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Ian Ross diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

TV legend Ian 'Roscoe' Ross taking life "one day at a time" despite learning he has just 5 months to live.

2014-01-25_0200Television legend Ian Ross has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and told he has 5 months to live.

The former Seven News presenter, 73, had routine blood tests before Christmas which resulted in the news that he has pancreatic cancer which has spread to his liver.

But he has no symptoms and is choosing not to undergo chemotherapy, instead looking at alternative medicines.

Ross has spoken to the Sydney Morning Herald in the hope he can ”get on with it” in privacy.

”But while I agree with the diagnosis, I do not necessarily agree with the prognosis … they told me I have five months left to live.

”I have decided that the only way to handle this friggin’ nightmare is to remain as positive about it as I possibly can and to get back to leading as ‘normal’ a life as possible. Right now I feel healthy and well, I have no symptoms … but I don’t know how long that will last for.”

‘Roscoe’ is supported in his battle by his three adult children, eight grand children, his ex-wife, and his partner of 22 years, Gray Bolte.

”I know it is very, very difficult to treat and it is terminal … but I refuse to believe that I only have five months left. I have decided not to have treatment as chemotherapy might only give me a few more months, and only then if it was successful. I don’t want to spend whatever time I have left lying in a bed going through chemo, I’d rather take an earlier exit if I have to … the key to this is taking it one day at a time and we are looking at alternative therapies.”

Ross retired from television in 2009 after a media career that began in 1957.

You can read more here.

11 Responses

  1. Hey Ian, you are my favourite news presenter. Fight as hard as you can because there are lots and lots of people cheering for you. To you and your partner my best wishes. Fight Hard, play dirty if you have to..its not how you win its all about winning!!!

  2. Ian no doubt you have read and reported on many stories/articles about the ” Power of Positive Thinking” along with many stories of the alternative medicines, so you have and will choose wisely.

    Aim for target dates of special occasions you wish to participate in, and continue to update more future occasions as you attend those on your original list, and may your ticks of achievements grow longer and longer.

    Do not forget to start writing, and organise the publishing rights for your book on how you beat pancreatic cancer, it should make you a motza of $$$$.

    Kindest Thoughts and Regards

  3. I’m awfully dismayed to learn of this news. Cancer is such a sinister malady with pancreatic cancer being the nastiest. It’s become far too universal with no treatment option offering efficacy. Chemotherapy is harsh while there are alternative therapies available.

    I’d like to end this commentary on a positive note by declaring my admiration for the man. He in fact is the unsurpassed newsreader of all time, the reason why Channel Seven has gone unchallenged in the ratings since the middle of last decade and living proof of the power of one.

    I truly wish Ian Ross the very best as he undergoes treatment.

  4. How very sad. Pancreatic cancer took my Mum last year, 8 months after diagnosis. Agree with Roscoe, don’t do the chemo. It doesn’t save your life, only reduces the quality of the time you have left.

    Good luck to him and his family in the months ahead.

  5. Saddening news about Roscoe, such a great guy, love his positive attitude and hope that he continues to feel that way. Good luck Roscoe hope all turns out well for you.

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