News broadcast legend Tom Brokaw announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with blood cancer.
The former anchor of the "NBC Nightly News" was diagnosed of multiple myeloma in August but decided to keep it a secret. Brokaw, 74, issued a statement via NBC to let his followers know about his condition. His doctors gave a good prognosis with regard to the broadcaster's battle and said that he has been responding well to treatment.
"With the exceptional support of my family, medical team and friends, I am very optimistic about the future and look forward to continuing my life, my work and adventures still to come. I remain the luckiest guy I know," said Brokaw.
"I am very grateful for the interest in my condition but I also hope everyone understands I wish to keep this a private matter," he added.
Brokaw started with NBC News in 1966, working for its Los Angeles Bureau. He also covered the White House beat and reported about the Watergate scandal. In 1983, he became the anchor of "NBC Nightly News" and was only replaced in 2004 by Brian Williams. He continued working as a special correspondent while receiving treatment. He has been contributing to the coverage of the network of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
"Multiple myeloma is a cancer of your plasma cells, a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow. Plasma cells normally make proteins called antibodies to help you fight infections. In multiple myeloma, a group of plasma cells (myeloma cells) becomes cancerous and multiplies, raising the number of plasma cells to a higher than normal level. Since these cells normally make proteins (antibodies), the level of abnormal proteins in your blood also may go up. Health problems caused by multiple myeloma can affect your bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count," defines Mayo Clinic.
The symptoms of multiple myeloma, which is more common in the male populace who are in their mid-60s, may vary from individual to individual. In its early stage, it may even be asymptomatic but when it surfaces, a patient may suffer from bone fractures, fatigue due to anemia, kidney failure, and a high levels of calcium in the blood. Patients suffering from this type of cancer may also be prone to repeated infections, weakness of the legs, and weight loss. As the disease also affects the production of disease-fighting antibodies, the patient's immune system is also impaired.
Treatment for multiple myeloma may range from and be a combination of drugs, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant.
