February 11, 2009 5:35 PM

Rene Syler Bids Farewell

By
Brian Dakss
(CBS)  Rene Syler, one of the four original co-anchors of The Early Show, said so-long at the end of Friday's show.

She is, as co-anchor Harry Smith put it, "embarking on kind of an amazing journey over the next couple of months."

Syler has a book coming out in March, to be called "Good Enough Mother."

The cover features her own kids, Casey and Cole. "Everyone who sees the book cover says, 'Those kids are like right out of Central Casting.'

"It's been my dream and my goal my entire life to write this book, and I thought, 'What am I gonna write about? I'm gonna write about parenting, and my parenting style.' And I do think of it as a style!"

Syler said with a smile, "I come home and my kids are pulling themselves across the hardwood floors in my new 800 thread count sheets and — (shriek in exasperation). The idea was, I have so many friends, these mothers who are making themselves crazy trying to be perfect for their kids. I say you don't have to be perfect just good enough, and that's where it came from. An example: This really did happen last weekend. I took my son to an 11:30 birthday that started at 9:30. Happens all the time!"

Smith noted that Syler is trying to have the book made into a TV show.

On a much more serious note, Syler reveals that she is having a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy next month.

Smith pointed out that, "Both of your parents had breast cancer, you have had a couple of very serious scares with breast cancer and, for months now, we've had this ongoing conversation about what you've been talking about in terms of doing something in a proactive way about it for yourself."

"The thing is," Syler explained, "every year, I would go in for a mammogram, which is what you're supposed to do, women over 40, unless you have a family history, and then you start earlier. But, I've been going in every year, and every year I'd have a mammogram and that would be followed by a biopsy. The last one was aggressive and just felt like I needed to come up with a long-term solution for this."

Syler concluded by thanking her Early Show makeup artist, hairdresser, and assistant, along with the show's producers and her "on-air family."

Then, a warm wave goodbye to viewers.

Copyright 2009 CBS. All rights reserved.
Add a Comment See all 18 Comments
by tehope-2009 December 23, 2006 5:15 PM EST
Hurry Back!!!!!!!! Thomas
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by tehope-2009 December 23, 2006 2:02 PM EST
Thank you Rene` Syler for a wonderful run as co-anchor of the CBS Early Show. You have brought the morning news with ultimate professionalism and dignity. Speaking for all of your fans, we are sad that you are leaving the Early Show, but we understand and wish you strength and success in all that life has to offer. May God Bless you and your family and we will be looking for your book, "Good Enough Mother" on the New York best Sellers List.Sincerly, Thomas Hope and the Fans of Rene` Syler
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by barbarast59 December 23, 2006 4:42 AM EST
You are a strong wonderful woman and now add role model to that. God bless you!
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by thomderr December 23, 2006 4:17 AM EST
May God bless you and yours, may your future be bright!
You will be missed!
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by hermit22 December 23, 2006 3:11 AM EST
May you live to be a healthy, happy OLD OLD lady!
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by grandhoney December 23, 2006 2:55 AM EST
Being a 45 yr old African American woman from Dallas, Texas, I was a fan and watched Renee when she was here. When she moved and began on the Early Show I switched morning shows and began to watch The Early show. I enjoy seeing diversity. I will miss seeing her Caramel Colored, pretty smiling self! I hope the door was left open for her to come back when she's ready. She's wonderful and I will miss her and The Early Show!
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by jms1969 December 22, 2006 9:57 PM EST
Rene, I have enjoyed your style and sensitivity in reporting and questioning your guests. I also have enjoyed your jewelry over the course of time - you are one classy lady. I wish you the best and will be praying that God will give you great peace during your time of surgery. My mother had a mastectomy at age 72 and died 10 years later of cancer, but she fought and was a graceful survivor. I think with your aggressive action, you will have many, many years ahead with your family and friends. I will miss seeing you. God Bless. Jean Solomonson, Kansas
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by powerofpink December 22, 2006 8:38 PM EST
Rene,I hope you get this information.. First of all I will miss you in the morning. But you are now on a journey of you own. I have had a bilatal mastectomy 2 years ago followed by reconstrution by Dr's in New Orleons who have perfected the DIEP procedure. Nearly 100% success rate. This is done with your own tissue not muscle. You are treated with royalty. Please check the web page and call them.
www.breast center.com
Charlene Larson, Michigan
Reply to this comment
by powerofpink December 22, 2006 8:37 PM EST
Rene,I hope you get this information.. First of all I will miss you in the morning. But you are now on a journey of you own. I have had a bilatal mastectomy 2 years ago followed by reconstrution by Dr's in New Orleons who have perfected the DIEP procedure. Nearly 100% success rate. This is done with your own tissue not muscle. You are treated with royalty. Please check the web page and call them.
www.breast center.com
Charlene Larson, Michigan
Reply to this comment
by powerofpink December 22, 2006 8:36 PM EST
Rene,I hope you get this information.. First of all I will miss you in the morning. But you are now on a journey of you own. I have had a bilatal mastectomy 2 years ago followed by reconstrution by Dr's in New Orleons who have perfected the DIEP procedure. Nearly 100% success rate. This is done with your own tissue not muscle. You are treated with royalty. Please check the web page and call them.
www.breast center.com
Charlene Larson, Michigan
Reply to this comment
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