Rikki Rockett’s Fight Against Cancer and Path to Recovery

Rikki Rockett, the drummer for Poison, faced a terrifying ordeal when battling cancer. There was a possibility that doctors might need to remove his tongue. When chemotherapy and radiation did not succeed, he started recording messages for his children to preserve the sound of his voice.

“I was recording messages for my kids so they could remember me,” said Rockett in an interview with Fox News Digital. “If they had to remove my tongue, I wanted my kids to know what I sounded like and hear my advice.”

During his treatment, Rockett’s weight dropped to 161 pounds. He feared losing his tongue and doubted his chances of survival.

“I would’ve needed a feeding tube,” Rockett mentioned. “I wasn’t sure how long I would live. Some survive such a situation, but I thought my chances were slim.”

Rockett’s memoir, “Ghost Notes: My Life in Poison,” details his rise to fame in the ’80s and his subsequent health challenges.

Diagnosis and Treatment

In 2015, after experiencing persistent sore throats, Rockett visited the doctor who discovered something suspicious. Subsequent tests confirmed it was HPV-related throat cancer affecting the base of his tongue.

He underwent radiation and chemotherapy but lost a significant amount of weight as he could only consume liquids. His condition progressed to stage 4, leading to discussions about removing his tongue.

“Even with all the treatment, it still didn’t work,” Rockett said. “I then joined an experimental drug trial, and… it worked miraculously for me.”

Rockett participated in a clinical trial using pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and epacadostat at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. By July 2016, he was declared free of throat cancer.

Overcoming Subsequent Health Challenges

Although cancer-free, Rockett dealt with high white blood cell counts, leading to a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This blood cancer, associated with the Philadelphia chromosome, required ongoing treatment.

“I was told by my hematologist that it was very treatable,” Rockett reflected. “She prescribed medication, and I have been in remission since.”

Living Post-Cancer

A decade after his diagnosis, Rockett remains cancer-free. Although there are lingering effects, such as a dry throat, he focuses on the positives.

Rockett remains active with his band and has shared his story in his memoir to inspire others. He emphasizes the importance of fighting for loved ones, saying, “A big part of my battle was for my kids.”