For the very first time, Michael Bolton has addressed his brain cancer.
In December 2023, the now 72-years-old superstar singer/songwriter was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer that required emergency surgery shortly thereafter.
Opening up about his challenge with the disease that has affected his short-term memory, speech and mobility, in a new interview with People, Michael said:
“You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought.” “Succumbing to the challenge is not an option. You’re really quickly drawn into a duel. I guess that’s the way you find out what you’re made of.” “Whenever you find yourself in any kind of challenging position, just to know that you’re not alone going through it is a big deal,” he told the outlet. “It actually helps people to know. It reminds them that they’re not alone.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Bolton said the experience had given him a “heightened sense of appreciation”. “I think we develop capabilities and problem management, and we learn how to make the best out of a bad situation,” the father of three explained. “You have to be a cheerleader for yourself.”
During his initial surgery, doctors were able to completely remove the Grammy winner’s brain tumor, but he was forced to undergo a follow operation due to an infection.
Completing a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in October, in order to ensure the tumor has not returned, Bolton undergoes MRI scans every two months.
According to the Glioblastoma Foundation, the recurrence rate for glioblastoma is approximately 90%.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America