The beloved TV star has been battling stage three colorectal cancer since his diagnosis in 2023.
He has discussed the painful impact the illness has had on his career, marriage, and daily life.
Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek has shared an emotional cancer update that has left supporters deeply worried.
Speaking on Instagram, he described how cancer has changed everything about the way he supports his family.
“I was away for treatment, so I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife,” he said.
“I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them.”
He also revealed he struggled to work during treatment and lost the ability to provide financially.
“I could not be a provider because I wasn’t working,” he said.
However, acting still gives him short moments of escape from the brutal disease.
“The greatest thing about work is a cancer doesn’t exist between action and cut,” he shared.
He said he is simply taking each step as it comes.
“I’m just on the journey. It’s a process. It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.”
Fans share heartbreak after seeing his latest health update
In a new update, the 48-year-old revealed his children have now become his caregivers.
He admitted they help him through daily tasks while his strength continues to decline.
James was also saddened to miss the Dawson’s Creek cast reunion earlier this year.
Dawson’s Creek ran for six seasons from 1998 until 2003, becoming a huge teen drama hit.
Posting a message to fans, he said: “I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to hug this beautiful cast in person.”
“I just wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single one of you for being here tonight.”
“From the cast, to the crew and everyone who has donated time and been so generous. And especially every single one of you, the best fans in the world.”
Supporters flooded the comments with concern about how frail he now appears.
One fan wrote: “I pray this beautiful soul can beat this cancer; it truly breaks my heart for his beautiful family.”
Another said: “He looks so frail, it’s hard to watch.”
James previously admitted that managing the illness has become like a second career.
“Living with cancer is like a full-time job,” he said.
James Van Der Beek says cancer changed everything, but faith keeps him going
He explained that the diagnosis came as a massive shock.
“I thought I was way ahead of the game,” he said.
“I ate as well as I could. I was healthy. I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. There was no reason in my mind that I should have gotten a positive diagnosis.”
His faith has guided him through some of his darkest moments.
“I am worthy of God’s love, simply because I exist,” he said.
“And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own? And the same is true for you.”
But fans say the latest update feels like his most worrying yet.
The star says “it’s time” as he sells cherished items to support treatment
He has teamed up with an auction site to sell personal memorabilia gathered over many years.
He said the decision is necessary to support his health battle and his family.
In a post, James wrote: “I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now.”
He said letting go has been emotional.
“While I have some nostalgia tugging at me as I part with these items, it feels good to be able to offer them through Propstore’s auction to share with those who have supported my work over the years.”
This is not the first time he has been forced to sell personal pieces.
Last year, he also auctioned memorabilia to help fund treatment and protect his family.
Featured image credit: Dawson Creek
