AceShowbiz - Gerry Turner, famously known from the reality show "The Golden Bachelor," recently opened up about his journey with an incurable slow-growing bone marrow cancer. At the age of 73, most people would find such a diagnosis disheartening, but Turner has chosen to live life to the fullest, embracing each day with enthusiasm and positivity.

On an episode of the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast aired on April 15, Turner spoke candidly with hosts Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt about his life post-diagnosis. While his health has yet to be significantly impacted, Turner emphasized his determination to continue his daily routines without major changes.

"I feel great," he said. "Until I have any symptoms, there's no treatment. So I go frequently for blood tests. I'm on, like, a six-month schedule now, and I feel optimistic because the doctor has said, 'Well, when you turn 75, we're going to have to go three-month increments.' So it's telling me that at least he expects me to live another couple of years to get to that. But the bottom line is I feel really good."

Turner's cancer, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, is a rare type of bone marrow cancer that transforms white blood cells into cancer cells, which then accumulate in the bone marrow.

He was diagnosed in December 2024 after a visit to an orthopedic surgeon for a recurring shoulder injury, and the news initially felt like "10 tons of concrete" had fallen on him. However, Turner chose not to let the disease define him. The retired restaurateur adopted an inspiring philosophy influenced by Tim McGraw's song "Live Like You're Dying."

Turner shared, "I feel like I'm more open to emotions. I'm more open to experiences."

He applies this positive mindset to every part of his life, stating, "The person I'm dating will say, 'Do you want to go do-' And before she even gets out the rest of the sentence, I will say yes. So I'm in on everything."

Despite the incurable nature of his condition, Turner focuses on living intentionally and cherishing time with his family - his two daughters, two sons-in-law, and granddaughters. He strives to make the most of every moment, aiming to live without regrets.

"I'm going to pack as much fun as I possibly can into my life and enjoy every moment. And when I'm gone, I'm gone, but I'm not going to have regrets,"he told PEOPLE.

Turner's journey reminds young people everywhere of the importance of embracing life fully, regardless of the uncertainty of the future.