John Tesh's Cancer Journey: How His Wife Saved His Life

John Tesh Opens Up About His Cancer Battle and the Wife Who Saved His Life

Emmy-winning musician and former TV host John Tesh has opened up about his battle with prostate cancer, revealing how his wife Connie Sellecca played a crucial role in saving his life after a dire prognosis. The iconic composer of "Roundball Rock" shared his inspiring journey of resilience and hope in a recent interview with PEOPLE.

In 2015, Tesh received a life-altering diagnosis: stage III prostate cancer. His doctors initially believed the tumors were inoperable and gave him a grim prognosis of just 18 months to live. "When I was in the heat of my cancer journey, my wife mentioned two friends who might be able to help," Tesh shared, highlighting the pivotal moment when his wife stepped in to find specialized care.

"I shouldn't even be alive now," Tesh tells PEOPLE. "I'm really grateful. This is a great place right now — this minute to be grateful."

Despite the dire predictions, Tesh refused to give up hope. He began his own research, ultimately finding an expert who was confident he could perform surgery. Following a successful radical prostatectomy, the composer thought the cancer might be behind him. However, in 2017, an MRI scan revealed that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes in his pelvis, putting him back in a fight for his life.

The Critical Role of Connie Sellecca

It was at this critical juncture that Connie Sellecca's intervention became life-changing. "She had met [two friends] in New York when she was a model, like 52 years ago, and she kept in touch with them," Tesh explained. "When I was at my wits' end and couldn't find the right treatment for this very rare form of prostate cancer, she contacted them and they said, 'You gotta come here to MD Anderson.'"

While other hospitals Tesh visited were treating only 50-100 similar cases, MD Anderson was handling over 1,000 cases of the same rare form of prostate cancer. "They had more experience," Tesh noted. The facility's approach of treating "the whole body" rather than just the cancer made all the difference in his treatment journey.

A Resurgence of Music and Hope

Currently, Tesh is monitoring his disease progression with his team of physicians at MD Anderson, and he recently spoke at a fundraiser for the organization's "Only Possible Here, The Campaign to End Cancer." His journey has seen a remarkable resurgence, much like his famous sports anthem "Roundball Rock," which has returned to primetime NBA broadcasts after 35 years.

"I wrote that song 35 years ago and then it went on the shelf for a while and then they came back and said, 'Hey John, we really like the nostalgia game here,'" Tesh shared about the song's comeback. When he re-recorded it with a full orchestra, fans insisted on hearing the original demo version from 1989. "The wild inside baseball story behind the song is that when I heard it was coming back, I went and recorded another version of it with a full orchestra and we tested it on social media. And the fans said, 'No, no, no, no, no, no, we want the OG version.' So the version that you're hearing now is the demo that I did in 1989."

Tesh sees an analogy between his health journey and the song's resurgence, saying both he and his famous song are "rising from the ashes." He has also released a new album, "The Sports Album," featuring iconic sports themes, and focuses on spending time with his three grandchildren.

Finding Strength in Music and Family

For Tesh, focusing on his music, participating in MD Anderson's philanthropic campaigns, and spending time with family help him feel healthy and grounded. His team of physicians ensures that feeling lasts, allowing him to live a fulfilling life despite the challenges of his cancer diagnosis.

"Focusing on my music, participating in MD Anderson's philanthropic campaign, and spending time with my three grandchildren, I say, help me to feel healthy and grounded," Tesh shared. "And my team of physicians, he adds, ensure that feeling lasts."

John Tesh's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, specialized medical care, and the unwavering support of loved ones. His journey from a dire prognosis to hopeful monitoring serves as an inspiration to others facing similar battles.

A Message of Gratitude and Hope

Tesh's experience highlights the importance of seeking second opinions and finding medical teams with expertise in specific conditions. His wife's proactive approach to connecting him with the right resources at MD Anderson made all the difference in his treatment journey.

"I wrote that song 35 years ago and then it went on the shelf for a while and then they came back," Tesh said, drawing parallels between his music career and health journey. "Both he, and his famous song are 'rising from the ashes.'"

As John Tesh continues to monitor his condition while pursuing his passion for music, his story reminds us all of the importance of hope, determination, and the vital role that support systems play in navigating life's most challenging moments.