Alex Trebek Returns to 'Jeopardy!' Studio
- Trebek has continued his role as “Jeopardy!” host since he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2019
- “Jeopardy!” suspended studio filming in March 2020 as the pandemic descended and he has remained under quarantine since then
- Season 37 of the quiz show will launch September 14 with Trebek returning to host role as he continues treatment
“New episodes of Jeopardy! are just around the corner!” the post reads. “In the meantime, we’ve got 2 weeks of episodes from last season.”
Trebek Thrives on Work
On March 4 of this year, Trebek announced that he'd beaten the odds by surviving a full year since his diagnosis. A week later, the show suspended live studio audiences in a move to protect Trebek from exposure to the virus. Shortly thereafter, tapings ended altogether, as California initiated quarantine orders.
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Trebek has credited his work and the support of his fans with helping him push through cancer treatment, even on dark days.
A Health Update
Trebek turned 80 on July 22, the day after the release of his memoir, “The Answer Is … Reflections on My Life.” In an emotional interview marking the occasion, Trebek, who is undergoing an experimental immunotherapy treatment, told GMA’s T.J. Holmes, “I’m on the right track. They do a blood test to see where my CA19 numbers are.”
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"Eight weeks ago, the numbers were at about 3500, now they're below 100. So I'm going in the right direction," Trebek said with his trademark understated grace.
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong talks to SurvivorNet about his new experimental therapy which saved Senator Harry Reid’s life from pancreatic cancer
Dr. Anirban Maitra, co-leader of the Pancreatic Cancer Moon Shot at MD Anderson Cancer Center, says early-detection is crucial with pancreatic cancer.
If the treatment stops working, he said, “If it doesn't work, "I'll just continue with chemo and see what happens.”
His family and his fans hope to see Trebek celebrate two years of survivorship in February 2021.
'I Wish I Had Known Sooner'
Trebek's decision to go public with his diagnosis in March 2019 raised awareness of a disease that is rarely detected in its early stages when it's most treatable.
"I wish I had known sooner that the persistent stomach pain I experienced before my diagnosis was a symptom of pancreatic cancer,” Trebek said in a PSA that debuted in 2019 on World Pancreatic Cancer Day.
He went on to list other signs of the disease, "mid-back pain, unexplained weight loss, new-onset diabetes, and the yellowing of the skin or eyes."
The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition told SurvivorNet "[Trebek's] decision to become involved is having a big impact on heightening awareness of the risks and symptoms of this terrible disease."
Trebek’s Candor Has Saved Lives
But going public has come with a price. "The thought that I don't measure up compared to people's expectations is difficult," he says in his book, "Am I bearing it well? Or am I a coward?" he finds himself wondering. Sometimes, he admits, the pressure to be a "compelling, brave leader" becomes overwhelming.
"I called my doctor and expressed my concern about not being strong enough."
"No, no, no, he said, trying to reassure me. You're a great survivor. You've helped a lot of people. You don't know how many lives you have saved just by being out there, speaking about the disease, what it does to you, and how to maintain a more positive attitude."
Still, Trebek says, "I think a lot of people are going through stuff that's worse than mine. There are a lot of people out there who have cancer … who continue to live their lives and go about their business, and they do it without recognition."
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