Fans are showing brave actor Val Kilmer, 60, an incredible amount of support as he graces the cover of People Magazine during the coronavirus pandemic. Clearly, the editors of People are reacting to Kilmer’s valor and resilience amid this uncertain time.
Known for his roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, Kilmer’s career took a backseat after his throat cancer diagnosis in 2015, but now the 80’s heartthrob is gracing People Magazine’s cover and receiving overwhelming support from fans as he opens up about his cancer battle for the first time in new memoir I’m Your Huckleberry and says that he “wasn’t ready to die.”
Read MoreVal Kilmer Opens Up About Battle With Throat Cancer
Kilmer may be opening up about his battle with throat cancer now, but that wasn’t the case. The actor initially denied his diagnosis until 2017, but eventually broke the news during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He underwent a tracheostomy for treatment a procedure that connects the windpipe to a hole in the front of the neck for patients who have throat cancer, throat paralysis, or problems breathing. For patients who are able to breathe on their own later, the tracheostomy will be removed. However, in some cases, the procedure will be needed permanently.
"I have been healed of cancer for over four years now, and there has never been any reoccurrence," Kilmer writes in an excerpt of his memoir. "I am so grateful."
The Importance Of Cancer Patients Receiving Support
While going through treatment for a cancer diagnosis, it’s critical that patients have a community around them. This goes beyond physical help, because psychological support is just as crucial.
“People who are struggling with coping with cancer … should reach out to their doctors, and find a therapist in the community,” Dr. Scott Irwin, a psychiatrist and Director of Supportive Care Services at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, told SurvivorNet.
Without support, cancer patients may experience depression, which Dr. Irwin says makes treatment worse and increases the risk of cancer returning. Patients and survivors should lean on loved ones and reach out to doctors and counselors for help with mental health.
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