Bridges Shows Off Shaved Head and New Puppy
- Actor Jeff Bridges shared a new photo updating the world on his cancer battle and introducing his new puppy Monty and newly bald head.
- 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.
In a new Instagram post, the actor, who recently turned 71, reclines on a beachfront balcony sporting a freshly bald head and new dog Monty. He shared that he’s “feeling good” as he continues his treatment to combat an undisclosed form of lymphoma.
View this post on InstagramRead MoreBridges also posted new artwork on his personal website and called for support for musicians struggling through the pandemic, saying, “Music – we need it, man.”He ended his update with an animation of a surfer riding a wave, calling it “such a great reminder how wonderful life can be.”
Bridges, beloved for his starring role in “The Big Lebowski” and his laid-back groove, announced on Twitter that he was battling lymphoma back on October 19.
But “The Dude” is not letting his cancer diagnosis bring him down and is 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."
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