Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman Hasn’t Left Beth’s Side Since New Cancer Diagnosis: ‘I Think I’m In A Bad Dream’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Fans were crushed on Nov. 28, when Dog the Bounty Hunter star Beth Chapman was rushed into emergency surgery for a blockage in her throat. Not long after, she learned that her cancer had returned. Duane Chapman‘s wife had been cancer-free for just about a year before getting the horrible news, and it sounds like Duane is even more shaken than she is. He told In Touch exclusively that he’s been by her side every step of the way, and trying his best to stay strong as they await test results.

“I am going to be right there with her,” Duane promised. It sounds like he’s going to keep on being her rock, as always. “First thing when she woke up from the surgery yesterday, she said ‘Where’s the Dog?’ and the nurse was confused, she said, ‘Did she bring her dog with her?’ and I said, ‘Yes ma’am’. I’m here every moment I can be for her, I’ve never had to go through anything like this in my entire life.”

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Despite the fact that Beth is the one battling cancer, she’s handling it like a champ while Duane is admittedly struggling. “I love my honey so much, I don’t know what I’m gonna do,” he said. “Beth is strong as a bull. But I’m like… I think I’m in a bad dream and I need to wake up. People keep saying to me ‘Dog are you OK?’ But I’m not the one who’s sick.”

The whole family is staying as positive as possible. Dog is grateful to have Beth being cared for in “one of the best hospitals in the world,” Cedars Sinai, and her airway is now clear after having most of the cancer in it removed. While they need to wait until Nov. 29 to learn whether or not the cancer has spread anywhere else, Dog is staying optimistic. “Last time it didn’t spread at all, so we’re hoping the same thing,” he said. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.