We now know that a tumor found in Michael Douglas’ throat tumor is far more serious than everyone had hoped. During an interview scheduled prior to his diagnosis, the two-time Academy Award winning actor revealed that he has Stage 4 cancer.

“The big thing you’re worried about is it spreading,” the 65-year-old told David Letterman. “I am head and neck. It hasn’t gone down. The expectations are good.”

Although doctors had failed to detect the tumor earlier this summer while evaluating Douglas for throat and ear pain, the Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps star has been told his chances of a recovery are good. “I would hate to say, but right now, it looks like it should be 80 percent, and with certain hospitals and everything, it does improve.”

Of course the positive odds aren’t necessarily making Douglas’ wife of 10 years, Oscar winner Catherine Zeta-Jones, feel better. “It makes me furious they didn’t detect it earlier,” the 40-year-old told People magazine. “He sought every option and nothing was found.”

At this point, Douglas—who acknowledges years of drinking and smoking were likely responsible—is simply trying to stay focused on the battle. “Without having to blame anybody ... these things sometimes just don’t show up,” he said.