“one of the most aggressive forms”

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Collins, who revealed in a brief statement in September that he was receiving treatment for a brain tumor, said in an interview with ESPN that he had stage 4 glioblastoma.

— The disease manifested itself incredibly quickly — said the 47-year-old former basketball player, describing the first symptoms, including memory loss and difficulty concentrating, which worsened in August.

— I’ve had weird symptoms like these for a week or two, but unless something is seriously wrong, I move on. I’m an athlete,” Collins said.

He explained, however, that a CT scan revealed the severity of his disease, a glioblastoma multiforme that was growing so quickly that doctors said it could have taken his life within weeks.

Collins said that with the support of her husband, Brunson Green, and friends and family, she began treatment that included medication, followed by radiation and chemotherapy.

She added that his decision to pursue innovative therapies – currently at a clinic in Singapore – reminded him of the moment he decided to publicly reveal his sexual orientation.

“I feel like I’m back in this situation where I can be the first person to break that barrier,” he said. — We are not going to stand by and let this cancer kill me without fighting with all my might.

Collins recalled that when her grandmother was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, she didn’t like hearing the word “cancer.”

— I don’t care if you say it — said the former NBA player. — I have cancer, but just like my grandmother fought, I will fight too.