Christian J. LeBlanc, 65, disclosed that he successfully overcame cancer in a discreet manner, thanks to the observant The Young and the Restless fans who noticed the initial symptoms of his illness. During an interview with New Orleans' CBS affiliate, WWL-TV, on Tuesday, October 24, LeBlanc expressed his gratitude as he mentioned, "The fans were the ones who spotted it. I received comments such as, 'Your eye has a slight resemblance to Jim Carrey.'"
In June, the actor was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Indicating the space between his brows, he explained that a tumor was pressing on his optic nerve. Initially visiting the eye doctor due to his left eye appearing abnormal, LeBlanc now recognizes additional signs that were present during his time on the set of The Young and the Restless, where he has portrayed Michael Baldwin for over two decades.
“They placed
on my finger, the wedding rings belonging to characters Lauren and Michael. As I lowered my hand, the ring unexpectedly slipped off effortlessly. I remember thinking to myself, ‘How peculiar,'” LeBlanc recounted. “Occasionally, my nose would start bleeding while on set. At the same time, my left eye seemed to experience a slight imbalance."After his optometrist's recommendation, the soap opera star visited a neurological ophthalmologist, who detected a tumor in his sinus cavity. "In my 65 years, I had never been hospitalized until this year," LeBlanc shared.
He had to immediately begin treatment for his cancer, as it is an aggressive form that spreads rapidly. The detectable speed at which cancerous cells reproduce is a crucial indicator. This also means that the cancer is easily identifiable and can be effectively targeted and treated.
According to LeBlanc, multiple myeloma is a prevalent cancer, which is why he is already in remission. Extensive research has been conducted on this type of cancer, leading to significant advancements in reducing chemotherapy pain and developing more beneficial immunotherapies.
The treatment resulted in weight loss for him. He reminisced, "They instructed me to eat as if it were my occupation." He went on to say, "In two months, I shed 35 pounds. Not in a desirable manner, but when they mentioned 'eat like it's your job,' I responded, 'I was brought up to honor this commitment.'"
Currently, LeBlanc is in good health and collaborating with The Little Big Cup and the Cancer Support Community (CSC) to assist other cancer patients who require aid.
"When they contacted me, I initially thought it was regarding medical assistance, but I learned that these organizations address various aspects that one goes through upon being diagnosed with a condition like this," LeBlanc expressed. "They provide invaluable guidance on how to cope mentally, handle the financial burden caused by unemployment, and offer countless other remarkable support services."