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Better: How I Let Go of Control, Held On to Hope, and Found Joy in My Darkest Hour
In this very personal book, Good Morning America anchor Amy Robach retraces the twelve months following her breast cancer diagnosis in October 2013. From her on-air mammogram on GMA to her treatment and its impact on her work life, her family, and her marriage, Robach takes readers on an emotional journey of resilience, bravery, and hope.
239 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 25, 2025
I remember when Amy Robach announced her cancer diagnosis on Good Morning America. I remember how I teared up and then sighed in relief that I had recently walked away from a "benign" cyst found on my last mammogram.
I continued to watch in wonder as Robach continued reporting and looking great even while undergoing chemo. She didn't share her entire journey with the viewing public until she was done with treatment. As Robach completed her journey, mine was about to begin.
My diagnosis came in March of 2014 and I always kept Robach in mind thinking to myself, "If she can report day after day and travel and maintain such a demanding schedule, I can do it too."
Her voice is honest about what it is like: to receive a diagnosis while alone; to speak to your children about said diagnosis; and how very different your life is once you receive the diagnosis.
But her more important message is that she is a "thriver." That she kicked cancer's ass and she is still standing and moving forward and not getting stuck in the "what ifs" the future holds. She speaks about her journey to inform the public about what it entailed.
I haven't had my day yet Amy, but I'm hoping it will arrive soon.
I continued to watch in wonder as Robach continued reporting and looking great even while undergoing chemo. She didn't share her entire journey with the viewing public until she was done with treatment. As Robach completed her journey, mine was about to begin.
My diagnosis came in March of 2014 and I always kept Robach in mind thinking to myself, "If she can report day after day and travel and maintain such a demanding schedule, I can do it too."
Her voice is honest about what it is like: to receive a diagnosis while alone; to speak to your children about said diagnosis; and how very different your life is once you receive the diagnosis.
But her more important message is that she is a "thriver." That she kicked cancer's ass and she is still standing and moving forward and not getting stuck in the "what ifs" the future holds. She speaks about her journey to inform the public about what it entailed.
I haven't had my day yet Amy, but I'm hoping it will arrive soon.
October 21, 2015
Having watched Amy Robach since she came to GMA and having watched her do the mammogram, I felt like I needed to read her book. I didn't expect to have so much emotion while reading this. I felt like I was right there with her, especially when she had to tell her 2 daughters. I found myself crying right along with her, remembering the television segments that she talked about in her book. It was a very good book, one that I would highly recommend.
Currently reading
November 15, 2015Excellent...
I loved this book simply because the story was written as if it was my life. When I was diagnosed in April 2011, it stunned me initially. I cried my eyes out for a good couple of days, no lie. I was totally inconsolable. But when I decided that the mourning and pity party was over, I got to the business of planning my next move. I automatically came to the conclusion that a Bilateral Mastectomy was the only answer for me, although it was only in one breast. So my story is pretty much like Amy's minus the chemo, radiation, Tamoxifen...And like Any, I know there's a good chance that despite all the treatment in the world, cancer can rear it's ugly head again. And you just deal with it if it does come back...I love what her husband said, and I take it in as my new mantra 'There’s no need to die before you die!'...Such good words to live by...it reminds you that life is for the living and we have to live it one day at a time...No one knows when our time is up and worrying about won't don't much but stress you out, while life passes you by.
I loved this book simply because the story was written as if it was my life. When I was diagnosed in April 2011, it stunned me initially. I cried my eyes out for a good couple of days, no lie. I was totally inconsolable. But when I decided that the mourning and pity party was over, I got to the business of planning my next move. I automatically came to the conclusion that a Bilateral Mastectomy was the only answer for me, although it was only in one breast. So my story is pretty much like Amy's minus the chemo, radiation, Tamoxifen...And like Any, I know there's a good chance that despite all the treatment in the world, cancer can rear it's ugly head again. And you just deal with it if it does come back...I love what her husband said, and I take it in as my new mantra 'There’s no need to die before you die!'...Such good words to live by...it reminds you that life is for the living and we have to live it one day at a time...No one knows when our time is up and worrying about won't don't much but stress you out, while life passes you by.
June 26, 2021
I have to say this: What drew me to Amy Robach was her hair. I saw her short haircut without any knowledge of her cancer, and I thought: "That woman knows how to wear her hair." This story is supposed to be mostly about cancer, but to me, it was more about being a world traveling journalist and what it is that makes an international journalist tick. I once thought I would be a journalist, so this book really appealed to me.
