Supporting Children With Health Issues
- “TODAY Show” host and mom of two Hoda Kotb, 60, says her five-year-old daughter Hope is on the mend after having struggling with a serious and mysterious illness last year.
- A child’s cancer diagnosis or struggle with any type of medical issue can certainly affect the entire family, so when assuming the role of a caregiver, it’s important to remember to be your child’s biggest advocate so they receive the best care possible. This includes making sure any concerning symptoms are fully and expeditiously addressed.
- We admire Kotb for giving her daughters the proper time, love, and support when they need it.
- Kotb battled breast cancer in 2007 and has said she is now cancer free after a mastectomy and medication.
The beloved TV personality, an award-winning co-anchor of NBC News’ “TODAY” who recently dedicated a children’s book to Hope, told People in a recent interview how her daughter is doing better.
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Kotb informed People, “We’re in a place where Hope is thriving. She’s improving, we’re watching her, and I think as time goes on, we’ll have a better handle on it, but we’re already seeing great differences.
“We really have excellent care; I have people helping us out. I feel like she is finding steady footing.”
The update comes about 19 months after Hope ill with an undisclosed medical condition that landed her in the ICU.
Kotb, mom to her two adopted daughters, both who she shares with her ex-fiance, financier Joel Schiffman, told People in an earlier interview that her daughter’s medical issue, left her in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for more than a week, a time Kotb decided to take some time off work.
She told the celebrity news outlet in an exclusive interview, “We had a scary stretch. Any parent who’s been through a scary thing with their child understands.
“It’s like you just can’t believe that your child’s sick. You can’t believe that there’s nothing you can do. You can’t believe that no matter what you do, you can’t will it away or protect her, or all the things that we’re supposed to be doing as parents. And it’s a position I’ve never found myself in.”
Kotb, who noted her daughter’s health issue was being managed long-term and that “things have stabilized” once after her diagnosis, said she hopes to “make everything normal” for Hope.
She even hired someone to help her out at home with her daughters medical needs while she’s busy working.
“It’s really tricky, because I don’t want Hope to get labeled. She’s a kid who is so vibrant, and most days everything is totally fine. I don’t want people to look at her differently,” Kotb continued.
While describing her daughter Hope to People, Kotb said she’s “just intuitive and smart.”
See explained, “I’ve never seen someone who’s quite as generous. She’s the kid who gives away her last blueberry. If your toy is broken, she’ll give you her new one. She is that person.”
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Hoda Kotb’s Inspiring Cancer & Fertility Journey
Hoda Kotb is a breast cancer survivor after being first diagnosed in 2007.
Her doctors discovered lumps in her breast tissue during a routine exam. She treated her breast cancer by undergoing a mastectomy, which means one of her breasts was removed. She then had breast reconstruction surgery, which rebuilds the shape and look of the breast.
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After surgery, the beloved news anchor continued her treatments by taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex) for five years. Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, which means it works to prevent estrogen from helping cancer cells to grow.
It is also used to prevent breast cancer among women who are at high risk for breast cancer because of family history.
Some patients have side effects, many of which mimic menopause (like hot flashes), but they can be managed.
Kotb told “Prevention,” an online health news resource, in an earlier interview that she is cancer-free.
WATCH: Things to consider when considering a mastectomy.
“Cancer shaped me, but it did not define me. It’s part of me, but not all of me,” Kotb previously said at the annual Breast Cancer Research Foundation New York Symposium and Awards Luncheon in 2017.
Kotb also dealt with fertility struggles following her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“I remember that my oncologist called, and we were talking about freezing my eggs,” Kotb previously told Good Housekeeping. “She basically said that given my age and (my breast cancer treatment), it was pretty close to a dead-end.”
Her reaction was, understandably, filled with sorrow. And at that moment, she doubted she’d ever realize her dream of becoming a mother.
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And she thanks her now ex-fiance for providing the support she needed to become a mother.
