Former West Ham goalie Ludek Miklosko has declared his choice to cease additional cancer treatment, three years post-diagnosis.
The 63-year-old Czech made nearly 400 senior appearances during an eight-year career with the club and later came back as a goalkeeping coach.
Miklosko, attending the London Stadium for Sunday’s match against Premier League leaders Liverpool, mentioned in a statement on West Ham’s website: “Currently, I feel good.”
Many friends have mentioned that, if they weren’t aware of my struggles, they would assume I was doing well, which is pleasant for me to hear, as I wish to maintain that impression for as long as I can.
West Ham stated: “The whole West Ham United family stands with Ludek during this time, and we urge everyone coming to today’s match to be in their seats 10 minutes prior to kick-off to offer him the appreciation and support that he truly deserves.”
Miklosko assisted West Ham in securing promotion in 1991 and 1993 and played in both the FA Cup and League Cup semi-finals for the club.
He is presently the Sporting Director at Banik Ostrava in his native country, the club where he started his career and made over 200 appearances before moving to West Ham in 1990.
“I am still active, I can be with the players and the fans, and my life currently is quite hectic,” Miklosko stated.
“I am trying to maintain it like that.” “I wish to stay occupied and engaged, and to be involved with football as much as possible, since that is my passion.”
Miklosko opted not to undergo chemotherapy after consulting with his doctor.
Miklosko opted out of chemotherapy after consulting with his physician.
He underwent surgery to excise a lump he found on his hip three years prior, but another tumor developed in his abdomen. Although radiotherapy provided initial relief, the identification of multiple new tumours indicated that chemotherapy would be necessary.
Numerous types of chemotherapy are employed to destroy cancer cells, but they may lead to various side effects, and the efficacy of each treatment can differ greatly.
“I chose to forgo chemotherapy, as I wish to lead a normal life,” Miklosko stated.
“I am surrounded by great people, and I have my job and my football, which are my life, everything I’ve ever known.” I wish to continue doing that for as long as possible.
“When they explained what the chemotherapy would involve, I realized it meant I couldn’t work or be with my coworkers for about six months, couldn’t travel, would experience some illness, and everything else, so I said no – I don’t want that.”
