John Tesh Opens Up About Being A Two-Time Cancer Survivor
John Tesh is a famous composer, sports broadcaster, and "Entertainment Tonight" host. He seems to be a jack of all trades. However, he had to put his ventures on hold after being diagnosed with cancer in 2015 (via The San Diego Union-Tribune).
According to Daily Mail, Tesh's battle with cancer was difficult for him, both physically and mentally. "When you're in that situation — we thought I was terminally ill — that identity gives you a lot of free rein. The doctor wants you to have Vicodin so you can feel better, and people look the other way when you're drinking scotch every night and mixing the two," said John. He said his wife, actress Connie Sellecca, stepped in to make sure he was keeping himself safe, "Ultimately my wife and I went toe-to-toe and she said: 'I am not going to abide this. This is my battle too. And you're giving up.'"
While Tesh survived his original diagnosis, he was devastated to hear his cancer returned amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.
His cancer returned but he was ready to fight
When Tesh was originally diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015, he was given 18 months to live (via The New York Post). With help from his wife and medical team, he was able to reach remission. He had hoped his battle with cancer would end there, but sadly, his cancer returned.
In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tesh learned his cancer had returned. He was having trouble sleeping due to pain and quickly learned the issue was more serious than he hoped (via People). "I woke up with an enormous amount of pain one morning in October 2020 — I had pain in both my legs," the composer shared. "It turned out there were two tumors around either side of my pelvis and wrapped around my organs."
After finding out he had cancer again, he was ready to fight. "I went back into the trenches — I was battle-ready," he shared. "I felt less like a guy who was sick trying to get well and more like somebody who was healed well resisting sickness."
With his prostate now removed, Tesh is cancer-free once again.