Poison drummer Rikki Rockett says doctors nearly removed his tongue
Fox News • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Poison drummer Rikki Rockett was diagnosed with HPV-related stage 4 throat cancer in 2015, which affected the base of his tongue and led to severe health challenges including significant weight loss and difficulty swallowing.
- After chemotherapy and radiation failed, Rockett faced the terrifying possibility of having his tongue removed, prompting him to record messages for his children to preserve his voice and advice.
- Rockett participated in a clinical trial at UC San Diego involving pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and epacadostat, which successfully eradicated his cancer by mid-2016, leading to a decade of remission.
- During treatment, Rockett was also diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a treatable blood cancer, which he has kept in remission through ongoing medication.
- Now 65, Rockett continues to perform with his band Rockett Mafia, focusing on living fully for his children and appreciating the time gained through his cancer battles.
