Wonder Woman
‘GMA’ Host Robin Roberts Will Beat Rare Bone Marrow Disease Like She Beat Breast Cancer (VIDEO)
Good Morning America viewers were shocked by anchor Robin Roberts' announcement earlier today: After beating breast cancer five years ago, Roberts is now battling myelodysplastic syndrome, a disease of the blood and bone marrow. Frustratingly, like Sheryl Crow's brain tumor, the disease was actually caused by Roberts' breast cancer treatments.
Roberts has pretty much the most amazing outlook ever:
"My doctors tell me I'm going to beat this -- and I know it's true," she says.
And she does have a lot going for her -- Roberts is younger and in better shape than most people who are diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, and she already has a bone marrow donor lined up in the form of her sister.
But what is myelodysplastic syndrome, exactly?
Well, it's pretty rare, for one thing (which is why you probably haven't heard of it before). Myelodysplastic syndrome is a disease that prevents the bone marrow from making enough healthy blood cells. Symptoms can include fatigue and shortness of breath, as well as looking paler than usual and bruising easily.
If you're thinking that description hits frighteningly close to home, don't get too worried. The list of risk factors is fairly short: Previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment, exposure to chemicals and/or heavy metals, and being a male over the age of 60.
Roberts starts pre-treatment (chemotherapy) today for her bone marrow transplant later this year.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Robin!
Have you ever heard of myelodysplastic syndrome?
Image via ABC
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billsfan1104
rdtravis
Having lived through this myself with my dad I know how her family is feeling. My dad though also had diabetes and some how got invasive fungal sinusitis. That feeds off of sugars. We though thought we had that beat then he suddenly had stomach pains and died in the hospital. They say it was septicimia not sure if it really was though. All of this within 3 months. I hope she beats this. With the right cancer treatments.
tomatoqueen
It is terrifying to me to continually read about celebs who have access to the best medical care, food, etc. having so many serious medical issues. My heart breaks for this incredible woman. i pray she beats this. I have a host of medical issues myself and know how frightening each new diagnosis can be. I lost my mom to a reaction to chemo she received for breast cancer.