Longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has been the face of the series for many decades, but that reign was threatened after it was announced in March that Trebek was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. After his first round of chemotherapy, the host believed he was in the clear, but Trebek recently provided an update on his battle with cancer and he was, unfortunately, the bearer of bad news.
During an appearance on Good Morning America, Alex Trebek revealed that, despite recently announcing that he was done with chemotherapy, he’d be undergoing another round of treatment. Trebek said that his doctors saw his numbers shoot through the roof, getting much higher than before and they were understandably concerned for his well-being.
I was doing so well. And my numbers went down to the equivalent of a normal human being who does not have pancreatic cancer. So we were all very optimistic. And they said, 'Good, we're gonna stop chemo, we'll start you on immunotherapy.’ I lost about 12 pounds in a week. And my numbers went sky high, much higher than they were when I was first diagnosed. So, the doctors have decided that I have to undergo chemo again and that's what I'm doing.
The Jeopardy! host has attempted to remain optimistic throughout his diagnosis and treatment. He’s continued with his hosting duties, but it hasn’t always been easy. Trebek calls cancer “mysterious in more ways than one” and that the disease has often caused him “excruciating pain."
Since his diagnosis, the game show host has also suffered with depression, explaining that he had felt down after he first found out about the cancer. Still, he says he isn’t afraid of dying and believes he’s lived a good life.
I realize that there is an end in sight for me, just as there is for everyone else. One line that I have used with our staff in recent weeks and months is that when I do pass on, one thing they will not say at my funeral is, 'Oh, he was taken from us too soon.' Hey guys. I’m 79-years-old. I’ve had one hell of a good life. And I’ve enjoyed it … the thought of passing on doesn't frighten me, it doesn't. Other things do, the effect it will have on my loved ones ... it makes me sad. But the thought of myself moving on, hey folks, it comes with the territory.
Cancer is the kind of disease that takes its toll on the diagnosed and their families. It’s hard no matter what and Alex Trebek has faced his diagnosis and treatment to the best of his ability. So long as Trebek can remain active and host Jeopardy!, he’ll be fine despite his failing health.