I appreciate the subtititle of the book: "How I let go of control, held on to hope, and found joy in my darkest hour." Cancer could teach that lesson in regard to just getting out of bed every morning and facing the day, but it seems to me that mantra effected every bit of Robach's life - career and family - maybe without her realizing it. Her greatest fame came at a time when it probably seemed to her that her career was over or was about to be severely compromised. Life is seriously "what happens when you're busy making other plans." A great book for putting life into perspective.
I appreciate the subtititle of the book: "How I let go of control, held on to hope, and found joy in my darkest hour." Cancer could teach that lesson in regard to just getting out of bed every morning and facing the day, but it seems to me that mantra effected every bit of Robach's life - career and family - maybe without her realizing it. Her greatest fame came at a time when it probably seemed to her that her career was over or was about to be severely compromised. Life is seriously "what happens when you're busy making other plans." A great book for putting life into perspective.
November 5, 2015
Amy Robach does a masterful job of describing her journey from her first mammogram, done as a public service, on Good Morning America, the discovery of her breast cancer and how and why she made the choices she did to get "better". Also interesting is the story of her persistence and determination to achieve success in her career. No doubt that strength served her well in all aspects of her life.
October 15, 2015
I remember the show when Amy announced she had breast cancer and I followed her journey. I related to her story after my cancer battle this year. The story is raw and real and I remember that I had many of the same feelings in my journey.
November 1, 2015
This book was a really beautiful story about what Amy went through during her breast cancer ordeal. She was so open and it was like sitting and talking with a friend over coffee about the ups and downs she went through. It makes me love her all the more!
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November 3, 2015I'm almost 40 and Amy has made me so not nervous anymore about the mamograms now. I did cry but not as much as I thought I would. She tells her story very well and is lucky to have her Dr brother to give her advice. Definitely recommend this!
August 3, 2017
Amy's story is an inspiration for me. I didn't realize how much she struggled with the illness. I also didn't realize how much she worked while battling chemo and the other medical issues. It's truly amazing to hear her story.
January 8, 2016
Amy Robach’s goal in writing this medical memoir was “to share not only the daily challenges (she) faced as a newly diagnosed cancer patient but also the evolution that occurred as (she) transitioned from patient to survivor . . . to thriver.” Or as Amy’s subtitle indicates, it’s a story of “how (she) let go of control, held on to hope and found joy in (her) darkest hour.” Robach has largely accomplished all that in this well told, tell-all journal.
It’s interesting to note that current ABC Good Morning America news anchor Robach published her cancer diary the same year, (2015), that former ABC Good Morning America host Joan Lunden released her own “memoir of (cancer) survival." In fact, between pages 144 and 145 of Lunden’s bio, “Had I Known,” you’ll find a picture of Amy Robach presenting the Komen Impact Award to Lunden. (This reviewer read both books simultaneously and his reaction to Lunden’s book is published elsewhere in GoodReads.) In fact, if you read both titles, you’ll discover Robach and Lunden not only shared basically the same diagnosis but some of the same oncologists. Most notably Doctor Ruth Oratz, who treated both women. Again, if you read both bios, you’ll also learn of the powerful influence Robach and Lunden’s mutual friendship with fellow cancer survivor Robin Roberts had on their joint recoveries. Finally, probably unconsciously, Lunden even subtly mentions Robach’s book title on page 280: “If we’re given the chance, all any of us can do is move forward with our lives and hope to do better, be better, love better and live better.” Robach took her title, by the way, from “Better,” a poem written by her oldest daughter, Ava McIntosh. The last line is a tribute to Ava’s courageous mother. “She’s a fighter just like her daughter. It has to get worse before it gets better . . . and trust me it will get better.”
While both women were given similar, life-altering medical news, Robach chose a radical different approach to treatment. As soon as Robach learned that she had “a tumor in (her) right breast” with apparently no lymph node involvement, Robach vetoed a lumpectomy, “the most conservative surgical approach.” Instead, from the get-go, Robach was “ninety-nine percent sure (she) wanted a double mastectomy.” Told she had “aggressive and fast-growing, triple negative breast cancer,” Lunden, on the other hand, chose to begin chemo treatments, followed by a lumpectomy and then radiation.
Robach doesn’t shy away from her critics. Within these pages, the ABC-TV anchor takes on Doctor Susan Love and others such as Peggy Orenstein and Dr. Peter Bach over the issue of “the best approach to how we discuss and treat breast cancer.” Robach also addresses the “metastatic breast cancer community” which allegedly opposes so much attention to early detection measures.
