Posted on 10/08/2019 7:35:34 AM PDT by EdnaMode
Despite his commitment to hosting Jeopardy! while undergoing cancer treatment, Alex Trebek has revealed that his skills behind the podium “have started to diminish.”
In a new interview with the Canadian newsmagazine W5, Trebek spoke candidly about his future at Jeopardy!, acknowledging that the side effects of chemotherapy may cause him to leave the show earlier than anticipated. “I talk to the producers about this all the time now. I say, ‘Look, I’m slurring my words. My tongue doesn’t work as well as it used to,'” Trebek began. “The chemo has caused sores inside my mouth. It makes it difficult for me to speak and enunciate properly. And they say, ‘Well, we don’t notice.’ I say, ‘I notice those things.’ And I’m sure there are observant members of the television audience who notice also. But they’re forgiving, and I’ll accept that.”
When asked if he would depart the show once he feels too dissatisfied with his own performance, Trebek agreed that would “probably” be the deciding factor.
“[It will be] when I feel that my skills have diminished to the point that I notice and am bothered by it,” he continued. “I notice now, but I’m not as bothered by it because all of the people around me are saying, ‘No, it’s OK.’ But there will come a point where they will no longer be able to say, ‘It’s OK.'”
Trebek recently announced that he has had to restart chemotherapy treatments, in the wake of a setback that caused his cancer markers to go “sky high.” Following his initial diagnosis, his first rounds of chemo had been successful, and doctors predicted that he was near remission. But after a brief experiment with immunotherapy — which “did diddly-squat,” Trebek told W5 — he is back on his original chemo regimen.
“What I’ve discovered is not only have I become the de facto flag carrier for [pancreatic cancer], but a lot of people are coming to me and looking for help, reassurance. And that’s tough,” Trebek added. “It’s tough trying to be as optimistic as you can when the other person feels none of that optimism. They feel only despair. I don’t know if I’m strong enough or intelligent enough to help alleviate some of that despair, so it’s tough on me. But it is what it is, and I do the best I can.
That's what they said about Art Flemming.
Sad to contemplate Alex’s departure from the stage of life.
Seriously, at 79 and stage 4 cancer, why in the world is he staying on TV.
Just bring in Bill Maher.
This dude is a real trooper... How many people would hang in there given the same prognosis? Not many.
He truly enjoys his job and if nothing else, his spirit in the fight against cancer should be inspirational to all those who are fighting the good fight.
No. Just no.
Slurred words? We don't care! We'd rather have you--slurred words or not! We understand! We're with you!
Stay as long as you can!
Probably because it helps him get out of bed every day?
Ruthie the buzzard Ginsburg.
” Following his initial diagnosis, his first rounds of chemo had been successful”
No, they weren’t
Well, if he and his employer agree then that's fine, it's the private sector. If I were paying his salary, like say John McCain, I would prefer they step down.
see my #13
As somebody committed to excellence I can understand that he would not want to continue on not giving his best.
Prayers for Alex.
And Bob Barker. Maybe they’ll get someone that isn’t always applauding liberal politicians and their flaky causes.
Yes, we should pray for him. He is very courageous, and a role model for living with cancer!
Bring on the next reprobate Hollywood personality to host. I no longer care.
Jeopardy! was removed from my viewing pleasure 10+ years ago, when Alex introduced a sodomite contestant who in turn introduced his *wife* in the audience. Disgusting.
I turned off the TV for good at that time. It’s a sesspool of degenerate value norming: Counterfeit marriage, counterfeit sexes (there are only two), men using women’s restrooms and shower facilities, men competing as women — it’s insanity.
What percentage of patients who undergo chemo and/or radiation therapy are actually helped or cured by it? So often they seem to get sicker and then expire. I have an elderly cousin who has cancer and declined chemo/radiation therapy. He’s lived on for several years without it. Of course, every case is individual.
Seriously, at 79 and stage 4 cancer, why in the world is he staying on TV.
...
I would say it’s the same reason he didn’t retire at 65.
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