Robin was honest about the challenges you didn’t necessarily see on TV every day. She reminded me of why we can never lose our sense of humor even under dire circumstances. And she gives so many people hope that they too can confront a similar challenge with grace.

It’s my honor to share with you more of Robin’s story.

 

Supporting survivors

We decided to do an update of Kelley’s story as part of our series leading up to the Stand Up to Cancer telethon. People often ask me how I’m doing, and I’m never quite sure what to say. Obviously there are no guarantees once you finish treatment.

I don’t ever say I’m “cancer free,” instead I tell people I’m optimistic the treatment worked and that I won’t have to worry about this again. If I do, I will deal with it then. Until then, I’m living life and enjoying my family.

Here’s what I know: My life is 100 percent better a year after treatment. I feel free and happy. I’m grateful to be away from the hospital environment and the rigors of my treatment.

I do worry sometimes I’m trying to race through life. Earlier this year we took the kids to both Disney World and Storyland. I think I was feeling a need to pack everything in before it’s too late. I have to keep reminding myself to slow down. At times it seems the clock is just ticking louder than it used to.

Last week I went to a lecture for cancer survivors at the Wellness Community in Newton. It was sponsored by Thrive, a group of young breast cancer survivors. It was nice just to be around other people my age who are coping with breast cancer.

A lot of the area hospitals have programs specifically designed for those of us who have recently completed treatment. Here’s one coming up at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Going Forward is an 6-week nutrition and exercise program that is specifically designed for cancer survivors.  Going Forward is led by registered dietitians and exercise physiologists from BIDMC who will present the most up to date scientifically based information.  The program is exclusively designed for individuals who have completed cancer treatment.   Going Forward will take place for 6-weeks on Wednesday evenings starting September 24, 2008 to October, 29 2008 from 6-7 pm in the Be Well Conference Room.  Participants enrolled in the class will also have access to the Be Well Fitness Center for 8 weeks.  The cost of the program is $150 for non-BIDMC employees and $100 for BIDMC employees.  Class size is limited and a deposit of $50 is required by Friday, September 19th.  For more information please contact Marlene DaCosta at Be Well at 617-667-4695 or mdacost2@bidmc.harvard.edu.