After eight full rounds of CMF, chemotherapy, and after an eight month battle, Robach believes she is now “a better wife . . . a better mom . . . a better daughter . . . better sister . . . a better friend.” On the next to the last page, Robach does mention “all the women and men who have received a breast cancer diagnosis.” However, the American Cancer Society estimates for breast cancer in men in the United States for 2015 are: About 2,350 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. About 440 men will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is about 100 times less common among men than among women. For men, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000. The number of breast cancer cases in men relative to the population has been fairly stable over the last 30 years. While it’s commendable Robach ever so briefly hints at male breast cancer in that one line on the next to the last page, had she painted the killer disease as more than a female issue and given more equal time to both genders, this could’ve been an even “better” book.
It’s interesting to note that current ABC Good Morning America news anchor Robach published her cancer diary the same year, (2015), that former ABC Good Morning America host Joan Lunden released her own “memoir of (cancer) survival." In fact, between pages 144 and 145 of Lunden’s bio, “Had I Known,” you’ll find a picture of Amy Robach presenting the Komen Impact Award to Lunden. (This reviewer read both books simultaneously and his reaction to Lunden’s book is published elsewhere in GoodReads.) In fact, if you read both titles, you’ll discover Robach and Lunden not only shared basically the same diagnosis but some of the same oncologists. Most notably Doctor Ruth Oratz, who treated both women. Again, if you read both bios, you’ll also learn of the powerful influence Robach and Lunden’s mutual friendship with fellow cancer survivor Robin Roberts had on their joint recoveries. Finally, probably unconsciously, Lunden even subtly mentions Robach’s book title on page 280: “If we’re given the chance, all any of us can do is move forward with our lives and hope to do better, be better, love better and live better.” Robach took her title, by the way, from “Better,” a poem written by her oldest daughter, Ava McIntosh. The last line is a tribute to Ava’s courageous mother. “She’s a fighter just like her daughter. It has to get worse before it gets better . . . and trust me it will get better.”
While both women were given similar, life-altering medical news, Robach chose a radical different approach to treatment. As soon as Robach learned that she had “a tumor in (her) right breast” with apparently no lymph node involvement, Robach vetoed a lumpectomy, “the most conservative surgical approach.” Instead, from the get-go, Robach was “ninety-nine percent sure (she) wanted a double mastectomy.” Told she had “aggressive and fast-growing, triple negative breast cancer,” Lunden, on the other hand, chose to begin chemo treatments, followed by a lumpectomy and then radiation.
Robach doesn’t shy away from her critics. Within these pages, the ABC-TV anchor takes on Doctor Susan Love and others such as Peggy Orenstein and Dr. Peter Bach over the issue of “the best approach to how we discuss and treat breast cancer.” Robach also addresses the “metastatic breast cancer community” which allegedly opposes so much attention to early detection measures.
After eight full rounds of CMF, chemotherapy, and after an eight month battle, Robach believes she is now “a better wife . . . a better mom . . . a better daughter . . . better sister . . . a better friend.” On the next to the last page, Robach does mention “all the women and men who have received a breast cancer diagnosis.” However, the American Cancer Society estimates for breast cancer in men in the United States for 2015 are: About 2,350 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. About 440 men will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is about 100 times less common among men than among women. For men, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000. The number of breast cancer cases in men relative to the population has been fairly stable over the last 30 years. While it’s commendable Robach ever so briefly hints at male breast cancer in that one line on the next to the last page, had she painted the killer disease as more than a female issue and given more equal time to both genders, this could’ve been an even “better” book.
February 7, 2018
I remember Amy Robach going through her breast cancer recovery on Good Morning America a few years ago, and this book talks in detail all she went through. It answered a lot of questions I had.
January 24, 2018
I enjoyed Amy’s work on Fox5 in DC and was curious to read her biography. I am always amazed how different people react to adversity. I know I could not have worked a high stress job while going through a painful recovery. She was blessed to have family and friends to support her as she drew on her inner strength and rise to the challenge this cancer brought on.
January 21, 2016
Journalist's experience in dealing with a diagnosis of breast cancer after undergoing a mammogram on national TV to kick off Breast Cancer Month. Amy Robach, of ABC's Good Morning America, finally consented to undergo a mammogram, never having had one previously, and not having any symptoms or family history of breast cancer, receives the startling news of a positive diagnosis and tells her story from first minute to her "rebirth" as a woman in remission. The book is told with a journalistic slant and also apparently from the point of view of a woman of means-(if all women were diagnosed as Ms. Robach was, and had the money for the medical treatments that Ms. Robach received, perhaps more women would undergo mammograms and would pursue the treatments and the care necessary to deal with their diagnoses, however...that just isn't the case and statistics back this up. Despite this, the book was an easy read and very enlightening.
