Alex Trebek’s Brave Wife, Jean, in ‘Awe’ of Her Husband as Major TV Special Looks Inside His Battle with Cancer

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Written to expand upon Thursday night’s “20/20” interview with the Trebeks, the post relates how, on the December morning that the ABC special was filmed at the Trebek's Los Angeles home, she had taken a walk through the nearby canyon before returning to "trucks in the driveway, lights in the living room, some of the furniture moved." And as she watched her husband, she says, she felt in awe, as she does during all the interviews he has done, “of how easy he makes receiving all this attention look.”

What It’s Like Being Married to an Icon

As for the marriage itself, and what it’s like to live with someone so well known and beloved, she says, "The answer I give is what most wives would say, ‘He's not the game show host at home (OK … maybe most wives wouldn't say that) but Alex is just my husband and I love him.’ He's both extra-ordinary and ordinary all at once. He wears jeans and T-shirts and is most comfortable puttering around the house fixing everything from broken sprinklers to the tiles on the roof. I do have to say that he is quite ingenious when it comes to repairs of any sort. It's amazing to me how he can come up with solutions for household problems."

But of course she’s especially in awe of Alex's remarkable grace. "I know he is so emotionally connected to all the people who are supporting him and yet he is so calm and collected throughout his healing journey,” she writes.

Also, she notes, "Alex encourages the work I do on my website. He acknowledges the good intention and meaningfulness of its mission and I think he is proud of me."

Jean Trebek’s Exclusive SurvivorNet Interview

"The human voice has so much power and healing," Trebek, who rarely speaks to the media, said in an exclusive interview with SurvivorNet back in November. She discussed, among other topics, her practice of sound healing — she uses a combination of crystal bowls and her voice to help people heal — which she has been practicing for 10 years. The practice, along with an ancient healing technique called Reiki, is part of Trebek's spiritual faith, called Religious Science, which helps her stay grounded and positive during difficult times, she said.

When asked what she would say to someone who's going through a tough time be it with their own health, the health of a family member, or something else entirely   Trebek's advice was simple: “Just ask the universe, 'What's the next step for me?'" she said. "The universe will always respond. I am absolutely sure that we live in a benevolent universe that is always conspiring for our highest and greatest good."

Trebek tells Survivornet that her faith in her practices can uplift those around her, including Alex.

"It comes from a place of love, because I want to uplift him … and when I keep my own self buoyed and enjoying my life, I can actually share that with him. He can look at me and have a sense of 'life is beautiful; my wife is doing something good," she said.

Alex Trebek's Cancer Journey

In March of 2019, Alex was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. In the months since, there's been an outpouring of prayers, support and deep concern from Trebek’s many thousands of fans.

 

 

RELATED: Alex Trebek Shares Cancer Update: "One Thing They Will Not Say at My Funeral is, 'Oh, He Was Taken From Us Too Soon’"

Many were disheartened when Trebek announced on Sept. 17 that he would undergo further treatment.

 

 

This summer, because I was making such good progress, we thought I was finished with chemo,” Trebek said at the time.  “That was a bit premature and certainly overoptimistic. I began immunotherapy, but that didn’t go well. My numbers went south dramatically and quickly. The doctors are now re-examining my situation and, it appears, I will be having more chemo treatments ahead of me,” he continued. “Hey, they worked very well the first time, so we’re expecting good results again."

Now, as he reveals in tonight’s ABC interview, Trebek is open to new therapies. “We may try a new protocol…a different chemo or something in the trial stage that is not chemotherapy,” he tells Strahan. “I don't mind experimenting. I've got nothing to lose, so let's go for it."

Trebek's advanced stage of pancreatic cancer has only a 3% five-year survival rate, which means that only 3 % of people diagnosed end up living five years. But with most stage 4 pancreatic cancer patients living only 3-6 months after finding their cancer, Trebek has been beating the odds.

RELATED: Experts Tell SurvivorNet Alex Trebek's New Chemo Treatment Is Common What Happens Next?

The Trebek Effect

Thanks to Trebek’s candidness about his disease, there has been an increase in the number of people looking for information about pancreatic cancer. On March 7, when Trebek's cancer was first announced, the number of people who viewed his Wikipedia page shot up from the thousands, to 565,136 views. On the same day, page views for pancreatic cancer went from about 2,000 views per day to 66,454 views

And a PSA he did for the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition back in October was incredibly successful. "We have had such a tremendous response to the PSA that continues to keep going," The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition told SurvivorNet. "[Trebek's] decision to become involved in the World Pancreatic Cancer Day global initiative is having a big impact on heightening awareness of the risks and symptoms of this terrible disease."

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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