Hollywood veteran Stanley Tucci has candidly shared how his battle with throat cancer and the subsequent treatment have left lasting effects on his health. During a recent appearance on David Tennant Does A Podcast With..., the 64-year-old actor spoke about the unexpected health complications he continues to face years after undergoing intensive cancer treatment.
A Grueling Battle with Throat Cancer
Tucci was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2017 when doctors discovered a tumour at the base of his tongue. Given the size and location of the tumor, surgery was not an option, leading him to undergo rigorous rounds of chemotherapy and high-dose radiation. Although these treatments successfully eradicated the cancer, their aftereffects have presented a new set of challenges for the actor.
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Persistent Fatigue and Thyroid Complications
While filming his popular BBC series Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, Tucci began experiencing extreme fatigue. “I would be so tired in the afternoon, like completely exhausted by one o’clock,” he revealed. Concerned, he underwent medical tests that eventually pointed to a surprising cause—his thyroid was no longer functioning properly.
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Initially, Tucci believed stress or high cholesterol might be the culprit. However, after consulting his doctors, he learned that radiation therapy had likely damaged his thyroid, a potential but unpredictable side effect of his treatment. “I was like, why? It doesn’t make any sense,” he admitted, frustrated by the diagnosis.
Managing His Condition with Medication
To counteract his thyroid issues, Tucci now takes Synthroid, a synthetic thyroid hormone. While the medication has improved his energy levels, he still struggles with occasional exhaustion. “I still get tired in the afternoon. Literally, you can’t think, you can’t move,” he shared. Tucci is currently undergoing further blood tests to determine if his dosage needs adjusting. His goal is to regain as much of his pre-treatment vitality as possible.
The Harsh Realities of Cancer Recovery
Tucci has been open about the difficulties he faced during his cancer battle. At one point, he lost 35 pounds and had to rely on a feeding tube for six months due to the impact of the treatment on his ability to eat. Describing the experience as “brutal” and “awful,” he recalled how food became unappetising, with everything tasting and smelling unpleasant. Despite these hardships, he remains grateful for his recovery.
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Reflecting on Ageing and Mortality
As he promotes his latest memoir, What I Ate in One Year, Tucci has been contemplating the passage of time and the years ahead. “I think I have only 20 or 30 years left to live, if I’m lucky,” he admitted. His outlook is a blend of sadness and motivation, acknowledging both the inevitable process of aging and his drive to make the most of his remaining years.
The Support of His Loved Ones
Throughout his journey, Tucci has credited his wife, Felicity Blunt, for being his unwavering support system. “She had to drag me, kicking and screaming, but now, I wouldn’t be around if I hadn’t done [the treatment],” he stated, acknowledging her role in pushing him toward necessary but difficult medical interventions. “She was incredible. Still is incredible.”
Bottomline
Tucci’s willingness to discuss his ongoing health struggles shines a light on the long-term impact of cancer treatment. Though cancer-free, he continues to navigate the complications it left behind, proving that survival comes with its own set of challenges. His story is one of resilience, strength, and the importance of a strong support system, inspiring those who may be facing similar health battles.