Kathy Griffin shares inspiring message post-surgery: 'I now know I can do this'

"This cancer surgery was a little more than I had anticipated," she said.

August 5, 2021, 10:42 AM

Kathy Griffin penned an empowering message Wednesday to let her fans know she is on the road to recovery.

After revealing Monday that she has been diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer and had to undergo surgery, Griffin, 60, shared how she is feeling post-op.

"To be honest, this cancer surgery was a little more than I had anticipated," she wrote in a message on her social media accounts.

"Tonight will be my first night without any narcotic pain killers," she wrote. "Hello Tylenol, my new best friend!"

The comedian spoke out in interview with ABC News about recovering from a painkiller addiction and a recent suicide attempt -- both of which she referenced in her Wednesday update.

"The last time I was in a hospital it was June 2020 when I tried to take my life and overdosed on prescription pills," she wrote. "With over a year clean and drug free, I now know I can do this and anything I want without those devil pills."

"Y'know what? I fear drugs and addiction more than I fear cancer," she added. "So, I think I'll be okay."

Griffin is currently recuperating from surgery where half of her left lung was removed, her representative confirmed with "Good Morning America" on Tuesday.

"Surgery went well and as planned," the rep said in a statement. "Kathy is now in recovery now and resting. Doctors say the procedure was normal without any surprises."

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 [TALK] for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also reach the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741741.