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Bryant Gumbel shocked a TV audience with the news that he’s recovering from cancer surgery and treatment.
The former “Today” show anchor, 61, said a malignant tumor and part of his lung were removed two months ago. He revealed his condition Tuesday to Kelly Ripa while subbing for Regis Philbin on “Live with Regis and Kelly.” (Philbin recently had hip-replacement surgery.)
“It’s nothing to hide from,” Gumbel said. “They opened up my chest, they took out a malignant tumor, they took out part of my lung and they took out some other goodies.”
Even with the surgery, some aggressive cancer cells had escaped, “so I went through some treatment and it’s done now,” he said.
The tumor was not in Gumbel’s lung, but next to it, said Sean Cassidy, a friend of Gumbel’s.
Gumbel is not a smoker, he said.
Gumbel said he and his wife had wanted to keep the news private. He said he had even kept his staff at the Emmy-winning HBO sports newsmagazine “Real Sports” in the dark. HBO said Gumbel didn’t miss an episode, taping shows on Sept. 15 and Oct. 27.
“We hope,” he said. “We hope, it’s over.”
Gumbel said he’s meeting with his surgeon and oncologist next week and hopes to be cleared to play golf.
More news, Page 1D
