Half of the treatment is over: Hintermann talks about his fight against cancer

In October, Niels Hintermann was diagnosed with lymph gland cancer. He is now halfway through chemotherapy. In an interview he talks about his health.

Four weeks ago, Niels Hintermann made it public that he was suffering from lymph node cancer. Since the time of diagnosis at the beginning of October, “my life has turned 180 degrees,” says Hintermann at “Blick”.

The 29-year-old from Zurich has now completed half of the chemotherapy. The first few weeks were tough. «After starting this therapy, I felt like I was in the jet lag phase after a trip to North America – I didn’t have any major symptoms, but I was constantly tired. But in the last week I felt pretty bad physically for a few days,” says Hintermann.

The speed specialist explains that after analyzing his blood count, he received additional medication because the value was “a little too low”. This, in combination with the other preparations, probably led to him suddenly having chills and body aches.

Satisfied with progress so far

But now the situation has improved again. “My blood values ​​are currently tip-top. In summary, I can say that everything is going according to plan.” Hintermann is “very satisfied” with the progress so far, considering that the doctors made him aware of the many possible side effects at the beginning of the therapy.

Sport is still part of Hintermann’s life. He cannot currently train as intensively as in normal pre-season preparation. “But with the exception of the last week, I have sat on the ergometer four times a week for one and a half to two hours since therapy began.” A few strength training sessions are also included in his training statistics.

In addition to possibly further training, his schedule also includes attending World Cup races. His goal: He wants to watch the races in Val Gardena on December 20th and 21st live as a spectator. However, a visit to Val Gardena depends on the course of his therapy.

Videos from the department