Michael Douglas Says He's Likely Beat Cancer

"The odds are, with the tumor gone and what I know about this particular type of cancer, that I've got it beat," Douglas tells Matt Lauer

Everybody loves a comeback.

After undergoing months of grueling cancer treatment, "Wall Street" star Michael Douglas has revealed his tumor is gone and he’s likely “beat” the disease.

"I feel good, relieved," Douglas, told NBC’s Matt Lauer in a “Today” interview set to air on Tuesday.

"The tumor is gone. But, you know, I have to check out on a monthly basis now to maintain," he said, according to People mag.

After being diagnosed last summer with Stage 4 throat cancer, Douglas reportedly underwent three intensive chemotherapy sessions and another seven weeks of daily radiation treatment.

Photos have shown the Oscar-winner appearing gaunt and frail, though he was healthy enough to take take his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and their children, 10-year-old son Dylan and 7-year-old daughter Carys to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Disney World over Thanksgiving.

Douglas said his wife "had a good cry when she heard" the good news about his health.

"We are so grateful for the wonderful care Michael has received and of course for this happy news," Zeta-Jones told  People magazine. "It's an incredible way to start the New Year."

Last month, Douglas joked  after learning he'd been nominated with a Golden Globe nomination for reprising financial villian Gordon Gekko in "Wall Street 2" that he was "ready for some good news."

The 66-year-old “Wall Street” star reportedly told Lauer he shed about 32 pounds during treatment, but has gained 12 back.

“I'm eating like a pig,” he said, MSNBC’s Scoop column reported.

He added that doctors have cautioned him to “keep the cardio down” at the gym to help pile on more pounds.

Douglas reportedly told Lauer his cancer experience has made affection from family, friends and fans “hit me at a much deeper level than I would have ever imagined before.”

“And I've talked to other cancer survivors about this, that -- that happens, that you just really, really appreciate what's important in life," he said.

Douglas' full interview will air Sunday on “Dateline NBC.”

Selected Reading: MSNBC, People, USA Today
 

Contact Us