Robin Roberts has opened up about the dark days and slow recovery process after undergoing her September bone marrow transplant for a rare blood-and-bone marrow disorder, myelodysplastic syndrome [MDS].
“I felt like I was dying,” said the 52-year-old “Good Morning America” anchor to People. “I couldn’t eat or drink. I couldn’t even get out of bed.”
In her emotional interview with the magazine, Roberts revealed that she lost about 30 lbs. during her month-long stay in the hospital.
Roberts battled 10 days of intense chemotherapy to get rid of abnormal cells to prepare for the transplant. Her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, was her donor.
Just before her treatment, however, Roberts found herself racing home to Pass Christian, Miss. during Hurricane Issac to say goodbye to her ailing mother. Her mother passed away just hours before Roberts could reach her on Aug. 30.
“I don’t care how old you are; when you are sick, you want your mom,” she said. “And I wanted my mom.”
During her stay at the hospital, Roberts was mostly confined to her room except for a daily walk.
“Your goal for the day was to have enough strength to take a shower,” she said.
After the procedure, Roberts recalled, “I was in a coma-like state. I truly felt I was slipping away … then I kept hearing my name.”
Five months later, Roberts is now in good health and happier spirits. “It’s an amazing feeling, each day feeling stronger.”
Roberts, also a breast cancer survivor, will officially return to “Good Morning America” on Feb. 20.
“I cannot wait to return to my GMA family,” she told ABC News. “It’s going to be an incredible morning in Times Square. The overwhelming thoughts and prayers of the viewers have played a major part in getting me here today. I cannot thank everyone enough.”