Better health

By gloria

July 31, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

don’t rely on mammograms. fast growing tumors can pop up soon after a screening. it happened in our family. you have to do self exams and should probably start before the recommended age of 40 with all the young women contracting the disease nowadays, more and more under the age of 35.

By hope

July 31, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

My Prayers are with you.

I look at you & Diane, every morning getting ready for work. You and Diane make a great team.

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOD

By Kathi Chastain

July 31, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

I had fibrocystic breast and would find lumps every time I checked myself. I had annual mammograms without fail for the last 25 years. I have a strong history of cancer in my family. In May of this year I got my first “abnormal” mammogram. After several weeks of different kinds of biopsies….I was diagnosed with a malignant cancer in the early stages of my left breast. I opted to have both breast removed immediately. Early detection is the key. Do whatever you feel comfortable doing to stay on top of the game….just DO SOMETHING…participate regularly in your own destiny.

By Flibberdigibbit

July 31, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Early detection is key and knowing one’s-own body is imperative. As a40 year old man, who at 27 discovered a testicular tumor, there are few sufficient screening procedures available until the realization that something is already wrong.

Men and women, push guilt and body-image out of the way of your physical health, get comfortable and familiar with your-own body.

The earlier you find it the easier and less traumatic it is to treat, to cure, and the sooner you can get on with life.

By LaLeeta

July 31, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

I am thankful to have had a follow-up mammogram, which I was diagnosed with Stage 0, the earliest form of cancer. After going through the surgery and radiation (no chemo), I am very blessed. It is important for everyone, men and women to get screened early on.

By Carmine-Chickamauga, GA

July 31, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

You are an inspiration to many women and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I enjoy watching you every morning. Your pure heart and strong will will get you through this!!! Good Luck and God Bless you!!!!

By Isidoro

July 31, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Your are my favorite girl on the show, hang in there everything will be fine. We are survivors. Isidoro

By Kathy M

July 31, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

If I found a lump and it was cancerous, what would I do? I work hard, have no money, have no insurance…who would pay for me to have treatment? Because I have high blood pressure I can’t get health insurance on my own and my company has NO group plan…I am looking for another job..ANYWHERE that has group insurance. I hope I don’t find a lump!

By Voldemort

July 31, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

If you find a lump, go to Grady. Even if you have not one red-cent, they’ll work with you to get rid of cancer, but you have to get medical attention to get treated. At the very least, you should be getting regular mammograms if you’re at an age of increased risk or have a family history with cancers.

By rid0617

July 31, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Because of this countries screwed up thinking and medical situation what good would it do? She at least has an excellent job with medical treatment. So you come to the rest of us. Poor paying jobs, no medical care because the price of insurance is ridiculous and their criteria is getting tougher and tougher to get accepted.

All these public service announcements are such a waste of time. Who cares what it prevents, if you can’t get the treatment they might as well talk to the wind.

By Miss P.

July 31, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Robin:

I love you. One thing that I do know is that you are a very strong woman and I know that God is going to bring you through this. I will be praying.

Your biggest Fan

By Miss P.

July 31, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Robin:

I love you. One thing that I do know is that you are a very strong woman and I know that God is going to bring you through this. I will be praying.

Your biggest Fan

By Miss P.

July 31, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Robin:

I love you. One thing that I do know is that you are a very strong woman and I know that God is going to bring you through this. I will be praying.

Your biggest Fan

By Peggy

July 31, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

While it’s true that so many Americans cannot afford a mammogram, so many could if they make it a priority. To make sure I can afford it, I do without expensive cable TV, I eat my own cooking, and I don’t spend my weekends shopping. Do you really need another pair of shoes?

