As you probably heard from the man himself back in March, Alex Trebek is fighting stage four pancreatic cancer.
The Jeopardy! host has continued his hosting duties, and the show has even been in the headlines for happier reasons — a new record-breaking champ making RIDICULOUS amounts of money every day.
But behind the scenes it’s been much tougher than Trebek lets on with his cool, Canadian exterior.
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Inside he’s hurting, in more ways than one.
The living legend gave his first TV interview since his cancer reveal on Wednesday morning’s Good Morning America (above), where he opened up with his trademark self-effacing charm.
Sitting down with Robin Roberts, who survived her own cancer battle in 2007, Trebek revealed:
“I’ve had kidney stones, I’ve had ruptured discs, so I’m used to dealing with pain. But what I’m not used to dealing with is the surges that come on suddenly of deep, deep sadness. And it brings tears to my eyes. I’ve discovered in this whole episode, ladies and gentleman, that I’m a bit of a wuss.”
Man, stop trying to make us laugh when we’re crying!
Seriously, that is heartbreaking to hear. Someone who’s brought such joy to so many being put through something so excruciating.
Ironically, Trebek believes it’s his treatment which is hitting him the hardest, something many cancer patients will understand. He explained:
“Chemo affects people in different ways and people have to understand that and there is nothing wrong with saying, ‘Hey, I’m really depressed today and I have no idea why.'”
At least it seems to be working.
The game show guru gave a more specific update on his health, detailing:
“My oncologist tells me I’m doing well… I’m fighting through it. My platelets are steady, my blood counts are steady, my weight is steady. The cancer indicators, those are coming down. So I’ve got another chemo next week and then we’ll do a review to find out where things stand.”
The other treatment Trebek is receiving is actually brightening his day — and it’s all thanks to going public with the news. He said:
“It’s great to be considered an inspiration to people…
I’ve had so many contacts from people who have survived cancer. I am now a 30-day survivor… I’m going to catch up to those other people.”
That’s the spirit!
Luckily fans have been incredibly supportive throughout the ordeal. He said:
“People all over America have been sharing their good thoughts, their advice, their prayers. And I feel it’s been making a difference.”
Keep sending that positive energy, people!
Oh, and watch this to lighten the mood!
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