Graham Richardson vows 'I'll be back'

On the eve of a mammoth operation, former senator Graham Richardson has thanked well-wishers for their messages of support and vowed to bounce back.

The former Labor politician, who has battled cancer for years, said he was "overwhelmed" and "amazed" by the public support ahead of Wednesday's operation to remove four organs.

"Don't worry - as the terminator says - `I'll be back'," an upbeat Mr Richardson said, addressing viewers at the end of his Sky television program Richo and Jones.