It’s a triumph of Will as McDonald finishes chemo with good news

It’s one-nil in popular newsreader Will McDonald’s fight with cancer as chemo ends, and he looks to radiotherapy.

Will McDonald was able to put on weight during chemotherapy after undertaking an intense fitness program. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“I don’t do side effects,” Will McDonald says.

The Nine News presenter has just finished six rounds of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in August. And in great news – the aggressive cancer hasn’t spread further and is shrinking in his left hip.

“Chemo and me are friends – it’s done a smashing job,” McDonald says.

“The odd thing is it was actually quite enjoyable in many ways, because you saw the same people, the nurses were amazing. I’d chat with the other patients who were going through the same thing. You’d sit in a big comfy chair and you’ve got nothing else to do. You eat a chicken sandwich and drink an iced coffee. It’s not a pleasant scenario, but it was actually not a scary place to go every third Wednesday.”

The 42-year-old, who’s much younger than your typical prostate cancer patient, has actually gained weight during treatment, thanks to the intense program developed by his personal trainer Josh Smith.

It’s certainly extreme watching on as he completes his one-hour session at Mitisse Fitness. “It really gave me something to strive for – I’d said I was going to get fitter, so I had to live up to that,” he says.

McDonald was overwhelmed by the huge response after the Sunday Mail revealed he was battling the disease.

“I had messages from so many different people – random strangers, old primary school teachers,” he says.

“I feel bad because I think there’s still people that I haven’t managed to get back to. So I’m sorry to anyone I haven’t responded to. It really meant a lot.

“What it did highlight for me – and made me quite happy that I did go public – was that there are so many people who are going through similar things. And also, that I inspired other people to get their own health checked.”

Will McDonald with Mitise Health and Fitness owner Josh Smith. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Next up for McDonald is four weeks of daily radiotherapy to clear up any residual cancer in his hip, lymph nodes and prostate, while also continuing with hormone treatment. Expensive tests in the US weren’t able to find any genetic link – “I just have stock-standard aggressive cancer,” McDonald says.

He’s maintained his pragmatic and positive attitude, only chafing at the bit to get back to his greatest vice – solo skydiving. He had his fingers crossed that his doctor would give him the all-clear ahead of radiotherapy, but acknowledges with a wry grin, it’s unlikely to happen before next year.

“2020 has been a very odd year for a lot of people for a lot of reasons – me included,” McDonald says.

“The fact we had a weird pandemic, the fact I got a really nasty disease that I may potentially battle for the rest of my life … but I actually feel quite happy, I’ve ended the year happier than I was at the start.

“It really is the best and worst thing that can happen to you. I now enjoy so many things so much more. The littlest things are so much more enjoyable.

“Every time I get little bit cranky or upset about things that don’t really matter, I just get over it much quicker.

“I’m blessed with a beautiful girlfriend, wonderful dog, my supportive family and my amazing workmates.

“It’s horrible that it takes a really nasty disease to make you realise what really matters in life. Be happy with the small things.”