By Kathy M

July 31, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Hey, Miss P… Pray for me! pray I don’t find a lump…because I’m as good as dead if ANYTHING happens to me! After working hard all my life, being a good person, raising 2 great kids…I am “the living dead”…can’t get health insurance. What good is all the screening? What good is any of this crap if you can’t get treated?…so yes, please, pray for all of us…

By Aprill Smith

July 31, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

The summer 2005 my mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer at 70yrs old. We were very busy and occupied with her treatments. I was in the shower in Aug 2005 and felt a lump. I was devestated. I immediately scheduled a mammogram. I next had an ultrasound. A few weeks later,l had a biospy. During the testing I was told that the lump seemed soft and probably not cancerous. I told the Dr. it was ok to call me on the phone with results. I received the call one evening while running errands with my husband. I was diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer(ductal). I was afraid! I can tell you it’s always worst than what you think. The waiting period was difficult but manageable. I had a lumpectomy. No lymph nodes were involved! GREAT! I was then diagnosed with congestive heart failure during Muga Scan. I was over-whelmed again. My treatment regimen changed because of the heart condition. I was treated for 6months of chemo,one year of herceptin and 33 days of radiation. It was challenging but very manageable. Thank God I am currently cancer free and seeing my oncologist every 3 months. What a great Cancer Ctr I was referred to thru a very great surgeon. Dr Philips is my surgeon in Atlanta and Dr Daniel Carr of Ga. Cancer Ctr. in Fayetteville,Ga. and the beautiful staff and patients. My husband was the biggest gift from God always loving and totally supportive and supporting. I am forever changed! God Bless You Robin Roberts and your beautiful heart.

By Aflac

July 31, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Everyone should know that Aflac offers a supplemental insurance policy for cancer/specific diseases. You can look it up on their website. I am fortunate enough to have full medical insurance, but I am considering this insurance as well as a backup plan as there is cancer all throughout my family. I know it is significantly cheaper than a full insurance plan, but am not sure as to the full costs. You can look it up on their website at aflac.com.

By Anastasia Joseph

July 31, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

My Prayers are with you. GOD’S BLESSINGS AND GUIDANCE!!

By Voice of Reason

July 31, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

If anyone needs encouragement when dealing with life’s trials—medical or otherwise—search “Rx:A Prescription for Your Soul,” which is the ending of each chapter in a book. It provides spiritual advice for medical and life challenges. Robin Roberts should do fine if this is an early find. We wish her blessed health.

By Neil

July 31, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Robin, I watch you every day. you and your team are like family to most of us out here. Be strong and get well soon. We are all with you on this one… Keep us updated on your progress…..Neil

By Wildcat1992

July 31, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

I now realize early detection is the key! I saw Ms. Roberts give her story this mornikng and it literally lets you know no woman is immune from this disease, even if there is no history in your family. I pray Ms. Roberts recovery will be swift and painless. May God continue to Bless her each day.

Joy from Decatur, Georgia

By Aprill S

July 31, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

I meant to say in my previous post that it’s not as bad as it seems. Also,if you are advised to schedule a mammogram,don’t wait. I waited 3yrs between mammograms. The lump had been growing. I had initial mammogram at 36yrs old. I felt a lump at 38yrs old and went to gyn. I was told I just had lumpy breast. Don’t settle for that. I probaby would have been diagnosed before 41yrs old. Thank God it was caught.

By By katrina

July 31, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

God bless you and give you strenght in jesus name amen..peace

By Kathy M

July 31, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Robin, if you really want to help others, tell us where to go for help AFTER our screening. We can get screened all day long but for what purpose if millions of us have no place to get treated. What about those of us who have no healthcare coverage? Sign me, “the living dead”.

By Houseofclay

July 31, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

FYI…Georgia has a state cancer care program to pay for cancer treatment for uninsured and underinsured Georgians. To find out more about the program, please visit:

http://www.georgiacancer.org/treat-aid.php

That, of course, is not as helpful as paying for screening such as colonoscopies that actually prevent cancer.

By Trella G

July 31, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

I wondered where you were a few weeks ago. I only watch GMA because of you! Hang in there and make sure you come back.

By Kathy M

July 31, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Thanks, HouseofClay… and you are so right about the colonoscopy screening. I had one when I DID HAVE insurance and that cost THOUSANDS of dollars. I guess this is how the evil, wealthy, money-grabbing insurance companies now handle population control.

By Kathy M

July 31, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Checked out website for the State Cancer Treatment….as with EVERY OTHER AID of it’s kind…it’s only for extreme poverty. When will the powers that be wake up to the fact that even at $35,000 a year, YOU ARE POOR IN THIS COUNTRY!!! If you have no health insurance, you are screwed unless you are on the street or are a multi-millionaire. Prime example of the disappearing middle-class…we are NO MORE!!

