Since announcing his cancer diagnosis in March, Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has carried himself with the same graceful charisma that made him a television icon,.
Behind the scenes, however, Trebek's battle with cancer has been much harder than he's been letting on.
Fans were stunned back in March when the 78-year-old game show legend revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
But even in the midst of his devastating personal news Trebek was comforting fans, promising to fight on.
"I'm going to fight this, and I'm going to keep working. Keep the faith and we'll win. We'll get it done."
Behind the cameras though Trebrek's struggle with cancer has been far more challenging.
On Wednesday Trebek opened up during an interview on Good Morning America, revealing the "deep sadness" he's felt surrounding his diagnosis.
.@Jeopardy host #AlexTrebek to @RobinRoberts after being asked how he is doing: “My oncologist says I’m doing well… https://t.co/6e0IAt04cW
— Good Morning America (@Good Morning America)
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"My oncologist says I'm doing well even though I don't always feel it," Trebek admitted to Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, who is a cancer survivor herself.
"I've had kidney stones, I've had ruptured discs, so I'm used to dealing with pain, but what I'm not used to dealing with is the surges that come on suddenly of deep, deep sadness — and it brings tears to my eyes."
"Chemo takes it out of you. I mean, I feel so weak all the time, and that's not a good place to be."
"I go in and I sit down. I joke with the nurses and I'm there for an hour and a half while they inject all this stuff into me. Then I go home and I have a good day, and then the next day for no reason that I can fathom, it turns south on me."
You can watch the full interview below.
'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek opens up about cancer battle l GMA
www.youtube.com
True to his character though Trebek is remaining optimistic about his diagnosis and greatly credits the support he has been receiving from fans for keeping him upbeat during these difficult times.
"I've had so many contacts from people who have survived cancer for 10 years, 12 years, 14 years. I am now a 30 day cancer survivor. I'm going to catch up to those other people. They have been an inspiration me."
And Trebek is already looking forward to getting back on the air to begin his 36th season as Jeopardy! host in the fall.
"Hopefully everything is going to turn out well and I'll be back on the air with original programming come this September."
Many fans were inspired by Trebek's candid interview and the iconic host's continued grace and poise even in the face of his diagnosis.
@GMA @Jeopardy @RobinRoberts Nothing but love & respect for him -- He is always so gracious. Keeping him in thoughts & prayers. <3
