Poison’s Rikki Rockett discusses his cancer status

The San Diego Union-Tribune — Instead of planning gigs with his band, Poison drummer Rikki Rockett found himself fighting for his life last summer. Rockett was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue.

Rockett was not only concerned about himself, but also being around for his 3-year-old daughter, Lucy, and his 7-year-old son, Jude. Rockett is recovering now, thanks to an experimental cancer immune therapy given at UC San Diego that has nearly eradicated the tumor.

To give other cancer patients hope and knowledge, Rockett recorded a video discussing his experience — the fear, the uncertainty, the quest for options, and finally a treatment. Most people don’t know what cancer immunotherapy is, and Rockett wants to get the word out.

Early this year, Rockett went to UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, where cancer immune therapy is a major emphasis.

Under the care of Dr. Ezra Cohen, Rockett underwent treatment including a “checkpoint inhibitor,” a drug that removes a defense cancers use against the immune system.

Rockett had been originally treated in Los Angeles, where he lives. Like many cancer patients he received radiation and chemotherapy. It worked temporarily, but soon the cancer appeared to be returning.

“I just didn’t feel right,” Rockett said in a Wednesday interview. “This should be getting better, not worse. I should be eating better, I should be swallowing better — what the hell’s going on?”

A scan revealed that his original tumor was still there, along with signs of more trouble.

“The lymph nodes on my right side lit up, the lymph nodes on my left side lit up, and on the side of my tongue there was stuff,” Rockett said.

Rockett was faced with a number of undesirable options — including a total removal of his tongue. Rockett’s chemotherapy physician suggested he apply for a clinical trial of cancer immunotherapy at UCSD. He was judged a suitable candidate for the treatment.

Rockett said he learned of his acceptance on March 1, while at Disneyland with his daughter, on her 3rd birthday.

“I was doing everything I could to think positive and that I was going to get on the trial,” Rockett said. “My little girl’s getting her makeup done, and I get a call.

“I get looks from everybody like, I can’t believe you’re going to take this call. But it was Dr. Cohen and I went, no, this is Dr. Cohen, and I’m going to take this call.”

“It was almost like God intervened …. for your daughter’s life, I’m going to make this happen,” Rockett said.

Rockett’s tumor is nearly gone. In two weeks, he’s due for another exam, and hopes it will be eradicated.

And as for the gigs?

“My understanding is there is a possibility for a spring tour on the table,” he said. “I don’t know the details, but that would be great to look forward to.”

For more information on cancer immunotherapy trials at Moores Cancer Center, call 858-657-7000.

The above article courtesy of The San Diego Union-Tribune

By Bradley J. Fikes | 12:16 p.m.

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