Johann Lafer describes harsh side effects of his cancer treatment

Johann Lafer, 68‑year‑old TV chef, has been living with lymph‑node cancer diagnosed about two and a half years ago. He undergoes chemotherapy that can control the disease but is not curative. In a recent episode of the podcast “Rolling Pin Talks” Lafer said the hardest part is losing his sense of taste, being unable to eat normally and having open fingertips from the treatment. He described trying to drink through a straw or asking someone to puree his food as “damn hard”. Lafer noted that opening up about his illness has been freeing and he hopes his honesty encourages other patients. He added that, despite fluctuating “good” and “bad” days, his doctors assess the treatment progress positively and he feels cautiously optimistic about his recovery.