Bridges' New Film
- Jeff Bridges, 71, is currently battling lymphoma (and his tumor is shrinking) and has shared the news that he has a new film out which he executive produced.
- Bridges has been creative and vulnerable through his cancer battle, sharing health updates and colorful drawings on his online journal on his website.
- Keeping a postitive attitude through cancer, as Bridges has done, may improve the cancer journey, and in some cases, a person’s prognosis, according to one SurvivorNet expert.
View this post on Instagram
Jeff’s Cancer Battle
In October 2020, Bridges shared the news with the world that he had lymphoma. Support came pouring in for the beloved actor, as well-wishers and fans sent him love and strength. Bridges has continued to keep fans and loved ones updated via his online journal on his website, where he shares drawings and updates including the news that his tumor has shrunk! A recent update from Bridges reported that he is “feeling good,” he shaved his head, and got an adorable puppy, Monty.
View this post on Instagram
Bridges has not shared the type of lymphoma he has, but we do know that the two most common types of this disease are Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The distinction between the two types lies in the presence of Reed-Sternburg cells. If doctors can detect these cells, the lymphoma is classified as Hodgin lymphoma. Treatment for lymphoma is dependent upon the type it is. And this disease is typically treated with chemotherapy, medication, radiation, and, sometimes, stem-cell transplant.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Types of Biopsy
Staying Positive Through Cancer
Bridges continues to remain positive, upbeat, and grateful throughout his cancer battle. And it’s so inspiring to see. A cancer diagnosis can knock you off your feet. Having the right tools in place to help support you through your cancer journey can make a profound difference.
One of those tools is a strong, positive mental outlook. Dr. Zuri Murrell, a Colorectal Surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said in a previous interview, “My patients who thrive, even with stage 4 cancer, from the time that they, about a month after they’re diagnosed, I kind of am pretty good at seeing who is going to be OK. Now doesn’t that mean I’m good at saying that the cancer won’t grow.”
Related: A Major Step in the Cancer Journey: Learning to Deal With Vulnerability
Dr. Murrell said he has seen how having a positive attitude can improve a person’s prognosis, too. “But I’m pretty good at telling what kind of patient are going to still have this attitude and probably going to live the longest, even with bad, bad disease. And those are patients who, they have gratitude in life. My mother, who passed away about a month before I graduated med school, from breast cancer, she lived 10 years, at a time when people weren’t…One of her most amazing characteristics was her attitude.”
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.