DWTS Alum Embraces 'Heightened Sense of Appreciation' After Cancer Diagnosis
"Dancing with the Stars" alum Michael Bolton opens up about living with his aggressive cancer diagnosis and staying positive.
A former contestant from âDancing with the Starsâ has opened up about his journey of navigating a difficult cancer diagnosis. Season 11 DWTS alum Michael Bolton shared he now has a âheightened sense of appreciationâ about life after receiving his glioblastoma diagnosis in December 2023.
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On April 30, People shared their interview with Bolton. The outlet noted that the singerâs glioblastoma diagnosis came after an emergency surgery he had in December 2023. In the months since the diagnosis and a second surgery in January 2024, Bolton has experienced changes and limitations with his mobility, speech, and short-term memory.
Despite the difficulties, Bolton told People, âSuccumbing to the challenge is not an option. Youâre really quickly drawn into a duel. I guess thatâs the way you find out what youâre made of.â
Bolton noted, âI find comfort in general more easilyâ these days. â[The whole experience] gives me a heightened sense of appreciation.â
Now, he finds, âItâs unthinkable for it to be okay not to make the most of your life.â
The âDancing with the Starsâ alum shares that âYou have to be a cheerleader for yourself,â and figure out how to âmake the best out of a bad situation.â
According to the Mayo Clinic, glioblastoma is âa type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord.â The National Brain Tumor Society notes that glioblastoma tends to be âtreatment-resistant,â and the prognosis is often poor.
This is the same type of cancer that Beau Biden and John McCain both had.
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Bolton took to Instagram after People released its interview. He thanked his fans for their patience, support, and love, and wrote, âIâve drawn strength from your encouragement.â
He added, âI continue to draw strength from it every day as I move forward on this journey.â
People shared that doctors were able to remove Boltonâs tumor in the initial surgery done in December 2023. The subsequent surgery in January 2024 took place to manage an infection.
Bolton wrapped up radiation and chemotherapy treatments in October 2024 and now has MRIs every couple of months to check for a recurrence.
As of Boltonâs April MRI, the glioblastoma had not returned. However, glioblastoma has a high recurrence rate, so doctors monitor the singer closely.
Fans flooded Bolton with support after he shared his latest health update.
âI admire him and send him healing vibes. He seems like a good guy,â one fan wrote on Instagram.
Another fan commented, âMichael! You made this world a kinder place ⌠Sending you my love and prayers for healing!â
Someone else added, âThis just breaks my heart! Prayers for this amazing man!â