Bridges Turns 71
- It’s Jeff Bridges’ 71st birthday, and the actor marked the occasion with two new drawings on his website.
- Bridges was diagnosed with lymphoma in October but has been staying hopeful amidst his fight, inspiring millions of fans and followers.
- There are two different common variants of lymphoma: Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin, each of which requires different approaches to treatment. Knowing the difference could save your life.
The actor shared two new drawings on his website, where he regularly updates fans about his cancer journey; he was diagnosed in October. His first entry reads, “Here I am, out of the blue, December 4th, 1949”, the day he was born 71 year ago, and the second, “Aaaahhh I’ve been born, I’m alive…,” marking the occasion and expressing his wonder for life itself.
Read MoreAs the Dude would say.. New S**T has come to light.
I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma. Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good.I’m starting treatment and will keep you posted on my recovery.
— Jeff Bridges (@TheJeffBridges) October 20, 2020
But “The Dude” is not letting his cancer diagnosis bring him down. He’s shared a number of drawings and journal entries focusing on how grateful and loved he’s felt throughout this process.
He’s even continuing to help others, recently donating a cherished guitar from his private collection to support the hungry through Montana’s Livingston Food Resource Center.
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells are a key part of your immune system, which helps to fight off diseases and dangers to the body.
Related: Age, Race, and Exposures Might All Factor Into Lymphoma Risk
Bridges hasn’t revealed which form of lymphoma he’s been diagnosed with, but the two most common types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
As SurvivorNet has previously reported, the difference between the two lies in the white blood cells: if doctors can detect Reed-Sternberg cells, which are giant cells derived from B lymphocytes, in the blood, the cancer is diagnosed as Hodgkin. If no Reed-Sternberg cells are detected, it’s diagnosed as non-Hodgkin. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common; Hogkin lymphoma is more treatable.
Dr. Elise Chong explains why your type of lymphoma matters
The ideal treatment for lymphoma patients depends on what variation they have as well as how far the disease has progressed. Both forms can be treated with chemotherapy and radiation, with stem-cell transplant sometimes used for Hodgkin treatment and medication for non-Hodgkin.
Staying Groovy: The Power of Positivity
Bridges has won the hearts of millions with his lovable characters and even more lovable public personality. In light of this challenging diagnosis, he’s doing what he does best: being himself and staying positive.
Related: 7 Cancer Survivors and Thrivers Tell Us How They Keep a Positive Attitude
In his iconic voice, Bridges wrote in one journal entry, “This cancer thing is bringing on feelings of preciousness, & gratitude, & good old fashion love, & lots of it, big time. I’m feeling so much of it comin’ my way, & man, I appreciate it.”
I want to thank you all for reaching out during this time, it feels good getting all the well wishes and love! I’ll be sharing more updates on https://t.co/tndalVJNn0 pic.twitter.com/0hGh7gs1Dp
— Jeff Bridges (@TheJeffBridges) October 29, 2020
Hundreds of thousands of fans have rallied behind Bridges since his diagnosis, offering him love, support, and good vibes.
Bridges wrote about how “cancer is making me appreciate my mortality, appreciate impermanence,” and said he’s realized that “now’s the time” to share what matters to him.
Having a positive outlook and support system like Bridges’ benefits more than just the heart it can actually help patients live longer. Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, told SurvivorNet in a previous interview that he’s “pretty good at telling what kind of patients are going to live the longest, even with bad, bad disease. And those are patients who have gratitude in life."
I Wanted to Be Me Again, But Also Needed Their Help – Finding That Support System
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