The much-loved host of “Jeopardy,” Alex Trebek, has revealed that he is undergoing more chemotherapy treatment after losing a dramatic amount of weight in a short period of time.
At the end of last month, Trebek announced that he was done with cancer treatment and would be heading back to host his popular game show. However, fast forward a month, and the popular TV man has now revealed that he is headed back to the hospital for more treatment, on the orders of his doctor.
“I was doing so well,” Alex told Good Morning America on Tuesday. “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.'”
Then, he started losing weight, fast.
“I lost about 12 pounds in a week,” Trebek added. “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 announced the presence of his illness — stage four pancreatic cancer — back in March, shocking millions of viewers and fans. Despite a grim prognosis, he vowed to fight the disease “with the love and support of my family and friends, and with the help of your prayers.”
When asked about whether or not he fears death, Trebek was characteristically frank. “The thought of passing on doesn’t frighten me, it doesn’t,” he said. “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.”
But will this latest stint of treatment affect his hosting of “Jeopardy”? Not a chance. “As long as I can walk out and greet the audience and the contestants and run the game I’m happy,” he said.
Do pray for Alex as he continues his cancer treatment.