Q&A With Entertainment Editor Joel Siegel

June 30, 2003 — -- In a new book, "Lessons for Dylan," ABC News' Entertainment Editor Joel Siegel passes on life lessons to his son, Dylan, who was born as Siegel fought cancer. He shared his story on 20/20 and answered questions from ABCNEWS.com readers.

The story drew an enormous response from readers wishing Joel well. Joel has recently been given a clean bill of health until his next CAT-scan and colonoscopy, and is living cancer-free, as far as his doctors can tell. Here is a selection of questions Joel received, and his responses.

Rose, from Minooka, Pa., writes: Can you discuss how religion or spirituality helped you through such difficult times? Thanks.

Joel Siegel:I've always been fairly religious but never thought of myself that way, and it wasn't my reactions to my disease that brought out those feelings but watching Dylan being born and seeing him grow. As I write in the introduction to the book we have a picture of Dylan (who was an in vitro baby) when he was 6-cells old. I quote John Glenn when he first circled the earth in a satellite: it's impossible to look at this and not believe in God.

Bob, from Morristown, N.J., writes:Did you work the entire time you were being treated? How did people at work treat you? Were they supportive?

Joel:Not the whole time, I took time off after surgery, but through most of the chemo and radiation I did go to work. I had a wig made which I hated to wear and only put on when I was on the air. I was on chemotherapy through infusion, I had a port in my chest attached to a small bag filled with chemicals pumped out by a computer. I'd hide it behind me when I went on the air.

The people I work with could not have been better or more supportive. They didn't make a big deal of it either, which was also appreciated.

When I would finish and walk out of the room, though, I was told that some of the stage hands and camera people — big, burly, man-mountain kind of people — would break down and cry.

Panda, from Arlington, Mass., writes: I'm glad you're doing better. My question is: Now that the book is out, how much does Dylan understand about your illness? Does he know you wrote a book for him?

Joel:Yes, Dylan knows I wrote a book. He knew I was writing a book but I wasn't sure he knew what that meant. When he saw the finished book, though, and held it, he knew what it was. His eyes got big as saucers, he looked up at me and asked "Who else's daddy ever wroted him a book?" That was worth it all.

Nichol Hohenbrink, Iowa City, Iowa, writes:I've been watching you on GMA for years, Joel. This isn't really a question, but I wanted to let you know that both you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joel:Thank you so much, it is most appreciated. And it helps, you know. More than one scientific study has shown that prayer helps people get well.