”Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek is still fighting the good fight.
On Wednesday, he went depth into his battle with pancreatic cancer for the first time since announcing his diagnosis in March.
Trebek said one of the hardest parts of the disease is the chemotherapy, because he wasn’t expecting the “surges of deep, deep sadness” that he experiences after treatment.
Alex Trebek has been the host of the syndicated game show Jeopardy! since it was revived in 1984.
In March 2019 he announced that he had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer.
In a recorded message shared to the game show’s Youtube channel, Trebek said that his prognosis was poor but that he would aggressively fight the cancer in hopes of beating the odds and would continue hosting Jeopardy! for as long as he was able.
He joked that his contract obligated him to do so for three more years.
This week, The “Jeopardy!” host was still positive and upbeat, during an interview with “Good Morning America”.
Despite being given a grave diagnosis, Trebek insists he will remain fighting for as long as he can.
He opened up about how he’s dealing with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, the effects that several rounds of chemotherapy has on his life, and the support he’s received from millions of fans around the world.
Trebek said one of the hardest parts of the disease is the chemotherapy, because he wasn’t expecting the “surges of deep, deep sadness” that he experiences after treatment.
He told anchor Robin Roberts that “there’s nothing wrong with saying ‘Hey, I’m really depressed today and I have no idea why.'”
Trebeck joked that he’s discovered during his treatment that he’s a “bit of a wuss, stating that he feels weak “all the time.”
Nevertheless, the host remains optimistic about his future:
“It is something I am inflicted with. We are dealing with it chemically and spiritually and those are positives. Hopefully everything is going to turn out well,” he said.
Trebek also said that he was grateful for fans and viewers’ feedback. He’s also been gaining inspiration from others.
“I’ve had so many contacts from people who have survived cancer for [several] years,” he said.
“I am now a 30-day cancer survivor… and they have been inspiration to me.”
His fans have been sharing “advice, good thoughts, and prayers” with him, he said, and he feels it is “making a difference.”
Also, Trebek joked that he timed his diagnosis with the end of the show’s season, so he has the summer to recover.
He revealed his plans on returning to host the show after his hiatus.
This season of the show has also made news with the incredible winning streak of contestant James Holzhauer.
Holzhauer won his 19th game Tuesday night bringing his cumulative earnings to $1,426,330.
Trebek said Holzhauer might be on track of breaking the record held by Ken Jennings who currently has a 74-day game record, which he previously believed to be impossible.
“I look at James and say, ‘Oh my God, look at what he’s doing,'” he said.
Still, Holzhauer has a while to go until he beats Jennings’ record.
Trebek said the streak record is “the tough part” because it’s “easy” for contestants to win lots of money on the show if they hit the Daily Doubles.
“That’s what America should focus on,” he said.
But while many fans are focused on daily doubles and large cash prizes, Trebek is focused on winning the biggest battle of his life.
Let’s all pray he wins this challenge!
Saying prayers for you every day, Alex. Jeopardy is my favorite show. We need you. No one else! ♥️
