But the actor 65 years old, who won an Oscar is not about to give up.
"It's a fight," said Douglas people. "It really knocks you."
Appearing last night "The Late Show with David Letterman", said Douglas has advanced, stage four cancer.
"I've never seen better than me, and it shows they're a tough guy, for the love of God," said talk-show host, drawing applause from the studio audience.
"Let's say ... I'm pretty lit right now," said Douglas.
The actor also spoke about his chances of recovery.
"I am the head and neck," said Douglas. "I am above the neck, so nothing has gone down, and expectations are good ..."
Experts agree with the upbeat assessment of Douglas.
Dr. Robert Haddad, an oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, who is not involved in the care of Douglas, said that this type of cancer usually responds well to the grueling combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
Douglas learned he had throat cancer in early August after undergoing throat and ear pain.
During the months of treatment ahead, Douglas may have to be fed through a tube, such as swallowing, it will be difficult, says Haddad. Many patients have severe mouth ulcers and you need strong pain medications - even narcotics such as morphine - to get through it. Side effects of radiation can last for months after treatment.
However, the smart money is on a full recovery. Douglas wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, 40, told People that "if there is something that Michael has is strength."
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