Jeopardy!’s Alex Trebek has been battling stage four pancreatic cancer for some time now. In his recently released memoir, titled The Answer Is...: Reflections on My Life, the long-time game show host revealed that he would end all cancer treatment if his immunotherapy didn’t work out. However, Trebek has since clarified his memoir comments about possibly terminating his treatment.
Alex Trebek has been open about his health, often providing updates regarding his chemotherapy and how he’s been feeling since his cancer diagnosis. He’s even discussed how he’d like to say goodbye to Jeopardy! So, it’s no surprise that Trebek got candid in his memoir, stating that he would “probably stop treatment” if things don’t go well with his experimental immunotherapy treatment. However, Trebek posted a statement to Twitter to clear up any confusion about what he wrote in his book. Here’s what he said:
I feel the need to clarify my quote that, if my course of cancer treatment does not continue to work, I would consider stopping treatment. That quote from the book was written BEFORE my current regimen, and I was going through some bad times. My current numbers are very good, but we will have to be patient with this new immunotherapy program that I am on. But, if it were to stop being successful, I would return to my previous chemo treatment -- NOT stop all treatment. I apologize for any confusion, and want everyone to know that I am optimistic about my current plan, and thank them for their concerns.
That’s incredibly good to hear. The game show host has been a staple of Jeopardy! since 1984 and fans are especially protective of him in the wake of his cancer diagnosis. If the responses to Alex Trebek’s statement are anything to go by, then many are quite relieved that the game show host hasn’t given up on treatment altogether.
In fairness, however, the quoted text from The Answer Is...: Reflections on My Life did indeed make it sound like Alex Trebek would cease all treatment. He also wrote about telling his family of the decision he’d made. Here’s what Trebek wrote in his memoir (via THR):
I’m not afraid of dying. It wasn’t an easy conversation, and it isn’t any easier writing these words. Quality of life was an important consideration. . . . One thing they’re not going to say at my funeral as part of the eulogy is, ‘He was taken from us too soon.’ I’m about to turn 80. I’ve lived a good, full life, and I’m nearing the end of it. I know that. The only thing that might bother me is if I pass on before I get to have grandchildren. (Hint, hint.)
The Jeopardy! host has definitely lived a “good, full life.” Above all, though, he wants to be remembered as a “good and loving husband and father.” At the end of the day, Alex Trebek has been pretty courageous despite all he’s been through and I sincerely hope that he does get to have grandchildren. (No pressure on his kids, though!)
Jeopardy! airs in syndication, so check your local listings for more information. In the meantime, be sure to check out our 2020 fall TV premiere schedule for more on what to watch.
