'Today' Co-Host Hoda Kotb Talks Cancer Diagnosis And Motherhood Journey

Hoda Kotb is not one to shy away from speaking about her courageous battles with breast cancer and her rollercoaster motherhood experience.

Over a decade ago, Kotb received an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis which left her unable to freeze her eggs or conceive. 

In a new sit-down, The "Today 3rd Hour" co-host got candid about her journey towards becoming a mother and her breast cancer treatment process.

In a cover story of Kotb and her "Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie for the April 2022 issue of Good Housekeeping, she detailed her motherhood struggles.

The NBC News personality tried freezing her eggs following her mastectomy surgery for breast cancer in 2007, but life had other plans. She recalled:

"I remember that my oncologist called, and we were talking about freezing my eggs. She basically said that given my age and [my breast cancer treatment], it was pretty close to a dead end."

Upon hearing such devastating news, Kotb's heart was broken, and she went home to sob over the fact that she could not fulfill her conception wishes.

The "Making Space With Hoda Kotb" star highlighted her thought process during that year, saying:

"I just pushed it away because the reality seemed impossible to bear. How do you survive knowing you can't have what you desire and what you feel like you actually physically need?"

Kotb now happily raises two adorable adopted daughters with ex Joel Schiffman, Haley Joy, who joined the family in 2017, and Hope Catherine, who became the fourth member in 2019.

The "Kathie Lee and Hoda" star spoke on being an older mom, noting that the experience is much more favorable for her.

The 57-year-old noted that all the things which prove to be a problem when raising little kids are not the case for her. She continued:

"I find myself being so much more patient and calm than I ever would have been at a younger age. You realize we sometimes blow things out of proportion."

Kotb never refrains from talking about the difficult aspects of her life with the public. Such as when she announced her split with her partner of almost a decade. 

Earlier this year, The Blast disclosed that the journalist opened up about why she and her fiancé parted ways and how they plan to raise their children peacefully. 

Kotb spoke about her split on Monday, January 31, while on the fourth hour of the "TODAY" show. She began by explaining why she had not been wearing her ring lately, saying:

"Joel and I have had a lot of prayerful and really meaningful conversations over the holidays, and we decided that we’re better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple."

The NBC personality confirmed that she and her former lover began 2022 on a new path as friends and loving parents to their sweet girls, Haley and Catherine.

Despite the split after eight years of romance, Kotb confirmed that nothing terrible happened between her and Schiffman, and they ended on the best terms.

The mother-of-two buttressed that some relationships are for a reason and others for a season, and what she had with her ex was for a season.

Kotb admitted it was awkward to break the news to the world, but she feels the need to be truthful. She explained:

"I think a lot of women know what this feels like in this moment to be changing course in life, and I feel really brave in this moment … Sometimes in your life, you just have to say the truth."

The bold decision of the "Making Space With Hoda Kotb" star evoked the love and support of fans worldwide, who sent her their best wishes.

A fan penned, "Appreciate the honesty Hoda. Both you and Jenna keep it real. Only you know how you feel and how you want to proceed with life. Wishing you the best, Hoda."

Another Twitter user commented, "I am so sad to hear this news, Hoda, but yet I am happy for you… you are so brave & spoke & acted on your truth. Happiness to you Joel & the kids."

The well-wisher summarised most messages to Kotb by heralding a better future for her, writing, "The best is yet to come! You are amazing, strong, smart, and you are beautiful!"