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Niels Hintermann is fighting lymphatic cancer. The ski ace gives the first insight into his chemotherapy including hair loss.
Munich – Four weeks ago, Niels Hintermann received a diagnosis that fundamentally changed his life: lymphatic cancer. “I was sitting in the car when my doctor called and gave me the news. At that moment my life turned 180 degrees,” the 29-year-old ski racer tells me Blick.
Hintermann provides insights into the side effects of chemotherapy
Since then he has already completed half of the chemotherapy and is now giving insights into his everyday life with the disease. The physical and emotional challenges are immense.
“After starting the therapy, I constantly felt tired, similar to jet lag,” reports Hintermann. This exhaustion accompanies him through the days, but in the last week additional symptoms have arisen. “I had chills, body aches and a metallic taste in my mouth,” is how he describes the side effects of the treatment. These symptoms have now subsided, which gives him hope that the therapy will continue to go well.
Niels Hintermann is suffering from cancer. © IMAGO
Hintermann is still active in sports
Despite the hardships, Hintermann sticks to his sporting routine. “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 starting therapy,” says the ski ace. This physical activity not only gives him strength, but also gives him back a bit of normality.
“I also did some strength training,” adds Hintermann. The hair loss caused by chemotherapy doesn’t dampen his mood: “After all, I usually wear a hat anyway and my hair will grow back again.”
Hintermann has plans for the coming winter season that go beyond chemotherapy. He would like to attend some World Cup races to keep in touch with the ski scene: “I would like to travel to Val Gardena in December. Whether this trip will work, of course, depends on the course of therapy.” Hintermann would like to be at the start again next season… (kk)
