Darryl Brohman has revealed that he is officially cancer free, just six months after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Brohman has been battling the form of blood cancer, which most commonly starts in the lymph nodes but can also originate in the spleen or bone marrow, over the past six months and has undergone regular chemotherapy treatments.
Darryl Brohman seen on the sidelines at an NRL game. NRL Imagery
The former Queensland Maroons star revealed on Sunday that his doctor finally gave him the positive result that he and his family had been waiting for.
“I’ve had good news,” he told 2GB’s Continuous Call Team on Sunday.
“The doctor said ‘mate, I think you are right’.
“I am happy, the doctor is happy. I feel great. I am so glad the chemo is over.”
Brohman’s reveal was met by a cheer and words of support from his colleagues, before he reflected on his journey to defeating blood cancer.
“I did what I had to do, six lots of chemo, three weeks apart,” Brohman, who made 114 first grade appearances, said.
“When I was first diagnosed I was told this was very treatable. I didn’t really know how serious it was, but it was serious enough because it is a type of cancer. I am sure a lot of people have been through it.
“I was pretty flat for a number of months. I used to take a tablet on a daily basis which knocks you about. But I was lucky enough that I had a job where I only worked Saturdays and Sundays. If I had a full-time job working Monday to Friday, it would have been really hard and difficult for me.
“You blokes have been great to me. I am so happy and relieved that I am going to be OK. I just appreciate everyone’s thoughts, it has been really nice.”
The 60-year-old will still work with doctors to monitor his progress since receiving his results, including having a PET scan every three months for the next five years.
But while Brohman was grateful for the support he has received since his diagnosis, he feels “embarrassed” to be receiving attention in the media.
“I must admit, given the situation with Jai Arrow, I am a little bit embarrassed to be receiving attention,” he said, referencing the South Sydney star’s fight with MND.
Jai Arrow medically retired after revealing an MND diagnosis. Getty
“He has a bit of work … it is bloody hard for him and his family.
“But I just have to say, to the doctors and health system that we have here … even though I went through the public sector – it cost me hardly anything and the system was so good to me.
“The nurses, the doctors, the hospital itself was so good to me.”