James Van Der Beek, an actor, has talked about his battle with cancer after saying that his life will never be the same again.
The Dawson’s Creek star was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in August 2023.
He talked about the sickness and how it has affected his family life in a recent interview with Today.
Even though he was sick, the celebrity said that acting helps him escape reality. “The best thing about work is that there is no cancer between action and cut,” he remarked.
He just stepped back in front of the camera for the new prequel series Elle, which is based on the movie Legally Blonde.
Van Der Beek said, “It was fun to drop in and just have a blast because it’s such a great cast, a great production, and everyone out there is really talented.”
In November 2024, he revealed his condition to the public, claiming that he had nearly d!ed.
In March, he told his supporters on Instagram, “I was away for treatment, so I couldn’t be a husband who helped my wife.”
I couldn’t be a father who could pick up his kids, put them to bed, and be there for them anymore. I couldn’t be a provider because I wasn’t working.
The 48-year-old said that having cancer feels like a “full-time job.” In the current interview, he remarked, “I’m just on the journey.”
Sadly, he said, “It’s a process.”
For the rest of my life, it will probably be a process.
But the most important thing for him right now is to take it easy and enjoy the little things.
When he talked about his first diagnosis, the celebrity added, “I thought I was way ahead of the game.”
I ate as best I could. I was doing well. My blood arteries and heart were in excellent condition.
I didn’t think there was any reason for me to get a positive diagnosis.
The actor has six kids with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek: Olivia, 14; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 11; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 3.
But it looks like the star has been able to find some light in the dark with the support of his family, friends, and faith.
“After giving it some thought, I came up with the solution,” he stated.
Just because I am, I am worthy of God’s love.
He said, “And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?”
And the same goes for you.
When he was diagnosed at 46, the father of six didn’t know that the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer had been lowered to 45.