October 4, 2017
Amy Robach is the anchor of the successful TV show Good Morning America. Thus she is in a great position to convey a public service message. She, unwillingly, agrees to undergo a mammogram on air and this perhaps saved her life. The mammogram reveals malignant tumours and the book, which is a poignant memoir, tells of her subsequent battle. The treatment includes a double mastectomy, eight sessions of chemo, and breast reconstructions. Robach tells of her experiences with the cancer diagnosis and treatment and to put it in context she also talks of her life and marriages. This is a story of love, relationship and friendship. More importantly, it is a story of how one diagnosis can change the course of many lives. Robach tells a beautiful tale and her line, "What a remarkable reminder that none of us can actually control what happens. We can only control the grace with which we react," sums it all up.
May 22, 2016
I used to watch Good Morning America religiously and was a fan of Amy Robach. I was watching when she did the mammogram on air and later when she announced her diagnosis. I remember before ever reading the book feeling like Amy was very honest about her struggles, as I remember her talking about how she and her husband had issues too since her diagnosis. If you enjoy her as a television personality and journalist then you'll enjoy this book. She talked a lot about her diagnosis and medical journey but also talked about her career as a journalist and reporter. It takes a lot to get to where she did and she sacrificed much more than I ever would have. In fact, I would recommend this book for anyone who wants her career, regardless of the medical aspect of this book. I felt Amy was very honest in this book and wasn't worried about trying to paint a prettier or nicer picture than reality.
February 17, 2016
I ran across this book in a book store and I thought it sounded interesting. I honestly hadn't even heard of Amy Robach, probably because Good Morning America isn't a show I watch. But I wanted to read her story. I did this via audio and I felt like I really got to know this woman. Did you know she's married to Andrew Schue, AKA Billy Campbell from Melrose Place? Well done Amy.
This story resonated with me. Maybe because of her age, she's a Mom, no family history of breast cancer. There were times when I felt like she was never happy with her life. And she actually says this. Like something was always missing and while I was reading that I was like look around lady, so many people are worse off. But then I realized that was a lot of the point of HER story. HER struggles just to let go of the control and be happy.
This story resonated with me. Maybe because of her age, she's a Mom, no family history of breast cancer. There were times when I felt like she was never happy with her life. And she actually says this. Like something was always missing and while I was reading that I was like look around lady, so many people are worse off. But then I realized that was a lot of the point of HER story. HER struggles just to let go of the control and be happy.
February 5, 2016
One of the better "breast cancer survivor stories" I've read. You can tell she's a journalist. She doesn't gloss over anything. Her pain is palpable. I shared tears with her in many parts of this story.
Though there are many books where the story writer/journalist "becomes" the story, this one is by far the best I've read. She also becomes other news outlets' stories, for good or bad, and because of her position as a well known journalist and TV host, she is picked on and used as an example by many "experts". Until BC is cured, no one is a damn expert.
Very quick read. Proud of her strength. For standing up for herself. For sharing her struggles with her husband and family. For continuing to work to forget she was sick. I've been there, too. <3
Though there are many books where the story writer/journalist "becomes" the story, this one is by far the best I've read. She also becomes other news outlets' stories, for good or bad, and because of her position as a well known journalist and TV host, she is picked on and used as an example by many "experts". Until BC is cured, no one is a damn expert.
Very quick read. Proud of her strength. For standing up for herself. For sharing her struggles with her husband and family. For continuing to work to forget she was sick. I've been there, too. <3
May 25, 2016
I just finished her book. As I read it, I kind of thought I am a masochist, why would I want to read a book about cancer? I mean I have Jose, Madrina, Marcia, Gloria, Carla…..but I thought it was excellent. I have always liked her. Journalism is my second passion and I know if I had not done law, which I adore, I would have been thrilled in journalism. I love the news, I love the idea of reporting…
Bottom line the book is not depressing, it is very real, very raw, and really depicts it as I think it must be. Despite the fact that I know close people to me that have had it she makes you realize many things that I am sure only the patient can feel.
I thought it was very good! And now I like her even more!!!
Bottom line the book is not depressing, it is very real, very raw, and really depicts it as I think it must be. Despite the fact that I know close people to me that have had it she makes you realize many things that I am sure only the patient can feel.
I thought it was very good! And now I like her even more!!!
November 28, 2015
Very honest, compelling book. Reading about the times she faced adversity, both with cancer and throughout her life ( her parents were literally struck by lightening?!) was inspiring, and the candid way in which she disclosed the details of her life and eventually her treatment, made the book very easy to read.
