Michael Douglas nearly done with throat cancer treatment

Michael Douglas is on the last round of chemotherapy and radiation in his battle with throat cancer, followed by six weeks of recovery, the actor's rep told People on Wednesday. When it's done, the actor says, he's considering packing up the family and traveling the world.

"He's really happy about it ending," friend and publicist Allan Burry told the mag.

Drama of course surrounds the 66-year-old's health situation, with the UK Sun declaring "No more films" for the Oscar winner and a Star headline screaming Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones are "saying goodbye" (right next to a "baby shocker" claiming Neil Patrick Harris' partner David Burtka already has twins with another man, so use your best judgment).

Could it be that Douglas just wants to live a little after eight weeks of discomfort and a stare-down with mortality? He told the Guardian recently that he and Zeta-Jones have been thinking about taking their kids out of school for a year to travel the world, mentioning Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand and South Africa.

"From now on I'm going to spend all my efforts on the people I'm closest to. When you're younger you are so self-involved, self-obsessed," he told the paper. "As you get older, all of a sudden, you begin to appreciate relationships, be understanding about the foibles of life, more forgiving -- and you've got more time for the kids. It makes for a much happier marriage and family environment."

This type of cancer has an 80% survival rate or slightly higher, depending on the quality of care received, the actor told David Letterman in September.

As Douglas currently isn't up for travel, however, pal Danny DeVito accepted the Golden Icon Award on his behalf at the Zurich Film Festival on Sunday.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Top photo: Michael Douglas and his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones arrive at the New York premiere of "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" on Sept. 20, 2010. Credit: Dave Allocca / StarPix / Associated Press

Bottom photo: Danny DeVito, left, at the Zurich Film Festival with Frank Langella on Oct. 3, 2010, after accepting the Golden Icon Award on behalf of Michael Douglas. Credit: Walter Bieri / EPA

Related dispatches from the Ministry of Gossip:

Michael Douglas shares details of his throat cancer

Michael Douglas confirms throat tumor, will undergo chemo

Cameron Douglas sentenced to five years in prison

 

 

Comments

[All Hallows Eve]

Get well Michael!

What a gorgeous couple . . .

[Jerry]

I commend Mr. Douglas for accepting the wisdom his hardship provided, 'The foibles of life' indeed. It is a wise choice to remember such moments. They help define what we have in our lives.If only others could do the same without staring death in the face. It would be a more wonderful world in which others place great value on relationships, individuals and again the 'foibles' of life!

[Cancer Survivor's Spouse]

Although Michael Douglas is soon to be finishing his treatments, I would like to provide an experienced opinion that it will take time before he gets back on his feet again. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 1 laryngeal cancer and finished radiation therapy in late June. As of today, October 10, he still has weakness and nausea occasionally.

As a caregiver, one must remind themselves to be patient with the patient as well as oneself.

Best of luck to Michael, Catherine and their loved ones!