Football Legend & Bladder Cancer Survivor Terry Bradshaw’s Autographed Memoir Available For Preorder Ahead Of FOX Return For 2026 NFL Season

“The world knows the legend—but does it really know Terry? With his signature candor and humor, Terry Bradshaw pulls back the curtain on fame, football, reinvention, and the deeply personal struggles that shaped him,” Books-A-Million wrote alongside a photo of the book. “Pre-order your autographed copy of ‘Looking for Terry’ now!”

An overview of the book reads, “This memoir is not just a reflection on fame and perception; it’s an unflinching look at vulnerability. Bradshaw opens up about his struggle with depression, his deeply personal battle with cancer, and the role his faith played in carrying him through his darkest moments.

“This memoir is raw, moving, and unexpectedly tender, revealing a side of Bradshaw rarely seen on television.”

Bradshaw was diagnosed with bladder cancer in November 2021 and later with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer, in March 2022. He underwent surgery and treatment for both before announcing he was cancer-free in October 2022.

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Despite his cancer battles, Bradshaw has continued working and is set to return to television alongside sports commentator Curt Menefee for the 33rd season of the iconic pregame program FOX NFL Sunday.

Addressing how he doesn’t plan to retire any time soon, Bradshaw told Sports Business Radio podcast in a recent conversation, “I may not be with Fox (Sports). That would be their call, not mine. But I would still be speaking, and if not doing that, I’ll still work the bourbon trail.

“Billy Graham said that the day that you retire is the day you start dying. I do believe a lot of people when they stop using their brain, their thought processes moving and advancing. I believe you age, and people end up dying. How many people die within a year after retirement? So, I don’t want to do that. I see myself staying fully active right up to the end.”

Terry Bradshaw’s Cancer Journey

Terry Bradshaw previously shared details about his battles with two forms of cancer. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in November 2021.

Bladder cancer develops when cells that make up the urinary bladder start to grow and eventually develop into tumors. [It’s worth noting that the National Cancer Institute puts it as the sixth most common type of cancer overall in the U.S.]

Dr. Jay Shah, the cancer care program leader for urologic oncology at the Stanford Cancer Center, previously told SurvivorNet, “Bladder cancer is one of those cancers that you don’t hear about too often.”

Bladder cancer, which is highly treatable when found early, can often be detected early because the main first sign of the disease is hematuria, or blood appearing in your urine. This blood can change the urine’s color to orange, pink and, in some extreme cases, dark red.

Bradshaw underwent surgery and other treatment before being declared cancer-free.

During today’s show, Terry Bradshaw shared that he has been battling cancer over the past year. As of today, he is cancer free, and he discussed his fight and plan for the future: pic.twitter.com/RSwVxlXC97

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 2, 2022

However, months later, Bradshaw’s doctors discovered a tumor in the left side of his neck as he was undergoing an MRI for neck pain. A biopsy later confirmed it was merkel cell carcinoma, which the National Cancer Institute describes as “a very rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin.”

“Merkel cells are found in the top layer of the skin. These cells are very close to the nerve endings that receive the sensation of touch,” the NCI says.

Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow fast and spread quickly to other parts of the body. The tumor may be skin-colored or shades of red, blue, or purple and may be painless.

Bradshaw underwent surgery, followed by radiation therapy, to treat the disease. His side effects included swelling in his face from the radiation. The cancer warrior shared a bit of his cancer journey in a Sept. 29, 2022, Facebook Live video.

“This side of my face is partially numb. It’s gonna take a while,” e said in the video post.

A few weeks later, Bradshaw was back on air fulfilling his pre-game hosting duties as an NFL analyst. During the segment, he spoke openly about his cancer journey, explaining, “In November, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. I went to the Yale University Medical Center for surgery, treatment. As of today, I am bladder cancer-free. Alright, that’s the good news.”

RELATED: Guide To Bladder Cancer

Bradshaw went on to share his skin cancer diagnosis with concerned fans who saw him lose his breath during a television segment a week earlier.

“Folks, I may not look like my old self, but I feel like my old self,” he concluded. “I’m cancer-free, I’m feeling great. And over time, I’m going to be back to where I normally am. So I appreciate your prayers and your concern.”

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Understanding Bladder Cancer & Treatment

Bladder cancer develops when cells that make up the urinary bladder start to grow and eventually develop into tumors. And when these cancerous tumors become muscle invasive, or spread into deeper layers of the bladder wall, the bladder may need to be removed all together along with nearby lymph nodes, other organs in the pelvis and potentially other nearby organs as well.

“For most patients who have invasive bladder cancer, the mainstay of their therapy is surgery, to remove the bladder, and the technical term for removing the bladder is radical cystectomy,” Dr. Jay Shah, the cancer care program leader for urologic oncology at the Stanford Cancer Center, told SurvivorNet.

“And what it entails is removing the bladder, plus all the organs nearby, removing the lymph nodes, which is the first place that bladder cancer can spread out of the body, and then we have to do something called a urinary diversion, which is finding some way for the patient’s urine to get out of their body.”

Bladder cancer is the sixth-most common type of cancer overall in the United States, though it is the fourth-most common for men.

