Overview
- Lafer told NDR's Das! Rote Sofa on Saturday that he has felt measurable improvement in the last three to four weeks and that he is “on the way” to recovery while treatment continues.
- He publicly disclosed his diagnosis in May, saying he has an indolent, low‑malignant Non‑Hodgkin lymphoma and began chemotherapy earlier this year.
- Lafer said chemotherapy has caused clear physical effects, including notable weight loss and a large loss of taste, which have affected his daily life and work as a chef.
- Despite criticism from some, he plans to resume select professional engagements, including a cruise cooking assignment that began October 11 and a televised appearance with Steffen Henssler.
- Lafer described personal changes from the illness—greater reflection, gratitude and reliance on medical staff—and experts note indolent Non‑Hodgkin lymphoma is often controllable long term though not always curable, so ongoing monitoring remains crucial.