Tom Brokaw Opens Up About His Cancer Battle: "It Never Occurred to Me That I Was Going to Die"

In a special edition of Dateline, the NBC News veteran gets candid about his health

Tom Brokaw is ready to open up about his emotional battle with cancer.

In a special edition of Dateline airing Thursday night, the NBC News Special Correspondent talks openly about the moment he was first diagnosed. As you can imagine, it was quite the surprise. 

"I've seen a lot of seasons, change in my time. It's been a very lucky life," he admits in a special preview. "I can tell you it's a far different season than that summer two years ago."

He continued, "It was time for a check-up. I had no idea my doctor was going to surprise me with a stunning development."

Doctors would later reveal the official diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Myeloma is a cancer affecting blood cells in the bone marrow. Thankfully, in December 2014, Brokaw posted a letter updating fans on his improved condition.

"A year ago, my future was more uncertain than I cared to acknowledge but now I face the New Year with very encouraging news," he wrote. "The cancer is in remission and I will shortly go on a drug maintenance regimen to keep it there."

While the 75-year-old highly regarded journalist admits it hasn't always been easy, he has remained as positive as possible.

"It never occurred to me that I was going to die. I'm gonna beat this. No question," he shared in the upcoming primetime special. "I'll get through this somehow. That's unrealistic in some ways."

 "Tom Brokaw: A Lucky Life Interrupted" airs on Dateline this Thursday at 10 p.m. on NBC.

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