Danny Kelly, who joined talkSPORT in 2007, stepped back from his duties at the radio station in March after being diagnosed with throat cancer and was very honest and open about his treatment
Broadcaster Danny Kelly, who has died aged 69, gave unflinching updates on his battle with cancer over the course of his treatment.
Kelly, who joined talkSPORT in 2007, stepped back from his duties at the radio station in March after being diagnosed with throat cancer.
When announcing his cancer diagnosis, Danny made an appeal to listeners to get themselves checked if they have any health concerns.
He wrote: “I need to talk plainly to you all now because the majority of our listeners, better or worse, are men. And men are often very difficult people to talk about and talk to and talk with about medical issues.
“So I don’t intend to mince my words here. I’m going to tell you that I am a sick man. Six weeks ago, I went to the doctor, hat on the side of my head, something going on with my eating. I thought it was probably acid reflux and he would give me a big bag of Gaviscon. Other tablets are available. Instead, it turns out that I have cancer.
“To be specific, I have cancer of the oesophagus, a really dangerous thing. Now look, that’s the bad news. The less bad news, because it isn’t really good news, is that after another long series of tests, after a very tense three or four weeks waiting for results, the medics say that the thing hasn’t spread inside my body and that they can and they will help me.
“What I’m facing, to be truthful with you all again, is a tough and lengthy programme of treatment. There will be chemicals, there will be surgery, and there will be chemicals again.
“It is a hard road, but one that the doctors are hopeful that will see me emerge recovered and healthy at the far end. Now, obviously, there will be times during this, whole stretches of time where I won’t be fit to broadcast.”
He continued to be open about his treatment, posting in June: “First off, forgive me for the month-long radio silence. I’ve not been in great shape. I’ll explain here, not for drama or sympathy, but cos I said from the start I’d be honest….
“I’ve done the four blasts of chemo. Each one has been followed by hospitalisation with side effects and worse. After the last chemo 3 weeks ago, I began to feel worse and worse passing in and out of consciousness AandE in Dublin. They stuck a camera down my throat.“Internal bleeding from the shrinking tumour and from a pair of previous unknown ulcers. Luckily that night, BOTH of Ireland’s best gut surgeons were on duty. They stopped the bleeding. Couple of days ago, a nurse described their intervention as ‘life and death.’ I am lucky.
“Now I’m home again. Weak as a kitten but grateful again for all of your support. I’ve got a long road ahead, recovering from multiple downturns, to be ready for my next op.”
In August, Danny posted another health update, writing: “Cos so many of you kindly asked for an update… My treatment has most definitely NOT gone to plan. SEVEN hospitalisations have turned an already tough journey into a messy stagger. I spent last week in the Intensive Care Unit. Scary stuff.
“Some of this is just terrible luck. The syndrome that had me in ICU is SO rare that nobody in Ireland is an expert. My tests were sent to LONDON. Several brain scans, multiple infusions and a lumbar puncture later, I’m a bit “better”. Maybe even going home (again) today..“One medic commented that I’ve “the constitution of an ox.” Which made me feel very sad for an ox, alone and weedy in a field somewhere, with MY constitution…“I have to say this, cos it’s true. The ICU nurses – half locals, half from the south Indian seaside state of Kerala – are amazing. Their diligence, compassion and humour pulled me through. I have a list of their names; I will never forget them.“As always, I thank you all for your support. Especially from bands I haven’t worked with for years. Members of Dexys, the Waterboys, The Fall, Primal Scream, The Loft, The Coral and the mighty Manics, among others, have all wished me luck. Note; only great bands; im humbled. Onward…”