EastEnders Nicky Henson reveals he's battled cancer for 18 years - 247 News

DOWNTON Abbey star Nicky Henson has revealed he’s been battling cancer for the past 18 years.In a candid first person essay, the 73-year-old – who’s also starred in EastEnders – admitted his good sense of humour has kept him going.Nicky wrote in The Mirror: “I’ve been fighting cancer for 18 years now so it’s just part of my life.Whatever happens, happens.It’s not so much fighting it, it’s keeping a sense of humour.“I swim half a mile every day but I’ve always done that.I haven’t smoked for about 45 years, but I drink alcohol and I’m not going to stop having a good time.“If I’m going to be here, you need to enjoy it! I consider myself a very lucky person.” On Christmas Day 18 years ago, Nicky was diagnosed with gastro- intestinal stromal tumours.He had surgery to remove half his colon and part of his stomach and started dating an anti-cancer drug.Despite the surgery and the drugs, the large tumour in Nicky’s stomach came back.He underwent another operation and surgeons removed his spleen – taking away the cancer for good but meaning Nicky would have to continue taking life-saving drugs for the rest of his life.After this battle, a decade ago he found out he had prostate cancer.Nicky admitted to having 21 medical procedures in a year and said he’s now got a stent which needs to be replaced every five to six months.He credited his children for helping him stay positive, as well as making sure he lives every day to the full.Nicky added: “My three sons looked it all up on the internet and said, ‘Listen dad, it’s not like the old days – you’ll be alright’.“And I have been for 18 years.I have four grandchildren who I never thought I’d see.I’m also still working, which really helps.“My wife Marguerite has been extraordinary.Aside from the fact she saved my life about four times after finding me in difficult situations, she has to deal with the day-to-day side.” Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.We pay for videos too.