To be honest, I didn't have a clue who she was until I heard she had the on air mammogram and discovered her cancer. But in reading the book, I felt like I got to know her, both as a news person and as a woman. I enjoyed learning about her life and hope she has many cancer- free years ahead of her!
To be honest, I didn't have a clue who she was until I heard she had the on air mammogram and discovered her cancer. But in reading the book, I felt like I got to know her, both as a news person and as a woman. I enjoyed learning about her life and hope she has many cancer- free years ahead of her!
March 15, 2016
Life as you know it can certainly change when you are given a diagnosis of cancer. Amy Robach found that out. As a journalist for Good Morning America, she was asked to have her first mammogram on live tv. She originally said no but eventually did, and then heard the devastating news " you have breast cancer." In a wonderfully written book, Amy takes you from her young years growing up to where she is today. You find out why she is the person she is and you cheer her on as she goes through this journey to get "better." With determination, love, humor and support from family and friends, you watch her as she fights cancer while trying to live life.
October 12, 2015
Amy wrote with honesty and candidacy. Her words hit a nerve with me when she spoke about tamoxifen. I had precancerous tumors and was recommended to have my breasts removed by my surgeon but I chose not to. But I did take tamoxifen for five years and have since had "normal" mammographs. It is a worry though for i never know when that could change. I had a choice but Amy did not. Ladies, I recommend listening to your body and your doctors and together the right decisions can be made. Reading about Amy's experience allows you an up front and personal account of her journey.
January 23, 2016
I honestly have never heard of Amy Robach and didn't know anything about her story. However, I love memoirs and was interested in finding out about this woman's journey to overcome breast cancer.
I was drawn in immediately--the story moved quickly and her writing style was easy to read. Some parts seemed repetitive, and some parts seemed cheesy, but I thought it was a worthy story to experience. It definitely gave me better insight into the lives of people battling cancer.
I was drawn in immediately--the story moved quickly and her writing style was easy to read. Some parts seemed repetitive, and some parts seemed cheesy, but I thought it was a worthy story to experience. It definitely gave me better insight into the lives of people battling cancer.
July 17, 2016
Excelent book for someone going through treatment or has someone great insights and well written about Amy's own journey through her surgery, treatment keeping her family going and working here and abroad. Amy is a wonderful and hearing the story In her voice made it more enjoyable. One of the first audio books I have listened to....
February 4, 2018
I did like this book . I just thought it would have more details on her experience with breast cancer.
The choices she made and if she was happy with them in the end. Her actual surgery , what she expected her pain to be like and how she actually felt. Any recommendations or things she would do differently .
The choices she made and if she was happy with them in the end. Her actual surgery , what she expected her pain to be like and how she actually felt. Any recommendations or things she would do differently .
December 13, 2017
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
"Better" gripped me in so many ways. The tone of this memoir felt like a friend confiding in you. Amy Robach faced many tough obstacles even before her diagnosis and at times I felt incredibly overwhelmed for her. I am inspired by her fighting spirit, as well as her drive to live life in a more mindful way.
"Better" gripped me in so many ways. The tone of this memoir felt like a friend confiding in you. Amy Robach faced many tough obstacles even before her diagnosis and at times I felt incredibly overwhelmed for her. I am inspired by her fighting spirit, as well as her drive to live life in a more mindful way.
November 15, 2015
I remember seeing her on air divulging her diagnosis and I have been following her story ever since. I'm not going to lie, as a mother myself, I was brought to tears several times when she talked about her kids & wanting to be there for them in the future.
November 11, 2015
I followed Amy Robach's story on Good Morning America, and I appreciated getting to hear more about her experience. I'm sure this book wasn't easy to write but I'm glad she told her story.
Read for PopSugar challenge: book your mom likes.
Read for PopSugar challenge: book your mom likes.
March 15, 2016
If this book centered more around her journey with breast cancer, I'd have liked it more. She got sidetracked by every other medical issue she's dealt with, and included her marriage woes, too. I do wish her the best.
October 29, 2016
I listened to this book on Audible and absolutely loved it. Amy's story was powerful, and her transparency about her struggles before, during, and after cancer was both beautiful and hard to listen to. The importance of continuing to live each day to the fullest struck a chord.
July 3, 2017
Worth the Read
I decided to read this book because I wanted insight into someone else's journey, not just my own. It was well worth it. In her book I solidified my own strength but more importantly, it enabled me to experience my fears in a way I had not acknowledged before.
I decided to read this book because I wanted insight into someone else's journey, not just my own. It was well worth it. In her book I solidified my own strength but more importantly, it enabled me to experience my fears in a way I had not acknowledged before.
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