My Bladder Cancer Has Spread. What Are My Options?

When it comes to muscle-invasive bladder cancer, complete removal of the bladder is considered the optimal method to cure. However, for patients who cannot have surgery due to medical problems or personal preference, chemotherapy combined with radiation can be an alternative.

And although radical cystectomy (complete removal of the bladder) is the standard approach for this type of bladder cancer, research shows that adding chemotherapy before you head to the operating room decreases the chance of cancer coming back and increase survival.

Treatment that is administered before surgery is called “neoadjuvant.” Pre-surgery is the ideal time to give treatment, because up to 30% of patients experience post-operative complications that would otherwise delay or entirely prevent safe delivery of chemotherapy. Different combinations and doses of treatments may be recommended based on your age, other medical conditions, and whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The two most common regimens are MVAC (methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin) and GC (gemcitabine and cisplatin). These regimens are given for approximately 2-4 months between your diagnosis and surgery date. Imaging tests such as CT scans may be ordered to check your progress with chemotherapy.

Treatment for bladder cancer depends on several factors including the type of tumor, stage of disease and your general health. Your personal wishes, values and expectations also play a role in the treatment plan you and your doctor choose.

How Should My Doctor and I Make a Treatment Plan For Bladder Cancer?

Your doctor is often part of a team that will help you make decisions about treatment options. This may include surgeons, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, urologists and other health professionals. You should feel comfortable asking questions about any aspect of bladder cancer treatment before making a decision.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor After Being Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer

A new bladder cancer diagnosis can feel incredibly overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to prepare for your cancer journey by asking your doctor the right questions.

Knowing what to expect during and after treatment can help relieve stress and make a difficult experience more manageable. It also gives you time to plan and make arrangements for any care you may need.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?

“I tell all my patients that we’re gonna get to know each other really well,” says Dr. Shah.

“You need to develop a relationship with your urologist because once you have bladder cancer, you need to have someone that’s following you regularly for the rest of your life.”

Asking questions helps you learn more about your healthcare team’s experience treating bladder cancer and begin forming a relationship with them. Your doctor should be happy to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to speak up.

Consider asking your healthcare team the following questions:

• What type of cancer do I have?
• What stage is the cancer?
• Has the cancer spread to other organs? If so, where?
• What does my prognosis look like?
• Should I see a genetic counselor for testing?
• Should any of my family members be tested?
• Will I have a better chance of success if I travel to a cancer treatment center instead of seeing a local urologist?
• Should I consider getting a second opinion?

Knowledge is power. By speaking with your doctor and finding answers to these questions, you can learn more about your bladder cancer diagnosis and make informed decisions about your treatment options.

Finding Bladder Cancer Support

Support for anyone battling bladder cancer is important during and after cancer treatment. Ask your doctor about community organizations, support groups and other resources to help you connect with others.

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Consider asking your health team the following questions:

• Are there any resources available specifically for bladder cancer patients?
• Should I speak with other patients who have had the same diagnosis?
• Are there any support groups in my area?
• Are there resources for paying medical bills?
• Who should I contact for more information regarding these resources?
• How do I find out what my insurance will/won’t cover?

Remaining positive throughout your journey will help you successfully manage your symptoms and take advantage of opportunities for support.

Get the answers to all of your questions so you can start your bladder cancer journey with the peace of mind that comes from knowing what to expect.

The Benefit of Support Networks for Cancer Patients

Deciding When to Work or Step Back Amid Cancer Treatment

“We always encourage people to continue to work if they can,” says Sarah Stapleton, a clinical social worker at Montefiore Medical Center. “I think it creates a sense of normalcy for patients.”

If you can work, you’ll be busy, and you may not be worrying about how your treatment is going, Stapleton adds.

Sometimes, cancer can make you feel isolated and lonely, and being around people for work can alleviate feelings of loneliness.

It’s important for you to have a conversation with your doctor before continuing to work during treatment. Ask your physician what you can and cannot do so you don’t disrupt ongoing treatment.

Remember, sometimes cancer treatment can cause fatigue, leaving you unable to fulfill your duties as you once could.

Fortunately, some on-the-job accommodations can make working during cancer treatment a little easier.

It’s important to remember that people with job problems related to cancer are protected by the Rehabilitation Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act. Others may also benefit from the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This law allows many people with serious illnesses to take unpaid leave to get medical care or manage their symptoms.

Your human resources department should be able to share with you your options.

In some situations, employers must accommodate a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless the employer can show it would be an undue hardship to do so. This could mean making changes to work schedules, equipment, or policies.

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Laurie Ostacher, a behavioral health clinician at Stanford Health Care, recommends cancer patients talk with their employer about accommodations they may need upon returning to work.

“Patients need to let their employer know [they’re] going to need some flexibility… Because there are going to be days when you’re not as energetic or feeling as well as other days,” Ostacher explained.

When some of these benchmarks cannot be met because you’re struggling with treatment side effects or your treatment schedule interferes with your work schedule, perhaps stepping back from work or reducing your work schedule may be ideal.

Ultimately, you should remain in constant communication with your care team about your plans to work – or not – as that can factor into your overall treatment regimen.

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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