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Subscribe to RSSMichael Douglas' cancer fight isn't officially over, but with the tumor in his throat gone, Douglas tells Matt Lauer that he wouldn't "wish the experience on (his) worst enemy," and he is at this stage, "relieved."
In an exclusive interview on TODAY, Douglas says that there are some lingering effects to the chemotherapy and radiation he underwent to fight his stage IV cancer. "Salivary ducts have been closed down as a result of the radiation, probably for at least a year or two," which leaves Douglas' mouth very dry, especially at night, but his appetite (Douglas lost about 32 pounds) is back. "I've put about 12 (pounds) back. But, I mean, I got another 20, 25 to go," he said.
Douglas also talked to Lauer about how his kids, son Dylan, 10, and daughter Carys, 7, coped with his cancer diagnosis, which they knew about "right from the beginning."
"It's a very scary word. But I told them it was hopeful. And I also took them down to a couple of radiation treatments. So they came into the room and they saw all the Star Wars treatment going around. And they saw them put the (radiation) mask on your face 'cause they have to kind of bolt you down like Hannibal Lecter or something," Douglas said. "At that age it was good for them. They thought it was cool, you know, all this space age stuff. And so it made up for all those days when Dad was lying on the couch and couldn't get up, and their patience was really, really appreciated. And we've had a big celebration this last couple of days when I found out the tumor's gone."
Douglas' cancer battle has been chronicled with Douglas' cooperation, on TODAY and in places like People magazine, but some of his story -- specifically the story painted by portraits snapped by paparazzi -- has been documented without his permission, and Douglas resents that.
"With the amount of paparazzi that they have and these video cameras, you know, you just can't do anything. And I resent the amount of imposition on our children, too, because it used to be at least they (the paparazzi) would try to keep them out of that and they don't at all," Douglas said. "But they were having -- there was sort of a macabre enjoyment out of sort of watching me go down there for a while, I felt, by the paparazzi."
Douglas is looking ahead though: he's playing Liberace opposite Matt Damon in an upcoming film, and he feels he's got odds on his side, when it comes to being healthy enough to do that. "The odds are with the tumor gone, and what I know about this particular type of cancer, I've got it beat."
For even more of Lauer's complete interview with Douglas, tune into "Dateline: NBC" Sunday, Jan. 23.
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This is a terrible disease, and like anyone who suffers from this, I hope he has this beat. My best wishes to you.
Best news I've heard all day. This is one of my favorite people in the whole world. I've prayed for him to heal as well as others. Great New!
Finally, some good news in the news today! Best wishes to Michael Douglas and hope for a continued speedy recovery!
My wife had breast cancer, early stage11, after removing both breasts 1 year ago she has been cancer free. No radiation but chemo treatments took her down. My father died from cancer, I wish the best to anyone suffering from this disease..And Mike Douglas is right, the media show some compassion during this time in his life. Good luck Mike...
Although I admire Michael Douglas tremendously , and am very glad to hear he`s on his way to recovery, I have to comment on the dangers of smoking ! I rather doubt that many smokers that have been diagnosed with cancer would say "Gee I`m so glad that I smoked !!!!!!
I first noticed Michael Douglas in 'Romancing the Stone'. I saw it in the Isla Vista theater and took notice when he came bounding down the hill to save the damsel in distress. I've been a fan ever since!
Awesome news, Michael!
Did you realize that Michael Douglas went to UCSB too? He was acting in the UCSB theater department when I was attending there. Isla Vista Theater....brings back memories.
I had the exact same treatment, and got back to work in 4 1/2 months. So now I guess I know who's tougher. ;)
Admittedly, he's got a couple of years on me. I'm willing to bet my job's harder, though.
This comment is extremely rude and uncalled for...It seems like you think this is some sort of "weird" competition between you and Mike Douglas. Well, guess what...you might be "tougher and have a harder job" but WHO has more money? lol
As a 2010 cancer survivor, I am never egotistical enough to announce I've 'beaten' this beast.
Referring to myself as a 'survivor' is as bold as I'm going to be...
was his throat cancer caused by HPV?
While HPV has been proven an agent of causation in some cancers women might face, there may or may not be a specific HPV link to Head and Neck Cancers (HNC), in which, Tonsil, Esophogeal, Tongue, Salivary Gland, larynx, etc. cancers are grouped
I do not believe it is easy to determine the exact cause of any cancer, since we all may have multiple exposures to a variety of proven carcinogenic agents.... i.e. smoking (first of second-hand), excessive alcohol use, smog, and other chemical/environmental/viral factors. Combinations of these may also indicate to increased risk that one develops HNC.