“I don’t think I would’ve adopted if it hadn’t been for Joel,” she said of her ex-fiance Joel Schiffman, whom she split from after eight years together.
“Having a stable relationship in that moment was really important. Once that fell into place, it didn’t seem as scary to me.”
Coping With a Child’s Diagnosis
As parents navigate their young one’s cancer journey, it’s important to remember that children’s bodies may react differently to treatments because their bodies are still growing.
“They may receive more intense treatments…and they may respond differently to drugs that control symptoms in adults,” the National Cancer Institute informs. Be sure to ask a lot of questions.
Remember, you’re not alone — your child’s oncologist and care team are there to guide you and provide information and answers. Oncological social workers can also be a vital resource to help you sort out the financial aspects of cancer treatment, as well as other cancer-related issues. Skilled psychologists and counselors can be accessed to help you maintain good mental health through your child’s cancer journey, to the best of your ability.
Expert Resources On Caregiving
- Caregiving Isn’t Easy; Recognize That You May Need Help
- Caregiving: An Opportunity for Healing
- ‘A Sacred and Blessed Calling’ – Managing Life As a Caregiver
- Caregivers Can’t Provide Optimal Care for Their Loved Ones with Cancer If They Don’t Care for Themselves
- Here Are Top Tips For Cancer Caregivers To Help Them Through The Process
- How to Be a Better Caregiver for Your Loved One
Additionally, don’t be afraid to reach out to your support system friends, relatives, etc. for help through this process. No one expects you to handle everything on your own.
Meanwhile, if you’re wondering what you can do to ensure your child is getting the best treatment possible, consider the following recommendations from the National Cancer Institute.
- Build strong partnerships: Communicate openly and honestly with your child’s care team. You want to build a solid relationship with the people treating your child so you feel confident asking any questions and discussing your child’s treatment path.
- Take advantage of the many specialists who can help your child: There are many people who can help you and your child after the diagnosis arrives. Don’t hesitate to ask for specialists to help you and your child learn about their disease, understand how it will be treated and cope with difficult emotions.
- If you get information online, make sure the source is credible: Doing your own research is a great way to advocate for your child, but it’s important you’re looking at reliable sources such as (but not limited to) the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, National Comprehensive
- Cancer Network and American Society of Clinical Oncology, among others. Talk to doctors about what you’re finding and don’t hesitate to get multiple opinions regarding your child’s treatment path.
- Make sure you understand what your child’s health care team tells you: You need to ask for clarification if something about your child’s diagnosis or treatment is confusing.
- Keep your child’s pediatrician updated: Make sure your child’s cancer care team is sending updates to their regular pediatrician.
Supporting Young Warriors
At SurvivorNet, we always encourage people to advocate for themselves when it comes to cancer and, more generally, healthcare. When it comes to a child, the parent must become the advocate.
RELATED: The Top Ten Childhood Cancer Symptoms That Can Be Missed
It’s important to speak up about each and every issue that may concern you, no matter how minor, as even minor signs can sometimes clue doctors in on a potential cancer diagnosis. And catching it as early as possible is always ideal, as early detection may help with treatment and outcomes.
When It Comes to Health, It’s Okay to Be a Little Pushy
Seeking multiple opinions is one way to make sure you or your child is getting the proper care and attention. You should also try to remember that not all doctors are in agreement. Recommendations for further testing or treatment options can vary, and sometimes it’s essential to talk with multiple medical professionals.
“Every appointment you leave as a patient, there should be a plan for what the doc is going to do for you, and if that doesn’t work, what the next plan is,” Dr. Zuri Murell, director of the Cedars-Sinai Colorectal Cancer Center, previously told SurvivorNet. “And I think that that’s totally fair. And me as a health professional that’s what I do for all of my patients.”
“I Try To Stay Strong, But Sometimes You Need To Cry”: Playing The Role of Cancer Caregiver and Mom
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
