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‘Jeopardy!’ Host Alex Trebek Faces Gut-Wrenching Setback In Cancer Battle

Days after returning to host his show “Jeopardy!,” Alex Trebek shared a gut-wrenching update about his battle with pancreatic cancer that has fans praying harder than ever.

Trebek Cancer Update

Fox News reported that Trebek, 79, revealed on Tuesday that he will need more chemotherapy treatments after his “numbers went sky high” and he lost 12 pounds in just a week.

“I was doing so well,” Trebek lamented. “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.'”

However, doctors soon changed their minds when his numbers shot back up. In the end, Trebek’s doctors recommended more chemotherapy.

“I lost about 12 pounds in a week,” Trebek told ABC News. “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.”

Trebek’s “Excruciating Pain”

Trebek also opened up about the toll cancer has taken on his body, saying sometimes it’s “excruciating pain” and other times “fatigue.”

“Cancer is mysterious in more ways than one,” he explained.

From the start of his cancer battle, Trebek has been open about the depression he felt after his diagnosis with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. In this new interview, the longtime game show host said he still sometimes feels a “surge of sadness” and “depression.”

“When it happened early on I was down on myself,” he said. “I didn’t realize how fallible each of us is in his or her own way … I talk to the audience sometimes and I get teary eyed for no reason. I don’t even bother to explain it anymore, I just experience it. I know it’s a part of who I am and I just keep going.”

He Does Not Fear Death

When asked if cancer has made him think about life differently at all, Trebek replied by saying he does not fear death.

“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.'” Trebek continued. “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 affect 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.”

Trebek concluded the interview by saying that he has no plans to step away from his hosting duties on “Jeopardy!”

“As long as I can walk out and greet the audience and the contestants and run the game I’m happy,” Trebek said.

Trebek has shown so much strength and dignity throughout his cancer battle, which has made him an inspiration to millions. His prayer base now reaches far beyond just that of regular “Jeopardy!” viewers. Let’s hope and pray that his chemotherapy treatments are successful, and that Trebek will be with us and hosting “Jeopardy!” for many years to come!

James Conrad

James Conrad’s passion for politics is only overshadowed by his longstanding interest in Hollywood. His unique perspective as a gay conservative fuels him to challenge celebrity views and those who think they have a right to tell anyone how to think or vote. James proudly wields his minority point of view to combat identity politics and cut through his typecast. Fun fact: James’ guilty pleasure is the British royal family.