Michael Douglas Says His Tumor is Gone

Entertainment Tonight, Monday, January 10, 2011, 2:35pm (PST)

In a new interview with NBC's Matt Lauer, Michael Douglas has declared his tumor is gone and he's most likely beaten cancer.

"The odds are with the tumor gone, and what I know about this particular type of cancer, is that I've got it beat,” said the 66-year-old actor.

Douglas, who first announced that he was battling throat cancer in the summer of 2010, continued by telling Lauer that he feels good but still plans on monitoring his situation: "The tumor is gone, but you know, I have to check out on a monthly basis now to maintain. I guess there's not a total euphoria. I'll probably take a couple of months of getting checked out. But it's been a wild six-month ride."

Douglas has been steadily returning to a normal life, with his diet being at the forefront. "I'm eating like a pig. I'm still -- I lost about 32 pounds. And I've put about 12 back. But, I mean, I got another 20, 25 to go," said the relieved actor.

In a personal glimpse into family life, Douglas shared how he talked about cancer with his young children with wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, Dylan, 10, and Carys, 7: " I told them about the cancer, you know, right from the beginning because I was going to be in and out of the [medical center]."

"But, I told them it was hopeful," Douglas explained. "And I also took them down to a couple of radiation treatments. So they came into the room and they saw all the 'Star Wars'-[style] treatment going around."

In the wake of dealing with cancer, Douglas admitted that the experience has granted him a newfound perspective on life and the people closest to him. "There's a new depth. You know, maybe it has to do because of everything life-threatening. So, all of a sudden the affection from my family, from my friends, and from my fans hit me at a much deeper level than I would have ever imagined before. And it gave me a really new appreciation of just how valuable, how precious good friends are and family. And it's not that I [disregarded] them before but there's a much deeper feeling. And I've talked to other cancer survivors about this, that -- that happens, that you just really; really appreciate what's important in life."

More of the interview will air on Tuesday's "Today" show and the entire sit down will air on "Dateline NBC" on Sunday, January 23.

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