Former footballer Joe Thompson, 35, has been diagnosed with cancer for the third time. He reveals he has stage four lymphoma that has spread to his lungs.
- Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Tranmere in 2013
- He made 203 appearances for Rochdale before retiring at the age of 29.
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Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson has revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer for the third time.
The 35-year-old was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2013 and recovered before the cancer returned four years later. He then recovered a second time before ending his career in 2019.
“(It’s) far from ideal and it’s come back quite aggressive, so stage four,” he told BBC Radio Manchester.
“(The) only positive is that it’s the same cancer I had before, but the problem for me this time is that it has spread to my lungs, so breathing is a problem , sleeping is difficult and even speaking can be difficult at times. quite difficult.
“The fight is definitely still inside, nothing changes, but actually facing it for the third time really hurts because you know what you’re going to have to go through.”
Joe Thompson made over 200 appearances for Rochdale before his retirement in 2019
Thompson started out at Manchester United’s academy before a professional career which included spells at Tranmere, Bury, Wrexham and two spells at Rochdale.
Thompson made 203 appearances for Rochdale, but only one came in his final campaign with the team after sharing he had “pushed his body to the absolute limit”.
He was first diagnosed while playing for Tranmere. Thompson then signed for Bury and spent time on loan at Southport and Wrexham as he tried to build his fitness following treatment.
He returned to Rochdale from Carlisle in 2016, but the illness quickly returned, requiring extensive treatment.
He announced he was cancer free in June 2017 and less than a year later he scored the goal that kept Rochdale in League One, beating Charlton on the final day of the season.
“It’s about evaluating all the options and trying to figure out what do you want to get out of life? ” He added. “Ultimately, I want a quality of life where I can be like everyone else, play with my kids, be as active as possible and enjoy life,” he continued.
“The problem with a third diagnosis is it’s like the grim reaper, here I come again.” Then you start thinking about all the emotions.
“I’d be lying if I said there weren’t days where I doubt things, but I’ve always said I’ll never, ever give up, I’ll just be beaten if it gets to me.”
