Tom Brokaw, the renowned journalist and anchor, discusses his family, his recent book, and his ten-year struggle with an incurable blood cancer in a heartfelt interview with his longtime friend, “CBS News Sunday Morning” anchor Jane Pauley.
PHOTO Courtesy | NBC NewsWire / Getty
The interview is set to air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, June 25. Despite being NBC’s leading anchor for two decades, Brokaw received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma a decade ago.
He revealed that doctors had initially doubted he would reach the age of 83.
Tom Brokaw Diagnosis
In August 2013, Tom Brokaw received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, an incurable but manageable blood cancer. After undergoing months of specialized treatment, he achieved remission and is now sharing his journey battling the disease.
On Thursday at 10 p.m. ET, NBC’s “Dateline” will feature a special edition where Brokaw, aged 75, will candidly discuss his emotional experience and his poignant new memoir, “A Lucky Life, Interrupted,” slated for release in the U.S. on May 12th.
The following account, recounted by Tom Brokaw to NBC News senior national producer Tim Uehlinger, reflects on his diagnosis:
“I have a very astute doctor, Dr. Andrew Majka at Mayo Clinic, who suspected something was amiss. He conducted some blood tests and summoned me to a meeting with the head of internal medicine, who is also a hematologist.
They analyzed the results, which I didn’t fully comprehend.
They turned to me, and Dr. Morie Gertz stated, ‘You have a malignancy. It’s called multiple myeloma. And you know individuals who have succumbed to it.’
Geraldine Ferraro, the first female vice presidential candidate, succumbed to multiple myeloma. Frank Reynolds, the ABC anchorman, whom I conversed with near the end of his life without knowing his condition, also passed from it.
Later, I learned that Frank McGee, the Today Show host, also fell victim to it.
Strangely, I remained composed at that moment. I didn’t experience a surge of panic. I maintained a sense of detachment, almost as if I was observing the situation from the outside, reminding myself to remain composed.
At the time, I was operating as a journalist and a human being simultaneously, grappling with the realization of the gravity of the situation.
Given my fortunate life experiences thus far, I couldn’t fathom the ordeal that awaited me.”
Tom Brokaw Family Support
Treating cancer is a shared commitment within my family. I, as the head of the family, can attest that not only is my family visually appealing, but they also possess exceptional intelligence and profound compassion.
Each member contributes in their own way. Sarah, my daughter, works as a therapist. Andrea and her husband, Charles Simon, are deeply involved in various social causes. Jennifer, another daughter, pursues a career as a doctor.
As for my wife Meredith, she remains her remarkable self.
Throughout our lives, she has consistently demonstrated her exceptional qualities, not only to me but to everyone she encounters. I can confidently assert this based on objective observation.
Tom Brokaw Treatment
During an NBC interview, Tom discussed his treatment journey and highlighted a significant lesson he learned.
Despite having excellent doctors, he found that the collaboration among them wasn’t as cohesive as he desired.
He emphasized the importance of taking an active role in managing one’s case, even for those without the advantages of high profile and access.
Whether independently or in partnership with a trusted physician or advisor, individuals must assertively engage in their care. This involvement may include seeking alternative perspectives or questioning treatment protocols.
In Tom’s case, he was fortunate to receive exceptional care and was able to establish a collaborative team approach, which proved effective for him.
However, he acknowledged that not everyone has the resources to do so, but emphasized the fundamental principle that individuals must remain vigilant about their health and take ownership of their fight against cancer.
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