For the first time since being diagnosed with cancer, Rhod Gilbert has had a clear scan.
In July of last year, the comedian revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer and was having treatment for metastatic cancer of the head and neck.
He endured surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and has now disclosed that he has had his first clean scan, which he describes as ‘the best day of my life.’
‘The best thing was that the tumour had gone, and it was once again an ordinary blood vessel.’
He added that just a few days before, he was back on the road and received a call from physicians informing him that his disease had not progressed to his lungs or brain.
In an interview with Radio Times, the renowned comic, 55, explained why he chose to film his cancer experience.
‘It was partly for me. I’d cancelled all my TV work and tours, and I wanted to have something other than “cancer” in my diary,’ he said.
‘I knew I wouldn’t be well enough to go on stage or TV, but I thought I might be well enough to lie in bed and talk to a documentary team about how ill I was.’
Rhod previously told BBC Radio Wales that he first saw indications of cancer when he was forced to cancel stand-up events owing to throat discomfort and stiffness.
‘In May, I noticed lumps started popping up in places they shouldn’t be. It turns out I’ve got stage 4 cancer,’ he stated.
Rhod said that the care he’s received ‘is beyond words’ after going through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, but he’s yet to find out if the treatment ‘has worked’.
‘I’m feeling happy, positive and optimistic. I’m feeling good and feel like I’m recovering day-by-day,’ he said.
It comes after the comedian announced a big tour that would start in January and go until 2025.
Titled Rhod Gilbert And The Giant Grapefruit, Rhod plans to complete 110 dates by the end of the run with his agent confirming: ‘It’s a show about navigating the dark bits and turning life’s giant grapefruits into something approaching lemonade’.
Ahead of his headliner, Rhod explained: ‘After the year I’ve had it’s wonderful to be alive and going back on the road.
‘I can’t wait to get back on stage and I’m ready to get way too personal about life’s recent ups and downs.
‘When life gives you lemons, you have to squeeze them ’til the comedy juice flows, so prepare for some dark but funny s***.’