HODA'S STRUGGLE
Today host Hoda Kotb breaks down in tears on live TV after guest Olivia Newton-John asks about her breast cancer battle
TODAY host Hoda Kotb got teary-eyed on live TV during an interview with Oliva Newton-John as the two discussed their breast cancer battles.
In March 2007, Hoda underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer and has since become an advocate for breast cancer awareness.
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The talk show host got emotional during a sit-down with the Grease star while reflecting on her cancer battle.
While discussing Olivia's nearly 30-year battle with stage four metastatic breast cancer, Hoda mentioned her own journey with the disease.
"A long time ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I was incredibly healthy, and I remember them finding a lump and I said 'oh you must be mistaken,'" Hoda revealed to the actress.
"And I remembered realizing that moment, you know I'm an optimist too, I didn't want to know about any of the testing. I didn't want to get into the weeds.
"Being naive sometimes is a blessing," she added.
Oliva, 72, gave her condolenscences to the mom-of-two, admitting that she wasn't aware of her diagnosis.
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She replied: "I'm really sorry you went through that. I didn't know that about you," before asking: "You're well now? You're feeling good?"
The sentiment hit a sweet spot with Hoda, 57, as she began to well up pausing the interview.
"Yes, I am feeling good," Hoda smiled back. "By the way, I'm just going to pause for a second," she said.
"Another wonderful thing about you is what you just did there," Hoda commented as she held back tears.
"Thank you, thank you for asking," she added.
"We're sisters. Anyone who has gone on this journey with cancer, it's unknown destination, and surprises and turns," Olivia explained.
Although the musical legend has had a tough journey with the illness, Olivia is feeling positive about her prognosis.
"Right now I'm feeling pretty good," she told Hoda. "I have my days and I have my pains but the cannibas that my husband grows for me has been such a huge part of my healing, so, I'm a very lucky person."
'ASTONISHING' RECOVERY
Last year, the Aussie singer gushed over the medicinal cannabis she has been taking, confessing she is thriving as it has given her an “astonishing” recovery.
The disease had previously spread to her bones causing her to be bedridden from a fractured pelvis and hip.
But these days, the Physical singer is in much better spirits, and helping women get ahead of the disease by encouraging them to get regular check-ups from their doctors.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun last August, Olivia said: “I know it’s scary to go to the doctor, but it’s better to know than to not know. It’s important to do a monthly self-exam to notice any changes or lumps. Early detection is always best.
“My focus and purpose is continuing to find answers to treating cancer and helping others who are on that journey.
“So as strange as it may sound, I consider it a gift. I have learned so much and met some extraordinary women.”
The Grammy-award winner, reflected on her initial diagnosis saying: “I encourage self- examination first, as my original mammogram in 1992 didn’t show anything and my hand did — only with ultrasound was it discovered.
"So I say to women, trust your instincts. I think we know when something is wrong.”
HODA'S FAMILY'S EXPANDING
Hoda has since been in remission from breast cancer and has been prospering both in her professional and personal lives.
The I've Loved You Since Forever author got engaged to her long-time boyfriend Joel Schiffman and are planning their upcoming nuptials.
The couple are also planning to adopt a third child, in which Hoda revealed last year that she's already "filled out the paperwork."
Hoda told : "Joel and I have had this conversation because — you feel like you get a limited amount of time on Earth and your heart expands, and sometimes you don't realize your heart's ability to expand until you've filled (it), and sometimes you think you're at the top, and then you realize that there's more room.
"And we wondered, would our family be better with another child? Do we have enough love? Do we have enough time? Will we be a better family? And the answer to all those questions seems to be yes.
"But you can't control how life works. All we can do is put it into the universe and fill out papers and then wait and if it happens wow, you know, that was meant to be.
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Hoda and Joel already share two adopted daughters, Haley, four, and Hope, two.
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