Michael Douglas' Tumor Has Gone, He Believes He Is Beating The Disease

Hollywood star, Michael Douglas, 66, who developed throat cancer reports that his tumor is gone and that he feels good, in an NBC "Today" show. Douglas added that he still has to undergo a monthly follow up.

Douglas told co-host Matt Lauer:

"I feel good, relieved. The tumor is gone. I think the odds are, with the tumor gone and what I know about this particular type of cancer, that I've got it beat. I guess there's not a total euphoria. I'll probably take a couple of months of getting checked out but it's been a wild six-month ride."

The show will be broadcast on January 23rd.

Douglas explained how he lost 32 pounds (14.55 kilos) during radiation treatment. He has been "eating like a pig" since his radiation therapy was completed and has managed to put 12lbs back on. He has also been going to the gym regularly. He is avoiding cardio workouts because he wants to put on muscle.

Radiotherapy on the throat/mouth area typically shuts down the salivary ducts for 12 months or more. Douglas explained that his sleep is affected by dry mouth.

In August last year Douglas announces that he had stage four throat cancer - advanced cancer. Stage four means the cancer has spread from the primary site, for example, to another organ. He had been experiencing a sore throat that would not go away and consulted several doctors.

Throat cancer is hard to diagnose and the majority of patients do not know they have it early on during the disease. Patients commonly lose their voice during treatment and may have problems eating and drinking (swallowing). However, Douglas' doctors believe he has a good chance of coming out of it all relatively unscathed.

In September, 2010, he told David Letterman that his doctors had told him he had an 80% chance of survival. He also told Letterman that he was a drinker and smoker.."this particular type of cancer is caused by alcohol and drinking."

A spokesman has said his doctors believe he will make a full recovery. The tumor was at the base of his tongue. He is being treated at Manhattan's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

During the interview, Douglas said:

"It's put a timeline on my life. I'm 66 now. You know, I'm fortunate I've got a mother who's 88 ..she'll kill me ..she may be 87. My father's 94. So, you know, I feel good about those genes. But it's definitely a third act. And so you're a little more conscious of your time in how you choose to spend it."

Source: Medical News Today