By Mrs. S.

July 31, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Robin,

I watch you and Diane every morning and I think you two are great. I’ve had two lumps removed and fortunate they were benign. I know God will see you throught this and take care of yourself. I will be praying for you to have a speedy recovery.

By Kathy M

July 31, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Yeah, yeah…good luck Robin… I’m tired of spittin’ in the wind….

Have a good day.

By BRCA1

July 31, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

I too have a strong family history of breast cancer. In my case it is on my father’s side. I ignored any idiot doctor who said that didn’t matter because only the mother’s side counted. GENETICS ARE FROM BOTH SIDES!! For ten years I wanted to get tested for genetic mutations, but it was too expensive and insurance wouldn’t cover it. I had my baseline mammagram at 30, had one a year and did self checks regularly.

This last August I found a lump. It was malignant. NOW the insurance company would pay for the genetic testing. While my surgeon was stunned, no one in my family was surprised at all when it came back positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. I was 44 and my son was nine. My grandmother orphaned a six-year-old. My Aunt died when my cousins were 9 and 10. I was determined this would not be my fate.

In February I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction, and a full hysterectomy, because the BRCA1 mutation carries a very high chance of recurance of breast tumors and a significant increase in the chance of ovarian cancer.

I have been blessed with incredible support from my husband and my parents, and an excellent medical team. I am feeling great and plan to live a long and happy life. Please, everyone, find out what you can do to detect any kind of tumor as early as possible.

By Jeanne

July 31, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

You are smart, beautiful and God fearing. Welcome to the survivor’s club. Believe, and God will protect you till eternity.
Jeanne

By itsme

July 31, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Two experiences to share… A friend has inflammatory breast cancer. This does not start out with a lump, but as tenderness and swelling. This kind of breast cancer is very hard to treat. My brother was 18 months past a clean colonoscopy when he was diagnosed with colon cancer that had already metasticized to his liver. It seems to me that we are getting more and harder to treat cancers than ever before. God’s blessings on everyone who is dealing with this horrible disease.

By tarheel fan

July 31, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Early detection saved my life seven years ago. It is our best defense at this pont in time. I wish Robin Roberts the very best—she is one of the nicest hosts on television. If every survivor says a prayer for her, she will feel that strength as she goes through the surgery and treatments.

By myconju

July 31, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Thanks for sharing your story with us! Please women, listen to her advice.

May God Bless you Robin.

By cindy

August 1, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Hi Robin. I am a huge fan. I just this morning made an appt. for a mammogram. Because of you. Thanks. My thoughts and prayers are with you. So glad you caught this early. We love you.

By Tracey

August 1, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Aflac does offer supplemental insurance for everybody….anyone can sign up. If your employer does not offer Aflac, we can get in touch with them and get if offered through your employer at a group rate..so it will be much cheaper than the individual rate. Aflac offers cancer policies that pay cash benefits to the policy holder, whether you have major medical insurance or not. This policy is of benefit to everyone-if you have major medical it provides extra money to pay your bills or whatever you want to use the money for. If you dont have major medical, it provides cash to pay your medical bills. If anyone would like information on obtaining this sort of insurance or getting it offered though your employer please, send me an email. traceydpace@yahoo.com This is a policy that I do have myself, and I have had no problems with it. Thank you and God Bless You.

By Tracey

August 1, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

To Robin - keep your eyes on God…

By Tracey

August 1, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Also, to the business owners, this insurance is no cost to you whatsoever…

By Mary Marcdante

August 10, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Thank you for bringing to light the importance of early cancer screening and Robin Robert’s courage in sharing her diagnosis.

One cancer screening that is often overlooked, especially in women over 30 who are most at risk for cervical cancer, is the HPV Test, which can prevent cervical cancer.

As a cervical cancer survivor who didn’t have the test and was treated with a hysterectomy, I can tell you it’s a lot easier to get the HPV test and get treated early before you have to have surgery.

Don’t wait. Call your doctor today and get the HPV Test. It could save your life.

Mary Marcdante Author, My Mother, My Friend: The Ten Most Important Things to Talk About With Your Mother