Completing Cancer Treatments on the Road to Vegas
- Country music singer Toby Keith, 62, says he’s “throwing the kitchen sink” at his remaining cancer treatments to be in tip-top shape for his big return performance in Las Vegas next month.
- Keith says he is nearing the end of anticipated treatments for his stomach cancer journey, which began in 2021.
- Keith’s treatment included chemotherapy. While we do not know the exact type of chemo he received, chemotherapy does often come with side effects, such as nausea, hair loss, or weight changes.
- The singer also received immunotherapy, which is a form of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
- The singer said his tumor has shrunk since starting cancer treatment.
Country singer Toby Keith, 62, is just a few weeks away from making his much-anticipated return to performing live on-stage before thousands of his fans who’ve been supporting him throughout his years-long stomach cancer journey.
To prepare for his big day, Keith says he’s continuing his cancer treatments and “throwing the kitchen sink at it,” as he describes his journey so far.
Read MoreKeith describes his cancer and subsequent treatment as a “rollercoaster.” He noted he’s fortunate enough to use resources to aid his treatment journey that not everyone can access.@selloutcrowd_Conversations with Coach: “Cancer is an island and you’re on a boat and nobody goes over there to that island when you don’t have it and as soon as you crash land on it there’s a lot of boats on it.” Toby Keith joins Bob Stoops on Conversations with Coach to give an update on his health and his new perspective on cancer. For the full interview visit selloutcrowd.com and the Conversations with Coach YouTube page.♬ original sound – Sellout Crowd
“I have the resources, financial and otherwise, to get the best treatments I can get. They’re taking great care of me, and I’m getting all the latest stuff you can get.
“In fact, I’m going to Florida to get another guy down there that’s gone some other kind of treatments, and I’m trying them all,” the country star added.
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His cancer journey has helped refine his life’s purpose.
“If I can survive this and live to tell my story, maybe I can save somebody else’s life,” Keith said.
Less than a month before Keith performs in Las Vegas, he said he is getting back in the groove of performing.
“I got to get used to my lyrics again. I know I wrote all those songs, but I still have to remember them, and I’ve never been through this before. But yeah, we’re going to blow it up,” Keith said excitedly.
Keith’s Cancer Journey to Vegas
Keith has been battling stomach cancer since 2021. He’s since undergone treatment, which includes chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy. This summer, he revealed he’s feeling pretty good and nearing the end of cancer treatments.
After his diagnosis, he stepped away from the big stage to focus on his health. After nearly two years of battling the disease, the “Red Solo Cup” singer recently revealed he’s “feeling pretty good” in an interview with Country Now.
“Basically, everything is in a real positive trend. You never know with cancer, so you have to prepare,” the country singer continued.
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His treatment has involved chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy involves cancer-killing drugs given to patients orally or intravenously. Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment method that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. We do not know what kind of chemo or immunotherapy he is undergoing for treatment currently.
Based on Keith’s comments and pop-up performances throughout the summer, the “Beer for My Horses” singer appears to be managing his treatments well. Side effects from chemotherapy and immunotherapy may include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite — but they can be managed.
“The side effects of immunotherapy are not, quote, forever,” medical oncologist Dr. Anna Pavlick tells SurvivorNet.
“Depending upon the severity depends upon how we manage it. Some patients will get diarrhea, and we can give them treatments to calm down their diarrhea, and it lasts a couple of days,” Dr. Pavlick continued.
Understanding Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer (also called gastric cancer) starts in the cells lining the stomach, according to the National Cancer Institute. Symptoms may include bloating, indigestion, and loss of appetite. More severe symptoms may include bloody stools and jaundice.
Treatment options for stomach cancer may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Your care team will decide the best treatment option depending on your overall health and the maturity of the cancer.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you or a loved one are faced with cancer and wondering how treatment may affect your life, here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor to help get the conversation started:
- What are the potential side effects of my treatment?
- How will treatment affect my ability to continue my usual activities?
- Are there ways to manage side effects of the treatment?
- When would I be able to get back to normal activities?
- I want to find other ways to occupy my time while going through treatment. Can resources help me find activities that make sense for me?
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