Rocker Morrissey is "blooming" as he continues to battle cancer, insisting he's one of the lucky ones who has the disease under control.
The British singer revealed last October he had been treated for cancer.
This week, he spoke to US news veteran Larry King about his diagnosis and his battle with depression.
Morrissey told King he had Barrett's cancer but he is now OK and feels positive.
"Barrett's cancer, It's in the oesophagus," he said. "They (doctors) scrape it occasionally and I have medication, but I'm OK. Lots of people have it and they fade away ... I'm in bloom, I'm absolutely blooming."
Morrissey recalled the moment he learned of his diagnosis, saying you never expect to hear the "C-word".
"It just seems to drift over you. You just say yes, 'Oh yes, yes, yes'. Later, when you're on the stairs by yourself, it triggers in your mind."
Morrissey has had less success with is his ongoing battle with depression, however, which he calls "the black dog".
The former The Smiths frontman admits he wakes up most mornings feeling low, but has stopped taking prescribed medication for his condition, insisting nothing works.
"There is no cure and I think it's part of being a sensitive, open human ... I've been through everything; it's just pointless."
Asked if he has ever considered taking his life, the singer adds, "It crosses everybody's mind. Everybody thinks about it, even people who mistakenly assume they're happy."
- WENN