TV chef Johann Lafer speaks openly about his cancer: "That's damn hard"

Physical consequences of the chemotherapy

The 68-year-old also described the therapy as "so brutal" and as being associated with significant physical changes. He has already gone through several cycles of chemotherapy and can now roughly estimate when his worse days will come. On those days he has to cancel many appointments, but tries to maintain a "basic presence." "Ansonsten würde ich mich zu sehr in mein Schneckenhaus verkriechen," said Lafer.

His famous moustache is now gone, reports dpa. Overall, he has lost 25 kilograms. He also felt that publicly acknowledging his illness was liberating. "Das wünsche ich niemandem, egal ob der Koch ist oder nicht," said Lafer with a view to the strains.

Openness as liberation

According to the report, Lafer decided on this step after his changed appearance following an appearance on ZDF-Fernsehgarten had sparked speculation. He does not want pity, but to be accepted as he is. At the same time, he hopes his story can give courage to other people, Lafer said.

Despite the burdens, the star chef appeared composed. He feels well given the circumstances and is "bestens gelaunt." He tries to consciously perceive every day what is happening around him. The chemotherapy is indeed severe, but there are better and worse phases, Lafer described in the podcast.

Background: Who is Johann Lafer?

The interview with "Rolling Pin Talks" is considered the first detailed conversation about the therapy itself, after Lafer had only announced the diagnosis in May. The information comes from the dpa news channel. Lafer has been one of Germany's best-known chefs for decades and became known, among other things, for the restaurant "Le Val d'Or" in the Palatinate region and numerous television appearances.

With his openness, he wants to help destigmatise the view of a serious illness. Already at the announcement in May, Lafer had emphasised that he did not want to hide. In the podcast as well, he addressed those affected directly and pointed out that speaking publicly about the illness had personally brought him relief.

Lafer intends to use the coming weeks to continue the therapy and, in parallel, to remain publicly present as far as his condition allows. He plans not to withdraw, but to continue speaking about what is happening to him – in the hope that this will also help others.

Lafer did not comment in detail on the further course of the treatment. He merely pointed out that he now knows the cycles and is learning to cope with the fluctuating phases. The diagnosis of lymph node cancer had already been made public in May.

Over the past decades, Lafer has run several award-winning restaurants and has frequently appeared on German television. With his openness about the illness, he has now set an example for dealing with cancer in public life.

The "Rolling Pin Talks" podcast is aimed at the gastronomy industry and regularly covers topics related to kitchens, restaurants, and the personal experiences of chefs.