Dennis Richmond Recovering From Cancer Surgery
By Chuck Barney
Friday, February 1st, 2008 at 6:19 pm in Local TV.
You probably know by now that veteran KTVU anchorman Dennis Richmond has announced his retirement, which becomes effective May 21. What you probably didn’t know is, a week after making that announcement, Richmond underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer at San Ramon Regional Medical Center.
A few days before the operation, Richmond informed me of his situation in an off-the-record conversation and requested that we not make the news public. But in recent days, he and his wife, Deborah, have heard from a number of people wondering why he hasn’t been on Channel 2’s nightly newscasts and/or if he has retired already. It hasn’t helped matters that, until this evening, viewers have been told simply that “Dennis Richmond is off tonight.”
“It makes me sound stupid — like I’m not working with a big election coming up,” he said. “It makes it sound like I’m just cruising into retirement. … … I want viewers to know that I‘m not taking days off.”
Per Richmond’s request, co-anchor Julie Haener informed viewers for the first time that he had undergone cancer surgery at the top of today’s 6 p.m. newscast. “… He’s in good spirits and hopes to be back as soon as he is physically able,” she said.
It was the second major operation in less than six months for Richmond, 64. Last fall, he underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck — a procedure that left a steel plate in his throat and kept him out of the anchor chair for six weeks.
Richmond, however, insists that his recent medical ordeals were not a factor in his decision to leave Channel 2 after 40 years at the station. “They’re totally separate things. They had no influence whatsoever,” he said.
After undergoing a biopsy last October, he learned he had early-stage prostate cancer and was originally scheduled to have surgery in March. “But I started thinking that, if I have this cancer growing in me, I want it out of there as soon as possible,” said Richmond, who had his prostate removed during a 3 1/32hour procedure.
Regarding his recovery, Richmond said, “I’m going through hell, but I’m dealing with it.” He estimated it will be at least a “week or two, minimum” before he can return to work.
In the meantime, Richmond, a proud and avid weightlifter, continues to ”sneak” some workouts in his garage gym.
“I’m not supposed to be lifting, but there’s no way I can sit around and do nothing,” he said. ”At least I’m taking it easy — doing just enough to get a good sweat going.”
The American Cancer Society estimates that one in every six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, but only one in 34 will die of it. In December, singer Dan Fogelberg died after battling prostate cancer. He was 56.
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February 1st, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I am praying to God for your health and strength. Hold on to your faith. Sometimes the storm winds blow hard. They blow us in directions we’ve never been. But know this! God is in control and He will see you through. I’m also asking God to strengthen your wife and family because they to will be blowing in the wind with you as you weather this storm. HE is the “Master of the Sea” and HE hears our disparing cries…from the storm He WILL life you.Stay strong.
I don’t know you but I have God’s love for you.
Jackie Thompson,
President, Tent City Richmond, Ca.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I am praying to God for your health and strength. Hold on to your faith. Sometimes the storm winds blow hard. They blow us in directions we’ve never been. But know this! God is in control and He will see you through. I’m also asking God to strengthen your wife and family because they to will be blowing in the wind with you as you weather this storm. HE is the “Master of the Sea” and HE hears our disparing cries…from the storm He WILL lift you.Stay strong.
I don’t know you but I have God’s love for you.
Jackie Thompson,
President, Tent City Richmond, Ca.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Hi Dennis, I have watched you for many years. I also have prostate cancer, but my numbers were low enough to have the option of radiation. I hope all works out for you, and wish you the best. I am now dealing with the possibility of bladder cancer. Jeez, when it rains it pours. I am changing my lifestyle! More broccoli, more green tea, YUK, but gotta be done. I want to watch my grandchildren grow old! My best Bob.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I have watched Mr. Richmond report the news for decades. Always a professional and a class act in an industry that is very short on class. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
May 11th, 2008 @11:10 pm
Dear Dennis, I want to wish you a fast recovery from your surgery. For more than 25 years I turn every night to watch the news in Ch 2 because you are the nicest anchor that will tell us what is happening in the Bay Area and the world. You are a real gentleman in your profession. You will be miss like a friend that visit us every night. Be strong and always positive.
May 15th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Dear Dennis,
I had no idea you were ill and have been wondering why you haven’t been anchoring for some time. I learnt with disbelief about your retirement and the illness when I googled the story to get further info. I’m glad the surgery went well and I wish you well. I’m a born-again Christian and believe in miracles and cancer is nothing to the God I serve. KTVU news will never be the same for me after you leave Dennis. May God bless you in your future plans.