Michael Douglas tells Letterman cancer is ‘intense’

[HMG] – Despite a diagnosis that would leave most mortal men in a heap on the floor, Michael Douglas has proved once again that he is among a rare breed. In an interview with Letterman last night the actor saw nothing but hope.

Facing stage-four throat cancer,  the 65-year old Hollywood icon has just started an intensive course of radiation and chemotherapy, which has left him unusually thin. Future treatments could also make it impossible to eat solid food. But Dave saw no signs of a slump.

“You’ve never looked better to me, and this proves you’re a tough guy, for God’s sakes,” said the host, drawing cheers of support from the studio crowd.

“Let’s just say I’m pretty lit up right now,” Douglas replied.

And Douglas was upbeat about his prognosis — Despite reaching stage four the cancer has not spread below his neck, and he told the host that should mean an 80% chance of full recovery. Dave then asked if there was anything he could do?

“Aw, give me a hug!” replied Douglas. And the two men embraced.

The disease was diagnosed three weeks ago when a tumor the size of a walnut was found at the base of his tongue. The only hope is eight-weeks of radiation and drugs, and Douglas spent the Summer traveling with his family before he began what could be a very tough fight.

“It’s intense, so they gotta go at it,” he advised.

Asked about the cancer’s possible causes, Douglas had no doubts — Smoking and booze. Both can cause problems — especially smoking. But together the risk greatly increases.

And Michael’s not alone in his fight — All over Hollywood celebrities are gathering again for the new “Stand Up to Cancer” telethon. It airs on September 10 on all the networks and will feature stars such as George Clooney, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Gwyneth Paltrow and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong.

The 2008 ‘Stand Up’ telecast raised over $100-million to fight the disease. So please – tune in and add a few bucks…

Source: HuffPost