10+ Years On: Tom Brokaw’s Multiple Myeloma Battle—Latest Health Status And His Life In Remission

The legendary journalist Tom Brokaw has been a figure of resilience for over a decade, navigating a serious health challenge while maintaining his public presence and commitment to journalism. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the latest updates on his health confirm a continued, hard-fought victory against multiple myeloma, an incurable but treatable blood cancer.

The former $\text{NBC Nightly News}$ anchor, who was diagnosed in 2013, has successfully managed the disease into a state of remission, a testament to modern oncology and his personal fortitude. Brokaw’s journey, which involves a continuous maintenance regimen, offers a powerful, current message of hope and awareness for millions facing a similar diagnosis.

Thomas John Brokaw: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Full Name: Thomas John Brokaw

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Born: February 6, 1940, in Webster, South Dakota, U.S.

Early Life & Education: Raised in the small towns and rural culture of the Great Plains, Brokaw attended Yankton High School and later the University of South Dakota.

Career Highlights:

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• NBC Nightly News Anchor (1982–2004): Served as the anchor and managing editor, becoming one of the "Big Three" news anchors of his generation.
• Major Historical Coverage: His career spanned pivotal global events, including the Watergate scandal, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the September 11 attacks.
• Mikhail Gorbachev Interview: Achieved the distinction of securing the first one-on-one interview with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev by an American journalist.
• Senior Correspondent: Following his retirement from the anchor chair in 2004, he continued to serve as a Senior Correspondent for $\text{NBC News}$.

Notable Books:

• The Greatest Generation (1998)
• The Greatest Generation Speaks (1999)
• An Album of Memories
• Never Give Up: A Memoir

Major Awards & Honors:

• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014)
• Two Peabody Awards
• Two Emmy Awards
• DuPont Awards

Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis: Diagnosed in August 2013 at the Mayo Clinic.

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Current Health Status: Brokaw’s Life in Remission (2024–2025)

The most pressing question for Brokaw’s followers and the public remains his current health, especially given the aggressive nature of his disease. The answer, as of the most recent public statements, is overwhelmingly positive: he is in remission and has been for a significant period.

Brokaw’s $\text{multiple myeloma}$ diagnosis, which occurred over a decade ago in 2013, has been described as a "treatable but incurable" cancer. This $\text{incurable blood cancer}$ is a malignancy of the $\text{plasma cells}$ in the bone marrow, also known as $\text{plasma cell myeloma}$.

In his own words, Brokaw has stated that he is "in remission and it's holding." This status, achieved through intensive treatment, is now maintained through an ongoing drug regimen. He specifically mentioned being on a "maintenance diet of $\text{Revlimid}$." $\text{Revlimid}$ (lenalidomide) is a key medication in the treatment landscape for $\text{multiple myeloma}$, often used as a maintenance therapy to prevent relapse after initial treatment.

The longevity of his survival is a remarkable achievement in oncology. Brokaw has openly shared that early in his battle, doctors were skeptical about his prognosis, noting that some did not believe he would live to see his 83rd birthday. His ability to not only survive but thrive for over ten years since his diagnosis in 2013 highlights the significant advancements in $\text{multiple myeloma treatment}$ and his personal dedication to his health.

His story serves as a powerful illustration of the shift in how this disease is managed, moving from a rapid terminal diagnosis to a chronic, manageable condition for many patients.

The Brokaw Effect: Advocacy, Awareness, and the Cost of Treatment

Brokaw has channeled his experience into a mission of $\text{cancer awareness}$ and $\text{patient advocacy}$, becoming a prominent voice in the medical community. His public sharing of his journey has shone a spotlight on $\text{multiple myeloma}$, a cancer that often lacks the widespread public awareness of other malignancies.

Shining a Light on Early Diagnosis

Since his diagnosis, Brokaw has partnered with organizations like the $\text{Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)}$ and the $\text{PROMISE Study}$ to raise awareness about the critical need for $\text{early diagnosis}$ and to support ongoing $\text{myeloma research}$. His efforts encourage individuals with persistent symptoms—such as $\text{bone pain}$, fatigue, or unexplained $\text{anemia}$—to seek specialized medical attention at institutions like the $\text{Mayo Clinic}$ or $\text{Dana-Farber Cancer Institute}$, where he has been treated.

He frequently discusses the importance of $\text{clinical trials}$ and the rapid pace of $\text{drug development}$ that has made his long-term survival possible. The development of $\text{proteasome inhibitors}$ and $\text{immunomodulatory drugs}$ (like Revlimid) has fundamentally changed the outlook for $\text{myeloma patients}$.

The Financial Burden of Chronic Cancer Care

Beyond the medical details, Brokaw has been candid about the staggering financial reality of treating a chronic cancer. He has openly discussed the high $\text{cost of cancer treatment}$, noting that his treatments have, at times, cost nearly $\$10,000$ a week. This transparency provides a crucial perspective on the broader healthcare debate, emphasizing the financial toxicity that accompanies long-term survival for many Americans.

His book, $\text{Never Give Up}$, and his public appearances often touch upon the theme of resilience, linking his personal battle with cancer to the historical narratives he covered in his career. His advice to others facing similar challenges is rooted in his own experience: maintain an optimistic outlook, rely on a strong $\text{support system}$, and never stop fighting for the best possible $\text{quality of life}$.

Living with an Incurable Condition: The New Normal

Tom Brokaw’s decade-plus journey with $\text{multiple myeloma}$ has redefined what it means to live with a chronic, incurable disease. His current state of sustained $\text{remission}$ demonstrates that a cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a final chapter, but often a pivot point to a new, managed life. The success of his $\text{maintenance therapy}$ with drugs like $\text{Revlimid}$ allows him to continue his work as a respected voice in journalism and a dedicated $\text{cancer advocate}$.

His story is a powerful narrative of medical progress and personal tenacity, providing a beacon of hope that with continuous care, $\text{multiple myeloma survival rates}$ can be significantly extended, allowing patients to enjoy many more meaningful years. Brokaw’s enduring presence in the public eye continues to inspire, proving that even after a major diagnosis, one can still $\text{excel}$ and contribute to the national conversation.