Amy Robach agreed to have an on-air mammogram for a segment on ABC's Good Morning America during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the test showed she had breast cancer.
The same thing almost happened to me. No, really, it did. Several years ago, I agreed to have a mammogram as part of an on-air radio promotion during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to point out that men need to be conscious of the risks of breast cancer as well.
We even come up with a clever radio name for the test, a "Man-O-Gram", to publicize the event. But shortly after I had the test the doctor administering the mammogram called me back in to her office to tell me she had seen something concerning in my scan, and advised me to take the test again to verify the results.
I still remember the feeling that came over me as I heard that news. It was as though I had been hit with a sucker punch to the gut and couldn't catch my breath. All the wise guy cracks and smart remarks about the "Man-O-Gram" were forgotten. I was afraid.
The second test showed that what looked to be a cancerous mass in the first test was, in fact, just a shadow. There was no mass; it was a false alarm.
Still, I have never forgotten those few moments at the imaging clinic that day when I thought my life was suddenly in jeopardy. I think about that day whenever I hear about someone being diagnosed with cancer. How did they feel upon hearing that news?
Unfortunately for Amy Robach, there was no mistake. Fortunately for her, though, she had the test. A doctor has since told her that the mammogram saved her life, and she'll have both breasts surgically removed this Thursday.
Robach is married to "Melrose Place" actor Andrew Shue. She has two daughters and three stepsons.
I don't know Amy personally, but I feel a certain kinship with her, and I'm really routing for her in this fight.