Alex Trebek Opens Up About 'Deep Sadness' During Cancer Treatment

Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek is staying optimistic following his diagnosis with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, even as he opens up about the emotional realities of treatment.

Speaking with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts on Wednesday, Trebek offered a positive but candid update on his health. "My oncologist tells me I'm doing well, even though I don't always feel it," the Jeopardy! host revealed. Medically, he said, "My platelets, my blood counts are steady, my weight is steady. The cancer indicators, those are coming down."

"What I'm not used to dealing with," Trebek admitted, "is the surges that come on suddenly of deep, deep sadness, and it brings tears to my eyes. I've discovered in this whole episode, ladies and gentlemen, that I'm a bit of a wuss. But I'm fighting through it."

"Chemo affects people in different ways," Trebek continued, "and people have to understand that. There's nothing wrong with saying, 'Hey, I'm really depressed today, and I have no idea why.'"

The TV mainstay has been met with an outpouring of support in the wake of his diagnosis, and he thanked fans again for their well wishes, saying, "I feel it is making a difference in my well being." Trebek added that he's happy to raise awareness for his specific disease and to inspire others in similar situations.

He also reiterated that he hopes to return to host Jeopardy! in September for its upcoming 36th season. "I just have to get strong because, as you know, the chemo takes it out of you," he told Roberts, who underwent treatment for breast cancer in 2007.

Their conversation ended on a hopeful note. "I have managed to receive so much love from so many people," Trebek said, "and, quite often, you don't get that during your lifetime."

See the full Good Morning America interview below.

Jeopardy! airs weeknights at 7/6c on ABC.