Jarryd Roughead acknowledges ‘up and down’ patch as he undergoes immunotherapy treatment

JARRYD Roughead has spoken publicly for the first time since starting immunotherapy treatment on four cancerous lung spots, and says it’s been an “up and down” ride.

Jarryd Roughead is a loved figure in AFL circles. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

JARRYD Roughead says he is battling up and down patches after eight weeks of revolutionary medical treatment on four cancerous lung spots.

The Hawthorn superstar spoke publicly on Saturday for the first time since immunotherapy treatment began and said the past fortnight “had been pretty good”.

Roughead, 29, will have a scan in another month to assess his progress.

The four-time premiership forward has returned to the Hawks and is enjoying social games of basketball with teammates but admitted he missed the routine of training.

Roughy can still enjoy some social basketball with teammates. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

He was surprised to learn he couldn’t continue training during the 12-month process.

“I can do sessions in the gym. I can’t probably do as much running and stuff on the field as I’d like,” Roughead said on Saturday.

“Which is a bit frustrating, because that’s all you’ve known for 12 years.

“Your routine is training every day and when that’s taken away a bit of a release is taken away.

“It makes it tough, but when you get to hang out with the boys everyday it makes it a bit better.”

Roughead has not played since last year’s Grand Final and while he has not put a line through his career, football is secondary to his health battle.

Roughead last year had a melanoma removed from his lip and in May it was diagnosed that it had spread to his lungs.

“I’m going all right. I’m all right,” Roughead told Triple M.

Jarryd Roughead: “Your routine is training every day and when that’s taken away a bit of a release is taken away.” Picture: Michael Klein

“I’ve had a bit of an up and down patch over the past two months, but I think that was to be expected.

“It’s not going to be smooth sailing so I obviously went away for a little back, came back and I’ve had two treatments since then.

“You go through some ups and downs but the last couple of weeks have been pretty good.

“I’ve been able to get back out to the footy club a bit more and doing some things I haven’t been able to do, which is good.”

Roughead said the first 12 weeks “a couple of drugs go in” and for the final nine months there is only one drug.

He said there were side effects “but you know you’re dealing with them”.

“It is the immune-based (treatment) so it can get you in different ways, and each person’s different,” he said.