Rikki Rockett, founding member and drummer of '80s glam metal band Poison, revealed his battle with oral cancer during an interview last night on SiriusXM's "Eddie Trunk Live," reported Blabbermouth. The musician openly talked about his cancer diagnosis and treatment with the show's host.
Rockett, born Richard Allan Ream, said he was diagnosed earlier this year after coming down with a what he thought was just a cold and sore throat in June, according to Blabbermouth's transcription of the live interview. The 54-year-old underwent multiple biopsies until he found out what was causing his illness.
"Finally, a doctor at USC did a biopsy and took a look and he said, 'I believe you have oral cancer,'" Rockett told Trunk. "And what it was is a tumor at the base of my tongue.... This is very similar to Bruce Dickinson [Iron Maiden], very similar to [actor] Michael Douglas, similar to Tom Hamilton [Aerosmith], as far as I know."
He detailed his rigorous, extensive treatment, as prescribed by his doctor, which included nine rounds of chemotherapy and 35 days of radiation. During his treatment, he also made other positive health choices, like working out, getting acupuncture and receiving occupational therapy.
Rockett said he didn't want to reveal his diagnosis early on because he didn't want to attract attention from the paparazzi or tabloids while battling his illness.
He has completed chemo and radiation, which his doctors said his body responded well to. Rockett is looking forward to a PET scan in February, which will determine whether the treatments worked.
"That's the end-all, that tells you if there's any activity," said Rockett of his upcoming PET scan. "They both said they suspect that there won't be."
Throughout his battle with cancer, Rockett still kept himself busy with music, reported Loudwire. His band Devil City Angels released its self-titled debut record in September.
Listen to Rockett's full "Eddie Trunk Live" interview below.
