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Eric Dane is taking the time to celebrate both the significant and minor victories in life following his ALS diagnosis.
At 52, Dane revealed in April that he is facing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He has since shared some of the tough challenges the neurodegenerative condition brings, including losing strength in his limbs.
Amid these new hurdles, the “Countdown” star expressed that he is focusing on living each day as it comes.
‘GREY’S ANATOMY’ ALUM ERIC DANE IS READY TO TAKE DRASTIC STEPS TO COMBAT ALS
Eric Dane was first introduced on “Grey’s Anatomy” as Dr. Mark Sloan in Season 2. He became a series regular in Season 3. (Bob D’Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
“Today I’m feeling great,” Dane told Fox News Digital. “I’m handling this situation one day at a time, and today’s a good day. So, that’s a win.”
WATCH: ERIC DANE CELEBRATES THE WINS AFTER ALS DIAGNOSIS
Famous for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan in “Grey’s Anatomy” from 2006 to 2012, Dane opened up about the struggles he’s facing since his diagnosis during a conversation with Diane Sawyer on “Good Morning America.”
“Today I’m feeling great. I’m handling this situation one day at a time, and today’s a good day. So that’s a win.”
‘GREY’S ANATOMY’ STAR ERIC DANE IS LEFT WITH ONE FUNCTIONING ARM AS ALS PROGRESSES
He explained to Sawyer that he currently has one arm that is functioning, while the right side of his body has “completely ceased to function.”
Dane shared with Fox News Digital that his story “was presented with sensitivity and respect.”
Eric Dane made his red carpet return on Wednesday for the first time since his ALS diagnosis. (Gilbert Flores)
Dane stars as Nathan Blythe in the Amazon Prime Video series “Countdown.” (Robin L Marshall)
“Diane Sawyer is a true professional and a legend,” he remarked. “I couldn’t imagine a better person to share my story with.”
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In his interview with Sawyer, which aired Tuesday, Dane discussed the debilitating illness and shared how he has found hope through his healthcare provider.
“I remain optimistic. … I don’t see this as the final chapter of my story,” he remarked. “Regardless of what lies ahead, I’ll carry that notion with me.
“That was the impression I got from [Dr. Merit Cudkowicz] when I first met her. … A sense of hope that I didn’t experience with other physicians.”
Dane mentioned he had previously spoken with an organization that informed him his doctors would only “monitor my decline — which isn’t very useful.”
According to Cudkowicz, the factors that may contribute to ALS could range from environmental issues, like plastic waste and bacteria in water bodies, to injuries sustained during sports.
Dane shared the screen with Ellen Pompeo and Sandra Oh on “Grey’s Anatomy.” (Gale Adler/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Dane disclosed his diagnosis in April and in another part of the interview aired Monday, he revealed that he first noticed weakness in his right hand before seeking medical help.
“At first, I didn’t think much of it,” he confided to Sawyer. “I assumed maybe I’d overdone it texting, and my hand was tired. After a few weeks, I realized it was getting worse. I went to a hand specialist, who referred me to another, and then I ended up with a neurologist who said, ‘This is beyond my expertise.’
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“I have one functioning arm,” he shared. “My left side is operational, but my right side has completely stopped functioning. [My left arm] is also deteriorating. I feel that in a few months, I might lose the use of my left hand too. It’s a sobering realization.”
Even with physical limitations, Dane is determined not to let his diagnosis hinder his career.
“I’m going to stay in the game until I can’t anymore,” he stated to E! News. Collaborating with Jensen Ackles on the Amazon Prime series “Countdown” has kept him mentally and physically sharp.
“It keeps my mind engaged,” Dane shared with the outlet. “It’s crucial for me to keep moving forward, especially now.
Dane’s “Countdown” co-star, Jensen Ackles, has praised the actor’s dedication on set. (Frazer Harrison)
Dane disclosed that he is losing mobility in his limbs while battling ALS. (Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic for HBO)
“I feel a sense of fulfillment when I’m working. Sure, there have been setbacks, but overall, I’m in a good place. My spirits remain high, and at the end of the day, that’s what truly matters.”
Dane informed Fox News Digital that his performance in front of the camera remains unchanged since his diagnosis, and “it’s the same between action and cut.”
He takes on the role of Nathan Blythe in the Prime Video series, where Ackles plays LAPD Det. Mark Meachum.
Ackles noted that his co-star was remarkable every day on set.
“I wasn’t involved in any of the action sequences, so I didn’t have to physically prepare for this role,” Dane modestly acknowledged. “I simply learn my lines, hit my spots, and arrive on time.”
Fox News Digital’s Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.
