Alex Trebek Talks About His Stage 4 Cancer and Outlook in First Interview Since Announcing Diagnosis

“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek sat down for his first interview after finishing up the latest season of the show and less than two months since he announced the diagnosis that he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. In his talk with “Good Morning America”‘s Robin Roberts, Trebek reiterated his confidence that he’ll be among the survivors of one of the deadliest cancer diagnoses out there, but also reflected on what dealing with the diagnosis and treatment has taught him about himself.

“I’ve had so many contacts from people that have survived cancer for 10 years, 12 years, 14 years,” he said. “I am now a 30-day cancer survivor. I’m going to catch up to those people, but they have been an inspiration for me.”

Treatment is going as well as can be expected.

“My oncologist tells me I’m doing well even though I don’t always feel it. I’ve had kidney stones, I’ve had ruptured discs, so I’m used to dealing with pain,” he continued. “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 eye. I’ve discovered in this whole episode, ladies and gentlemen, that I’m a bit of a wuss.”

Trebek has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments in the months since his diagnosis and says it’s going about as well as anyone can expect.

“The cancer indicators, those are coming down. I’ve got another chemo next week and we’ll do a review and see where things stand,” he told Roberts. “Chemo affects people in different ways and people have to understand that, and that there’s nothing wrong with saying ‘hey, I’m really depressed today and I don’t know why.’”

Trebek said the coinciding depression caused by his grim diagnosis and chemical treatment is something he wants to be open about as he uses the next several months of the show’s hiatus to focus on treatment and dealing with the ups and downs of a much-hoped-for recovery.

He also reiterated the sentiments he’s shared in his short video clips on the game show where he’s expressed his deep gratitude for the thousands of well-wishers who have reached out to him since his diagnosis.

“I think I’ve learned that I’m an extremely lucky individual because, in spite of the fact that this diagnosis is not a good one, I’ve managed to receive so much love from so many people,” Trebek said. “Quite often you don’t get that during your lifetime. After you’ve passed, after you’re dead, people say ‘he was such a good guy, we really liked him.’ But I’m getting that all before that event and it makes me feel really really good.”

Trebek says he plans to return for the 36th season of “Jeopardy!” in the fall and we hope that’s true. The show certainly wouldn’t be the same without him.