For those of you who may not have seen this news yet, we thought we would post about it here:
"Newsman Tom Brokaw reveals he has cancer" (USA Today)
"Brokaw, an NBC News special correspondent and former Nightly News anchor, was diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic in August with multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects blood cells in the bone marrow. His doctors are encouraged with the progress he is making and Brokaw has continued his work for the network, including contributions to NBC's Winter Olympics coverage in Sochi."
Please feel free to use this thread to share more details about the news as it becomes known, as well as any thoughts you may have on the development.
Forums
Re: Tom Brokaw diagnosed with multiple myeloma
I am sorry to hear about Mr. Brokaw's diagnosis.
I was diagnosed in 2009, have had two stem cell transplants and other chemotherapies, and continued to work full time all the while (except for recuperation after the transplants.) I am leading a full and enjoyable life.
I hope he, as a respected and liked journalist will use his reach to bring greater awareness of this relatively rare disease, both to increase the potential for research and to decrease the fear associated with an "incurable" disease. It is treatable, some fare better than others, of course, but we can all use his help. That is not meant to try to prey on his celebrity or take time away from his family, but we sure could use a "champion."
Best to Tom and his family.
Nancy Pearl
I was diagnosed in 2009, have had two stem cell transplants and other chemotherapies, and continued to work full time all the while (except for recuperation after the transplants.) I am leading a full and enjoyable life.
I hope he, as a respected and liked journalist will use his reach to bring greater awareness of this relatively rare disease, both to increase the potential for research and to decrease the fear associated with an "incurable" disease. It is treatable, some fare better than others, of course, but we can all use his help. That is not meant to try to prey on his celebrity or take time away from his family, but we sure could use a "champion."
Best to Tom and his family.
Nancy Pearl
-
valenpearl
Re: Tom Brokaw diagnosed with multiple myeloma
I have always liked and respected Tom Brokaw and I loved his book "The Greatest Generation". That book gave voice to people like my dad who fought the Japanese in the South Pacific. He never, ever talked about his war experiences with me and my siblings. It was that brutal and we knew never to broach the subject. I wish Mr. Brokaw all the best in his fight.
-
terryl1 - Name: Terry
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 10, 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 49
Re: Tom Brokaw diagnosed with multiple myeloma
My mother in law has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. We are just now trying to figure out what regimen to put her on to slow the progression on the disease. How can we find out what regimen Tom Brokaw has followed. Learning this information will help us to ferret through the myriad of suggestions.
Thanks
Liz
Thanks
Liz
-
LizPaine
Re: Tom Brokaw diagnosed with multiple myeloma
I wish Tom,his family, friends and support network all the best. He now joins a small group of people with myeloma who are hoping a cure is just around the corner, and I believe there is.
Take care
Take care
-
ClaireK - Name: Claire
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 43
Re: Tom Brokaw diagnosed with multiple myeloma
When I heard the news last night about Tom Brokaw I was deeply sorry for him and his family. Multiple Myeloma is a difficult blood cancer to fight. The treatment is very aggressive, but they are making wonderful progress with new treatments each year.
My husband died with Multiple Myeloma in 2012. He fought like a tiger, he had wonderful doctors, wonderful nurses, but God needed him.
Mr. Brokaw please fight like a tiger, never give up, KEEP HOLDING ON!!!!
Many thoughts and prayers.
My husband died with Multiple Myeloma in 2012. He fought like a tiger, he had wonderful doctors, wonderful nurses, but God needed him.
Mr. Brokaw please fight like a tiger, never give up, KEEP HOLDING ON!!!!
Many thoughts and prayers.

-
clttlbt
Re: Tom Brokaw diagnosed with multiple myeloma
We all wish Mr Brokaw and his family the very best (as well as all of you and your families). He is in excellent hands at the Mayo Clinic.
-
Dr. Ken Shain - Name: Ken Shain, M.D., Ph.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Tom Brokaw diagnosed with multiple myeloma
Tom Brokaw has one of the most recognizable voices in america. I hope to keep hearing it for another 20 years. Hang in there Tom.
Unlike getting run over by a bus, multiple myeloma gives you time and options.
Unlike getting run over by a bus, multiple myeloma gives you time and options.
-
Stann
Re: Tom Brokaw diagnosed with multiple myeloma
Very well said, Stann.
-
darnold - Name: Dana Arnold
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Tom Brokaw diagnosed with multiple myeloma
...and good news about Tom Brokaw:
"Tom Brokaw shares positive health news: His cancer treatments are working," Washington Post, September 11, 2014.
Excerpt:
"Tom Brokaw shares positive health news: His cancer treatments are working," Washington Post, September 11, 2014.
Excerpt:
Tom Brokaw confirmed on the “Today” show Thursday morning that he recently got some very good health news regarding his cancer diagnosis: The treatments are working and moving in a positive direction ...
“Actually, I am doing fine,” Brokaw, 74, said. “I got some very good news…I hope that within six weeks I can be on a drug maintenance program. The myeloma appears to be gone.”
“I’ve got one more marker to be down to zero-zero, and I’ll be all right,” he added.
-
Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012