Michael Bolton refused to ask for a prognosis during aggressive cancer battle
Michael Bolton has opened up about his devastating brain cancer battle, and his decision to not get a prognosis.
The When A Man Loves A Woman singer was diagnosed with glioblastoma at the end of 2023, after undergoing emergency surgery.
The 72-year-old later shared his health issues with fans and took a step back from the spotlight to focus on his health, going back under the knife last January following an infection.
In an emotional new interview, he detailed his diagnosis and how he has coped with his illness, thanks to the support of his loved ones.
‘You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought,’ he told People Magazine. ‘Succumbing to the challenge is not an option. You’re really quickly drawn into a duel. I guess that’s the way you find out what you’re made of.
‘Whenever you find yourself in any kind of challenging position, just to know that you’re not alone going through it is a big deal.
‘It actually helps people to know. It reminds them that they’re not alone.’
Michael was diagnosed with glioblastoma after an operation in December 2023 – according to the Mayo Clinic, the rare and aggressive cancer can occur at any age, but can be more common in older adults.
Symptoms typically include worsening headaches, nausea, seizures, vision issues and trouble speaking.
Doctors managed to remove the musician’s brain tumor during the initial surgery, and he underwent a second operation the following month due to an infection.
His memory, mobility and speech have been impacted, but he chose not to receive a prognosis and wants to remain hopeful.
Michael eventually finished radiation and chemotherapy treatments in October, and still undergoes MRIs every two months to ensure it has not returned.
Despite the symptoms, he has vowed to continue fighting, declaring: ‘I want to keep going. I feel there’s still a lot to do on the fight side.
‘I got a title for a song: Ain’t Going Down Without a Fight.’
The superstar first came to fame in the 1970s as the frontman of the band Blackjack, before concentrating on his own solo career.
During his decades-long career, he has sold more than 75million records, including eight top-10 albums, and claimed two Grammy Awards.
He spoke publicly about his health issues for the first time last year, sharing a lengthy social media post about the ‘very unexpected challenges’ he had endured.
‘Just before the holidays, it was discovered that I had a brain tumor, which required immediate surgery,’ he wrote. ‘Thanks to my incredible medical team, the surgery was a success.
‘I am now recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family.
‘I am beyond grateful for all the love and support you have so generously shown me through the years.
‘Know that I’m keeping your positive messages in my heart, and I’ll give you more updates as soon as I can.’
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