The Power of Humor
- Robin Swoboda, 62, posted a video of herself as she was answering questions before her breast cancer surgery on Thursday.
- When asked on the questionnaire “can you have sexual relations?” she responded: “Well, I can, but I don’t”
- Swoboda previously had breast cancer in 2017 and will now receive radiation to fight the disease via a tiny metal seed that is surgically implanted in her breast tissue.
That was the very amusing response that TV anchor Robin Swoboda, 62, gave to her doctor when asked ahead of her breast cancer surgery: “Can you have sexual relations?”
Read MoreHe informed the nurse that he was not certain, but the second time around he switched things up during the exchange and proclaimed: “Like a chainsaw.”
In far less amusing news, Swoboda also shared a video of herself getting tested for COVID before her big surgery on Thursday.
She has the fortune of living in Ohio, where hospitals are not being overrun with unvaccinated Americans who have contracted COVID-19.
She is set to have a radioactive seed placed in her breast tissue to aid in fighting the spread of the cancer, a process known as brachytherapy.
Swoboda shared the news that her breast cancer had returned earlier this month, recognizing it from a scan even before her doctor called with the news.
The news anchor, who previously battled the disease in 2017, then confirmed the results in a video she shared on Facebook.
In that video she also explained her course of treatment this time around.
“They will go in through the same scar that I had before, years ago, it will take out the offending cancerous tumor,” she told her Facebook followers.
“And then they’ll take out, there’s a lymph node that’s cancerous, they’ll take that out and check to see if a few more are cancerous.”
She then got a bit emotional as she said how much the people of her city meant to her, and how much her life changed the day she was offered a chance to work in Cleveland.
“Aside from having my children. That was the best day of my life the best thing that could have ever happened to me,” said Swoboda. “So, I love you guys, thank you so much for praying.”
What is Brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy is an internal form of radiation where small radioactive seeds are placed inside cancerous tissue. There are two forms of this therapy: permanent low-dose brachytherapy and temporary high-dose brachytherapy.
If you go for the temporary option, the procedure is done as an outpatient visit and can take up to 30 minutes.
Swoboda will get her implant via a needle which is injected into her tissue and then delivers the seed.
And in a move that comes as no surprise to anyone who knows the cancer warrior, Swoboda arrived for her surgery with a package of flower seeds she planned to offer to the doctor for implantation as well.
How to Deal With a Cancer Diagnosis Like Robin Swoboda
Dr. Elizabeth Comen, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City previously spoke with Survivor Net about dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
She specifically discussed how to confront fear without letting it take over.
1. Let your family and close friends know and let them help. So many cancer survivors tell us they want and need support but are often too preoccupied to make specific requests. Urge those close to you to jump in with whatever practical help they can offer.
2. Keep a journal. It can be extremely cathartic to let those feelings loose on paper. Grab a pen and a nice journal and chronical your different thoughts throughout the day.
3. Join a cancer support group. There are groups in nearly every community offering opportunities to connect with others going through a similar journey. You’ll learn incredibly helpful insight from others who can tell you about what to expect and how to stay strong on tough days.
4. Consider seeing a therapist. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist so you can discuss your fears and concerns in a safe space. Often, vocalizing your thoughts and feelings rather than internalizing them can provide relief.
Above all, just know that there are countless resources and support here for you to turn to at any time. We’re fortunate to be in a time where we can rely on so many entities to help us through life’s hurdles.
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