August 13, 2007

'Back to work? Good for her'

·  'GMA' anchor on road to recovery from breast cancer surgery

By Billy Watkins
bwatkins@jackson.gannett.com

Robin Roberts is expected back on ABC News' Good Morning America today, only 10 days after undergoing surgery for breast cancer.

"She is still awaiting her test results, but is feeling great and looking forward to getting back to work," said Bridgette Maney, show spokeswoman, Thursday.

Roberts, 46, told viewers she had been diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump in a self-examination. She had surgery Aug. 3 and has been resting at home since.

The former college basketball star who grew up in Pass Christian and Biloxi is co-anchor of the morning show with Diane Sawyer.

"First thing I thought when I heard she was going back to work? Good for her!" said Michelle Hirata of the Mississippi Gulf Coast's Pink Heart Club, a post-Katrina nonprofit that helps cancer patients who are having difficulty getting wigs and breast prosthesis.

"We think it's so important for patients to remain positive and meet the situation head-on," Hirata said. "Obviously, Robin is doing this. And she can have such an impact on so many people because she's so visible. I talk with patients all the time who are ready to give up. But that is our motto - imagine hope every day, imagine the possibilities. No one should feel hopeless and that no one cares when they're battling cancer."

Roberts, a former anchor with ESPN, will speak at a Pink Heart Fund's fundraiser Aug. 29 at Biloxi's Beau Rivage Casino & Resort. Roberts had agreed to appear before she was diagnosed.

"She'll definitely be here," Hirata said. "She believes there is a bigger plan for her now."

Ralph B. Vance, professor of medicine in the Division of Oncology at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, said returning to work is a major step in any cancer patient's recovery process.

"Getting back to normal - whatever that is for each individual - helps the patient emotionally and psychologically," said Vance, former president of the American Cancer Society. "That's a good sign (for Roberts), and I think everyone wants to do that. But some people are diagnosed at different stages and can't."

It is believed Roberts' cancer was diagnosed at an early stage.

"I think that's another thing on Robin's plate now - early detection," Hirata said. "I think her story will definitely cause other people to get regular checkups and not wait."

Vance agreed: "People in the public eye can do so many things - even change public opinion or perception about a disease such as cancer.

"Whether or not she becomes a spokesperson for cancer, we'll have to see. But it speaks volumes of self-image that she is going back to work now. In a sense, she is saying 'I have been diagnosed with a disease that most people fear, but I'm dealing with it with my medical advisers. And I'm not going to let it get the best of me. I will beat this. I am fine.'

"I really admire her for doing that. Obviously, she is a very upbeat person.