Michael Douglas on the mend, tumor gone

Michael Douglas on the mend, tumor gone

Michael Douglas seems to be recovering well from treatment of his cancer. The Academy Award-winning actor told U.S. morning show "Today" host Matt Lauer said that he is cautiously optimistic that he will beat cancer.

"The tumor is gone. But you know, I have to check out on a monthly basis now to maintain," said Douglas who is still thin but said he is eating more to gain some weight. "I'll probably take a couple of months of getting checked out. But it's been a wild six-month ride."

According to the 66-year old actor he has lost 32 pounds during treatment but has regained about 12 pounds.

Douglas said he is working out and is preparing to star in a film as pianist Liberace. The 66-year old actor expressed his optimism that he got his cancer beat. "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."

The actor stunned the entertainment world with his announcement back in August that he has stage IV throat cancer but said he will overcome it.

Cancer doctors said the next three years will determine if Douglas is indeed cancer-free. Even with late-stage throat cancer, doctors say patients nowadays can get a better chance in their fight against the disease.

Michael Douglas won an Oscar for his role as Gordon Gekko in the film "Wall Street". He reprised his role in the sequel released last year. He is married to Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Posted by Kade Quinn on Tuesday January 11 2011, 2:15 AM EDT. Ref: Reuters. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Entertainment, Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0