'Young & Restless' Eric Braeden Appears as a Real 'Fighter' in Rare Photo Since His Cancer Was Revealed

• Eric Braeden shared a rare photo with fans that showed them he was doing well amidst his bladder cancer diagnosis.
• The actor revealed in May 2023 that he wasn't worried about his diagnosis and would keep working and maintaining a positive outlook toward life.
• Braeden has a united family made up of his wife, son, and granddaughters. He draws support from them as he goes through his health crisis.

Eric Braeden shared a rare photo with fans after breaking the news in April 2023 that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Braeden started treatment for cancer right away, determined to beat it. A short time after revealing his diagnosis, Braeden told fans that he was doing great.

The actor shared his recent picture on Twitter and captioned it, "After a scene today., " as he posed alongside the show's leading lady Melody Thomas Scott.

The picture reassured many fans that their favorite star was looking good and feeling better amidst fighting cancer. Fans were also thrilled to see that their favorite couple on "The Young and the Restless" were going on well.

In a different photo on Facebook, a fan told Braeden to "keep fighting," while another person wondered how the actor was going on with life despite the bladder cancer diagnosis:

"How is he working, doing chemo, radiation, or whatever. God, please loose plenty of Angels around him."

More fans told the actor to keep the fight as they knew he was strong. "Praying for you, just love you. You're my favorite actor on 'Young and Restless.' Loved 'Rat Patrol,'" a fan added. Another online user said they were rooting for the actor's recovery:

"Eric, you're a fighter; all of us fans are here to support you on your recovery. I am praying for you."

How Did Eric Braeden Find Out About His Diagnosis?

Braeden started having issues with his prostate and was misdiagnosed before doctors found out that he had bladder cancer.

Braeden's family is united, and with his bladder cancer diagnosis, the actor depends on them for support.

According to the actor, he first had difficulty urinating and problems emptying his bladder completely. He noted that these signs increase in men as their prostrate grows:

"It impinges on the urethra, and as it grows more, it impinges more. Hence the flow is restricted. It gets to the point where you wake up every half hour not to pee because you can't get rid of it. That's as graphic and as simple as it gets."

Braeden went to see a doctor because his symptoms worsened, and he was in extreme pain. He revealed that he walked into the hospital with his bladder almost bursting.

The doctor gave him a catheter and examined his bladder. He then told the actor that everything looked okay. However, six weeks after his first visit to the doctor, Braeden still had difficulties urinating and decided to seek a second opinion.

The "Titanic" actor's second doctor was a urologist, who told him he had cancer cells in his bladder. Braeden was diagnosed with stage one bladder cancer.

He revealed that he wasn't worried about his diagnosis as he knew his elder brother had gotten his entire bladder removed ten years ago and was doing well.

Soon after his diagnosis, Braeden underwent surgery to remove low-grade cancer cells from his bladder. However, high-grade cancer cells remained, and he had to undergo immunotherapy.

The actor's treatment includes once a week for six weeks, a six weeks break, and then another once a week for six weeks treatment. He opened up:

"They infuse your bladder with a drug, it sort of poisons you a little bit, but they do it to arouse your immunity… it burns like hell two hours later. You feel weak for a little while, and then the next day, it's gone."

Braeden said he chose to share the details about his bladder cancer diagnosis because he wanted to remind men to get themselves checked out. He told older men that prostrate grows with everyone once they're over 60 and 70.

As per Braeden, most men shy away from medical checkups. However, he encouraged them to get their bladder, colon, and prostate examined.

The actor was glad that he received so many positive comments and supports from his fans when he shared his diagnosis. He revealed that he went back to read the comments left on his Facebook Live, and they moved him deeply. He added:

"A lot of people say you encouraged us to talk to our husbands about undergoing these exams. I can help people in a serious way; it's wonderful."

As he goes on with his treatment, the "Den of Thieves" star is determined to go on with work full-time as he is shooting more scenes of "The Young and the Restless."

The actor told his fans that one of his infusion appointments was postponed in May 2023 because doctors detected a little bit of blood infection. Doctors advised him to drink lots of water.

However, as of now, Braeden is maintaining a positive outlook on life amidst the bladder cancer treatment as he insisted to his fans that he is feeling okay.

Who Supports the Actor During This Difficult Time?

Braeden is married to Dale Russell Gudegast, a former actress. Gudegast, who was born on June 21, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, appeared in the 2001 movie "Holiday in the Sun." However, she has since changed her career trajectory and is now an interior designer.

The couple got married in 1966 and have one child, a son, Christian Gudegast, who was born on February 9, 1970, in Los Angeles, California.

Like his dad, Christian is also in the entertainment industry and is a filmmaker and writer. He is also a family man and a doting father to three daughters.

He and his father often share the girls' pictures on social media, and it is evident that the soap opera star is proud to be a grandfather.

Braeden's family is united, and with his bladder cancer diagnosis, the actor depends on them for support.

The actor and his wife also prioritize their health and wellness. The actor likes to start his morning with exercises.

Braeden revealed that even in his older years, he has to keep on plugging and fighting as people are judged mainly by what they do in their last mile alive. He added that he would keep on working and never give up. Even as he battles the illness and leans on his family for support, he can also count on his fans, who say they are praying for his recovery and strength to fight cancer.

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