Rage Against The Machine bassist Tim Commerford has revealed that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Fans of the band will know that they kicked off a comeback tour over the summer, with Commerford appearing on stage with the group for the first time in 11 years.
Just two months prior to the tour, however, the 54-year-old musician underwent surgery to have his prostate removed.
He admitted he has 'never felt pain' like it, but has found support from his girlfriend and two sons.
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In a new interview with Spin, Commerford said: “I’ve been dealing with some pretty serious s**t. Right before I was about to go on tour with Rage, I had my prostate removed, and I have prostate cancer."
Prior to the interview, the only people who about the musician's Commerford’s condition were his family, bandmates and a tight-knit circle of close friends.
He admitted to making a last-minute decision to share the news, saying he's been 'struggling' and adding: "It might not sound like much, but to get through a conversation and not choke up and get emotional is a win for me. It’s a little victory."
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Commerford learned of his diagnosis after struggling to get life insurance due to his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) numbers. The numbers kept increasing, so doctors did a biopsy and learned the musician had cancer.
He admitted he should have taken the matter 'more seriously', but he is now undergoing tests every six months to monitor his health.
Speaking of his most recent result, Commerford said: "I just got my six-month test, and it came back at zero. I was like, ‘F**k yeah!’ That’s the best I can feel for the rest of my life. Every day I get closer to that test is like, ‘F**k man, is this going to be the time when the number is going to go up and I’m going to the next thing, whatever that is?'...
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"Now I’m in the situation that I’m in, which is, hold your breath for six months. It’s not a good one and not one that I’m happy about. I’m just trying to grab ahold of the reins. It’s gonna be a long journey, I hope."
Commerford said it was 'brutal' to keep his diagnosis to himself while touring, but fans were none the wiser and Commerford now hopes to continue to remain in great shape throughout his experience.
"There’s plenty of people that are in great shape that have cancer," he explained. "And I’m hoping to continue as long as I can be that. I work out religiously, and I try my hardest to stay in shape. I’m still very proud of who I am."
Emily Brown