Amy Robach Recounts How Her Life Changed After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Robach's new book "Better" is in bookstores now.

ByABC News
September 29, 2015, 6:58 AM

— -- Good Morning America” news anchor Amy Robach underwent her first-ever mammogram in October 2013, live on "GMA" for breast cancer awareness month. Weeks later, in November 2013, Robach announced on "GMA" that she had breast cancer. Robach underwent a double mastectomy and eight rounds of chemotherapy, all while raising a family and appearing on "GMA." In her new book, “Better: How I Let Go of Control, Held On to Hope, and Found Joy in My Darkest Hour,” Robach shares her breast cancer journey.

PHOTO:GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.
GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.

Here Robach talks in her own words about how she has lived her life since being diagnosed with breast cancer, and shares her six tips for living every day "better."

Click HERE to read an excerpt from Robach's book, "Better."

Nothing makes you prioritize your time like hearing the words, “You have cancer.”

PHOTO:GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.
GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.

From the moment my doctors told me the tumor they discovered in my right breast was malignant, the blanket of security I carried around with me my entire life –- the myth that I always had tomorrow and the next day -– was suddenly shattered.

It’s one thing to physically battle cancer -– it’s grueling and tests your body in ways you cannot imagine -– but it’s another thing altogether to mentally take it on.

PHOTO:GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.
GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.

For me, that has proved to be the toughest fight, one I struggle with on a daily basis. Every time I have another blood test or doctor’s appointment, or when a dark thought enters my mind (Will I ever get to be a grandparent?), I remind myself that the only thing I’m guaranteed in this life is right now.

PHOTO:GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.
GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.

I've decided to not die before I die. I live better now.

I am a better parent. I yell less and cuddle more with my daughters. I am a better wife. I yell less and choose my words more carefully, remembering we are what we say.

PHOTO:GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.
GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.

I want to leave every room I enter better than the way I found it. I’m not saying cancer is a gift -– because if it was I would gladly return it -– but now that the box has been opened, so have my eyes and my heart.

PHOTO:GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.
GMA" news anchor Amy Robach's new book, "Better," details her battle against breast cancer.

I see how precious life is and how grateful I am to be right here, right now.

Six Ways to Make Every Day BETTER:

1) Laugh more.

2) Love more.

3) Yell less.

4) Remember the only thing you can actually control is how you react to life.

5) Acknowledge that there is no such thing as security –- it’s a myth -– so give every moment the precious attention it deserves.

6) Don’t die before you die -– we’re all terminal cases -– so start living. Do what you want, cherish what you love, celebrate what you have.