Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Depression and Cancer

Depression is a common side effect of cancer. In this post, survivor Bonnie Annis shares her insights regarding popular game show host, Alex Trebek, during his battle with pancreatic cancer and depression.


PUBLISHED November 11, 2019

Bonnie Annis is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2014 with stage 2b invasive ductal carcinoma with metastasis to the lymph nodes. She is an avid photographer, freelance writer/blogger, wife, mother and grandmother.
Beloved Jeopardy game show host, Alex Trebek, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year. Public personalities are usually very private about their health struggles, so it was surprising to learn of Trebek’s diagnosis. By divulging details about his treatment and the progression of his disease on television, viewers were invited to enter into his experience.

In an interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, Mr. Trebek talked candidly about his diagnosis and also revealed his struggle with feelings of depression. Speaking to Ms. Roberts, he stated “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.”

During the interview, Trebek also spoke about his battle with disease-related depression as he discussed chemotherapy treatment and the effects he experienced. As he spoke with Ms. Roberts, he said, “Chemo affects people in different ways and people have to understand that and there’s nothing wrong with saying, hey, I’m really depressed today and I have no idea why. Why am I crying today?”'



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