James Van Der Beek Opens Up About Being a ‘Terrified Mess’ One Month After Announcing Cancer Battle

AUSTIN, TEXAS: James Van Der Beek gave an emotional update a month after revealing his cancer diagnosis, sharing that his family has been his greatest source of strength.

The 47-year-old actor announced to People last month that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which he was “dealing with privately.”

James Van Der Beek says his cancer diagnosis seemed like a ‘nightmare’

In the latest interview, James Van Der Beek revealed that he was shocked when he first received the diagnosis, believing he was in excellent health.

“Physically I’m great, I feel good… emotionally, it’s a lot, it’s really a journey,” he provided an update on his health in an interview on ‘Good morning America’.

“I was doing what I thought I needed to do: get a colonoscopy, which I obviously needed to do,” Beek added.

He added that he had been in very good shape and had focused on what he thought were healthy habits.

“I was in incredible cardiovascular shape. “I was eating what I thought was healthy and I had a whole schedule for what I thought was going to be my year,” he said, reflecting on how drastically his life changed.

“Honestly, at first it felt like a nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from,” Beek added.

James Van Der Beek praises wife Kim for her ‘unconditional love’ amid cancer battle

Speaking of his wife, kimberlyJames Van Der Beek was moved and called her his “rock.”

Fighting back tears, she told presenter Robin Roberts: “I’m going to lose control. She has been amazing. “She really taught me what unconditional love is.” daily mail noted.

The actor acknowledged that he is in the past because “he tried to do everything for everyone and never asked for help.”

“This has put me in a position of having to ask for help and receive help,” he said. “And the beautiful blessing of that has been seeing how many people in my life have shown up.”

James Van Der Beek focuses on life changes, says he sobbed and felt ‘terrified’.

James Van Der Beek has spent most of his time focusing on positive changes in his life since his diagnosis.

“I’ve spent about 90 percent of the time thinking about what changes I can make that I never would have made before and being grateful for them,” he said.

However, he acknowledged the emotional toll. “As for the other 10 percent, I was a terrified, sobbing mess,” he admitted.

Beek explained how she allowed herself to fully experience her emotions, saying, “It’s been an exercise in just being present with it all and really allowing the fear to arise.”

Despite the difficulties, Beek has decided to find meaning in the experience. “Why is this on my prescription? Why do all these emotions arise and why can this be good for me? said.