Former South Sydney winger Nathan Merritt has shared a positive update on his ongoing battle with cancer. The 43-year-old, who was diagnosed with esophageal and liver cancer, is currently undergoing his seventh round of chemotherapy.
Merritt revealed in March that he was fighting the disease on two fronts and later received a grim prognosis of approximately 12 months to live. However, he has since reported gaining 18 kilograms and experiencing an improved appetite. He stated that he was 80 kilograms but has since returned to 98 kilograms, noting that the weight gain has primarily affected his midsection.
"I'm good and I'm happy. I'm feeling stronger and better. I'm putting on some weight," Merritt said. "All the kilos have gone to my gut. I've got to start training again. I haven't lost my appetite. My doctors told me to eat as much as possible."
Despite the encouraging personal update, Merritt acknowledged that his medical outlook has not changed. "They still haven't given me a chance to beat the cancer," he stated. "My (life) expectancy is 12 to 24 months. I am just enjoying my life at the moment and am living like I don't have cancer. I know my life could end any day so I am enjoying every moment that I've got on this earth."
Merritt expressed a determination to fight, saying, "I think I can fight and beat this. I will fight as long as possible - this won't bring me down. I won't let this get the better or me. I try not to think about it too much. I'm staying as positive as possible."
He recounted discovering his illness, explaining that he had experienced stomach problems which led to his initial diagnosis of esophageal cancer in November. He was later diagnosed with stage four cancer affecting both his esophagus and liver. "It's a bit of tough news to swallow, but I've just got to keep fighting 'til the end," he said at the time of his diagnosis. "It's a tough pill to swallow for my kids and family. But it's good - it's going to be a tough one, but I'm going to fight through it."
Merritt was a Souths fan favorite and the club's most prolific try-scorer for eight seasons until his record was surpassed in 2022. He is currently receiving intravenous infusions twice a month.