You may wish to review a magazine archive for CURE (Cancer Updates Research Education). I believe there was some recent articles on the the possible links between Viral agents that may cause the disease to take root. CURE is free to Cancer Patients, Survivors and Caregivers. You can access CURE at CURETODAY dot COM. Or try to seek information at SPOHNC dot COM (Support for People with Oral Head and Neck Cancers) NOTE: I don't think I can post URLs to this site, so you have to figure out the DOT thingy.
Certainly the links between HPV and OTHER Viral Agents is plausible for HNC, but I believe more definitive research is in the works to identify which specific Viral agents might link to cancer of the head and neck. I personally believe Viral agents are at work, and may cause those DNA changes that may kick of cancers.
I'm pretty sure he said it was from smoking and drinking. But the HPV could still be an unmentioned underlying issue.
Hats off to Mike for "Walking in Our Shoes", many of us know the difficult journey he's just traveled.
April 10th through Aprit 16th, is Oral and Head and Neck Awareness Week, sponsored by the premier national support group SPOHNC, that helps those in in of Support for Oral Head and Neck Cancer diagnosis.
Best advice I can tell everyone, stop smoking, don't chew tobacco products, get to know the many causes and symptoms of the variety of disease of this type, and make and sure your dentist gives you a proper and complete oral exam during each visit. If you have a history of viral infections in the oral cavity, there are is now some evidence indicating a connection and increased risk of this disease; so pay attention to your body and let your primary care physician & dentist know of frequent sores in the mouth and throat, which might be viral in nature.
Certainly help anyone suffering from this varied and rare form of cancer by encouraging them to seek support from SPOHNC . ORG. This non-profit will provide anyone desiring a volunteer survivor to walk with them as they begin the difficult steps ahead. Having a survivor to share their journey gives one that little extra support and realization that this too can be overcome, that the difficulties will ultimately come to an end as new life becomes reality, not to mention sharing the little tricks of the trade that ease the treatments and effects, only one experienced in the art of survivorship can attest.
As one of 150 National Survivor Volunteer Network members, I've walked in Mike's shoes, having had T1N1M0 Stage III Metastatic Tonsil Cancer and now counsel others, across the nation, and help them face this diagnosis head-on. It's funny that when I was younger many said I looked like Mike, cleft chin and all; now he shares my physical effects. Nonetheless, the ordeal is difficult, frightening, and the after effects can extreme, since treatment takes place in one of the most important and physiologically complex area of the body THE NECK. But side effects are manageable for most part with sprays, moisturizers, medications. Improved treatments including more variations of IMRT, multiple moving/angled and highly focused and controlled radiation beams that are guided at the tumors and affected nodes result in less collateral damage to adjacent tissues.
Best to Mike as he heals, and best to everyone that is now walking in his shoes.
Hooray for Michael!! Being 16 mos post treatment from laryngeal cancer as so many of you have said...its a brutal treatment process. I had 2 major cancer surgeries, 2 esophegeal dilations and radiation/chemo. I don't know what the hesitancy is about hpv being named a significant risk factor! I have spoken to at least 5 doctors who all acknowledged the connection between hpv and hnc. It also seems to me to be a male disease by far. I wonder why this is not being said as a public health issue. I also did research from NIH and found that 1 out of 3 women will get cancer while 1 out of 2 men will get cancer in their life. Men also die from their cancer 45% more than women. Men would be well served to advocate for themselves the way women have. I think it has deservedly helped many women. I also noted in the radiation waiting room that the majority of men came alone and picked up reading material immediately; while many women came with friends and connected with other women in the area. Perhaps our "lone wolf" mindset does not always serve us. Continued blessings and good luck to all who are fighting cancer
Have another smoke dude!~
I'm very glad he's recovering but I get so sick of seeing this stuff as "news." Thousands of people are diagnosed and are fighting cancer every day. Why don't they make the front page of MSNBC? They are just as important as any actor who happened to get sick. Again--glad he's recovering and made it through, but lots of other people don't. They should be remembered as well.
I agree, Jack's Mum having lost three family members YOUNG to cancer of various types. It's bad and it's good to hear someone coming out ahead - if you can.
From HPV? From smoking and drinking? Are you nuts? What about the eight month old child that just died from cancer. For shame that little child smoked /drank whatever so young.
Academy award for portraying a smoker who got what he deserved. I wonder if he'll light up again?
So Tiger, if your Son or Daughter smoked they would deserve to get cancer and you would be happy? You are a very disturbed individual-Be careful of what you wish on others, karma..
I am so happy to hear that your tumor is gone. May God bless you and your dear family, Michael.