Less than two years after announcing surgery to remove a tumor in her pelvis, radio personality Robin Quivers is back on The Howard Stern Show. Stern was unable to control his emotions over the “triumphant” return of his cancer-free broadcasting partner of 30 years.

“I’ve been praying for this day and I’m really happy that you’re here,” said Stern. “It makes me very very happy.”

Back in May 2012, Quivers was told that she would require surgery to remove tumors in her pelvis and bladder, on top of radiation and chemotherapy. Cancer cells had made their way into the endometrial tissue located in her uterus. The news hit Stern just as hard as it hit Quivers.

“Honestly, I did not think this day would come,” Stern explained. “I did not know. I was very very depressed over your illness. I wasn’t sure what the outcome was gonna be. There was a time I thought I was gonna lose you permanently.”

The National Cancer Institute estimates 49,560 new uterine cancer cases in 2013. Some women who develop uterine cancer are forced to remove their uterus by way of a hysterectomy. Extreme cases could also require the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Throughout her 17 months away from the studio, Quivers still did broadcasting from her home in New York City. Following the end of her treatment regimen, a healthy Quivers returned to the show on Wednesday, sporting an ear-to-ear smile.

"It's pretty amazing. I was brushing my teeth this morning and thinking about going back on the air for the first time after surgery and how incredibly difficult that was,” said Quivers. “And today not feeling anything at all. It was just a normal day. You can get up and brush your teeth, throw on your clothes and run out the door."