TV Chef Johann Lafer Diagnosed with Incurable Cancer, Pursues Everest Dream
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Television chef Johann Lafer has revealed his lymph node cancer is incurable, though the remaining time is uncertain.
- Despite his diagnosis, the 68-year-old chef is pursuing a lifelong dream of visiting Mount Everest's base camp.
- Lafer is undergoing chemotherapy and is determined to face his illness, emphasizing the importance of making the best of his situation.
Renowned television chef Johann Lafer has disclosed that his battle with lymph node cancer is incurable, leaving the prognosis for his remaining time uncertain. The 68-year-old culinary personality revealed the gravity of his diagnosis in a recent interview, stating that metastases have spread throughout his body.
I have metastases all over my body, everything is black.
Lafer, who initially shared news of his illness with reports of treatment success, is now focused on managing the cancer's progression. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy, with his sixth cycle set to begin soon. He expressed a strong resolve to confront his illness, stating, "I am facing this task. I have to face it."
I am facing this task. I have to face it.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his health, Lafer remains focused on fulfilling a lifelong ambition: visiting the base camp of Mount Everest in the Himalayas. He acknowledges that doctors are hesitant to provide a prognosis, noting the wide range of survival times reported for similar conditions. "It varies. I heard of one person today who only survived a year, others live well with it for ten years," he remarked.
I would love to visit the base camp of Mount Everest in the Himalayas.
Lafer admitted to experiencing a "crisis phase" with his diagnosis, compounded by the current heatwave which exacerbates his condition. However, he maintains a positive outlook, asserting, "It's no use just sitting in a corner somewhere. That's the wrong way. It's a blow of fate, you have to take it as it is and make the best of it."
It's no use just sitting in a corner somewhere. That's the wrong way. It's a blow of fate, you have to take it as it is and make the best of it.
Originally published by Der Spiegel in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.