The actor's battle is told in a newly released book, The Cancer War, in his own words. In an exclusive interview Anthony Herrera shares his story.
JP: How long have you been in remission?
AH: Four years.
JP: You were at the gym when you first made the discovery of a lump on your neck. Had you any warning that something was not right?
AH: No. No warning at all. Everyone's case is different.
JP: After you found the lump, how much time lapsed before actually learning the diagnosis?
AH: After three days I found out it was lymphoma. . . A week later that it was mantle cell lymphoma.
JP: Anthony, you've had episodes of depression some years earlier. Your friend, Cleavon Little, died of cancer, and then another friend died shortly after. Both were 53. And you were 53 when you learned of your own diagnosis. The waiting time and the diagnosis had to very stressful, yet somehow you didn't fall back into severe depression.
AH: No, for some reason I didn't. It just went away. I think mentally I just focused so hard. Physically I was in very good health.
JP: The tests were positive for lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, which is very rare. You were told -- bluntly -- that you were going to die.
AH: Yes, it was blunt, but he was a rude jackass, and I went to another hospital. . . you can quote me on that.
JP: What to you attribute to your success in fighting cancer?
AH: The success is due to brilliant doctors, finding the right hospital, and a positive attitude -- watching, questioning, and finding out.
JP:The Cancer War is the title of your new book, your own battle with lymphoma. How long did it take to write your story?
AH: Off and on for three years.
JP: Proceeds of the book sale are aiding Poetry Theatre. Tell me about this project.
AH: Willie Nelson gave me the idea to put my one man show -- performing poetry -- on the web (www.poetrytheatre.org). The website gives poetry to everyone to inspire, to enjoy and to learn.
JP: It's been a long journey from a small Mississippi town. Since childhood, you always secretly wanted to be an actor but you didn't share that dream until you're an adult?
AH: In Mississippi in those days it wasn't "cool" to be in the arts.
JP: You began your role as super villain James Stenbeck on "As the World Turns" 25 years ago. When you first began this role, did you ever dream it would be so popular with the show's fans?
AH: No, I just wanted out of California. My plan was to get back to New York. Stella Adler -- the great Stella Adler -- told me it would take 12 to 14 years for me to get a grip on my craft . . . This happened about the time I started Stenbeck. The real actor works a lifetime improving his or her craft.
JP: Everyone wants to know: Is James Stenbeck returning anytime soon?
AH: On the air this week.
For details about buying Anthony Herrera's The Cancer War, visit www.thecancerwar.com. Purchases are tax-deductible and support Poetry Theatre, Inc.