Big Brother Season 19 houseguest, Kevin Schlehuber, has provided fans with an update on his battle with cancer just two days after revealing his diagnosis.
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"I can't begin to express my feelings or my thanks to all of you who sent me their blessing and well wishes. I'm going to tell you that the first 48 hours were extremely difficult," Kevin, 57, wrote Wednesday on Twitter.
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"I feel great, I exercise daily, but I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. So I was in disbelief and shock."
The Boston-based father of seven continued on social media, "After reading some of the blessings sent to me and the overwhelming positive messages, I now feel it's my turn to fight this cancer and let everyone know I WILL BEAT IT!"
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Kevin learned the bad news during a routine doctor's visit, but he is optimistic about his journey to recovery.
"I'm scheduled for surgery the Monday after Thanksgiving," Kevin revealed.
"Until then I'll be living as normal as possible, exercising mentally and physically. I will be prepared for whatever comes my way. I thank you all so much for all your prayers, love, and just standing by me. I love you all. God bless!"
Kevin first announced his cancer diagnosis in a Twitter post on Monday.
"Last night I got a call and went to the doctor with my family today. I was told I have cancer. I'm not posting this for sympathy but to raise awareness. Please go to regular check-ups and doctor appointments. Get tested and always be aware of how you feel," Kevin shared at the time.
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"I FEEL perfectly healthy but that is not the case. I will beat this with the love and support from my family and close friends."
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, except for skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States, according to cancer.net.
The five-year survival rate for most men with local or regional prostate cancer, however, is nearly 100 percent, and 98 percent are alive after 10 years, according to the website. For men diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate is 30 percent.
Kevin competed on Season 19 of Big Brother last summer and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his thick Boston accent, quirky personality, and memorable fashion sense.
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In fact, Kevin was in the running to become "America's Favorite Houseguest," which ultimately went to Cody Nickson.
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Kevin lasted in the game for 86 days and finished Big Brother in fourth place.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski