Fans of Good Morning America could well be waiting until mid 2013 for the return of their beloved host Robin Roberts.

Roberts recently underwent major hospital treatment for bone marrow transplant after she was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. The disease attacks the blood and bone marrow and even though she’s on track to recovery, her immune system is still weakened, meaning that an early return to work could turn out to be hugely problematic for her health.

According to TMZ, it’s looking as though Roberts will be unable to return to the show until May 2013 at the earliest and June is looking a more likely prospect. Several sources connected to Good Morning America told the news site that doctors are “pleased with her progress and say she’s right on schedule.” That’s good news for Roberts, but still frustrating for the TV presenter, who is said to realize that the rest is necessary, though it sounds as if she’s itching to get back to work.

She’s not been short of support, though, to aid her recovery until she can get herself back to work. Cards have reportedly been arriving by the truckload for her, leading GMA’s bosses to believe that her eventual return could provide a huge boost for the show’s ratings. And that would not bode well for the Today show in the battle of the morning TV ratings.