The actor Stanley Tucci has revealed that he underwent cancer treatment in the background three years ago. Tucci also spoke openly about how the death of his first wife to cancer had shaped his perspective on his own cancer diagnosis.
A tumor was discovered at the base of Tucci’s tongue about three years ago, he revealed in a new interview with Vera, the Virgin Atlantic in-flight magazine, which aired on Wednesday. Tucci explained that because the structure was too large to operate, high-dose radiation and chemotherapy were administered. In addition, he was required to use a feeding tube for six months.
“I’d vowed I’d never do anything like that after my first wife died of cancer and I had to sit by and watch her go through those treatments for years,” he continued. Kate Tucci, Tucci’s late wife, died in 2009 as a result of breast cancer.
Tucci didn’t reveal many other details about his diagnosis or treatment process, which was understandable. According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment options for oral cancer (which includes cancers of the mouth and throat) include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and the use of other targeted drugs. However, the specific treatment plan will depend on the location of the tumor, the size of the tumor, and the extent to which the cancer has spread.
According to the Mayo Clinic, surgical removal of oral cancer, in particular, can be difficult because, if the tumor is large enough, it may necessitate the removal of a portion of the tongue or jawbone in addition to the tumor itself. In that case, a patient may also require reconstructive surgery to restore the function of his or her teeth and mouth. A cancer surgeon is typically called upon to perform surgery in the case of early-stage cancers that are small and have not spread, says the American Cancer Society. It is possible that radiation will be used after surgery or in situations where surgery is not an option, such as in Tucci’s case. Radiation is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Tucci was concerned about the impact his cancer journey would have on his family, particularly his children, because he had previously lost his wife to cancer and witnessed the toll that cancer treatments can have on people. During the interview, he stated that “the kids were wonderful, but it was difficult for them.” “I was barely able to make it to the twins’ graduation from high school.”
Fortunately, Tucci stated that his treatment was successful and that the cancer is unlikely to recur in the future. Cancer, according to Tucci, “makes you more afraid while also making you less afraid at the same time.” “I have a much older appearance than I did before I became ill. But you still want to get ahead and finish what you started.”