Comedian Rhod Gilbert was diagnosed with stage four head and neck cancer back in 2022. Now, he is opening up about the lasting impact stage 4 cancer treatment has had on his life.
Rhod received his diagnosis after he displayed symptoms like a sore throat, a persistent cough, struggles with swallowing, and choking.
Rhod Gilbert shares ‘disgusting’ effect of cancer battle
Rhod has since undergone radio therapy and chemotherapy treatment and received the all-clear last year. In a new chat about his recovery, the Welsh comedian admitted he still struggles with his throat and mouth area and receives regular ENT camera scans.
He told The Mirror: “I’ve tried to cut down on booze, I gave up smoking, but years ago I gave up smoking anyway.
“I guess I’m a bit more conscious now than what I was, but equally, cancer leaves you in this weird place where you want to grab life by the short and curlies.”
Rhod also explained that he had to be fed through a machine for eight months of his treatment but despite this has been “very lucky” as the effects haven’t ruined his ability to taste long term.
Rhod Gilbert on his cancer battle
He explained: “With head and neck cancer, quite often, everything tastes disgusting with head and neck. Even water, even a cup of tea, everything is disgusting.
“Not now, but I’m still left with some problems. So tea still tastes a bit odd, lots of things taste weird still. My taste is almost, sort of 80 per cent back to normal. My swallowing is pretty good, but at the time, you can’t swallow and everything tastes disgusting.
“Food is horrible. I mean you’re being fed by a machine straight into your stomach, with head and neck cancer quite often, because you can’t swallow as it’s too painful.”
Rhod has been back on stage recently for his tour, The Giant Grapefruit tour.
He said of his time back in the spotlight: “I feel great, my energy levels are good and I’m just really happy to be up there. I can’t believe really quite how well I feel. I’ve got problems in my neck, throat area and my mouth area, but other than that, I feel great.”
Read more: Stephen Mulhern breaks silence following 999 dash and ‘incredibly tough time’ after dad’s death
So, are you a Rhod Gilbert fan? Tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.