(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Michael Douglas is grateful to his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones for understanding his need to be alone sometimes.

The 66-year-old actor was treated for stage four throat cancer last year, and despite still undergoing monthly check-ups, is on the road to recovery.

His actress wife Catherine, 41, is also doing well, after she was treated for bipolar II disorder at a psychiatric hospital earlier this year. Michael has praised Catherine for all her strength and support during the illness, explaining that she understands him better than anyone.

"I'm the kind of man who has always needed to spend a certain amount of time by myself, and Catherine's understood that about me," he smiled in an interview with the British edition of OK! magazine.

"I think dealing with cancer has broken down this last wall. Now I feel love from my family in a way that I can embrace. I'm not sure I've ever understood or felt that truly until now."

Michael also took the time to discuss his health status. The actor is concentrating on regaining the weight he lost during the illness, and says things are going well.

"I feel pretty good. After a tough treatment programme, I'm getting back to feeling like my old self," he smiled.

"I'm still working on regaining weight and improving my conditioning, but it's coming along well. The most important thing is the cancer is gone and hasn't come back for the first year after my treatment I have to have it checked each month, but the doctors are very positive." (C) Cover Media