Blink-182 Founders Mark Hoppus & Tom DeLonge Reunite, Laugh Over Aliens & Doorknobs In Podcast During Hoppus’ Lymphoma Battle

Related: 'The Chemo Is Working!': Blink 182's Mark Hoppus Shares Amazing News During His Stage 4 Lymphoma Fight

While the group didn’t discuss Hoppus’ current battle with stage 4 lymphoma, this reunion likely brought a lot of positivity and good memories for Hoppus during this tough time. DeLonge, along with other musicians, have consistently been supporting Hoppus as he continues to fight the disease. The Blink-182 founder shared with fans in June that he is currently battling lymphoma (a type of blood cancer). He is currently going through chemotherapy rounds for treatment and regularly updating us on how he’s feeling after treatment. According to the punk rock star, he is responding well to treatment despite experiencing serious side-effects from the intensive chemo.

“Scans indicate that the chemo is working! I still have months of treatment ahead, but it's the best possible news," Hoppus wrote on social media in July. “I'm so grateful and confused and also sick from last week's chemo. But the poison the doctors pump into me and the kind thoughts and wishes of the people around me are destroying this cancer. Just gonna keep fighting…"

Two-time cancer survivor Bianca Muniz says music helped her cope

What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that is broken up into two separate categories: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The main difference between the two is that Hodgkin lymphoma has distinctive, giant cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. The presence of these cells, which can be seen under a microscope, will help your doctor determine which of the two lymphoma types you have. So, if these cells are not present then that points to non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Related: Blink-182's Mark Hoppus Has Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: What Does That Mean, and What Is The Prognosis?

What makes this cancer even more complex is that non-Hodgkin lymphoma has two subtypes: B-cell or T-cell lymphoma (two infection fighting cells). Hoppus has stated that he is currently battling Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. About 85% of people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma will have B-cell lymphoma. These cells produce antibodies proteins that react to foreign substances like viruses or bacteria in your body. The antibodies attach to another protein on the surface of the invading cells, called an antigen, to target and destroy them.

Dr. Elise Chong explains why your type of lymphoma matters

Do What You Love During Cancer

During a cancer battle, studies have proven that staying positive can significantly impact treatment results. That’s why it’s so important to have a strong support system surrounding you and taking some time out of your day to do the things you love. It could be a walk in the park, going to your favorite restaurant, or in Hoppus’ case having a good laugh on a podcast.

Experts have told SurvivorNet that mental and emotional health can be just as important as your body during cancer treatment. This being the case, always take some time to make yourself smile no matter how big or small the special moment may be.

Related: Stay Positive, It Matters

“We know from good studies that emotional health and quality of life is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better survival, better outcomes,” Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at Arizona Oncology, previously told SurvivorNet. “So definitely working on your emotional health, your physical well-being, your social environment, your emotional well-being and making them better are important and can impact your survival. If that’s related to what activities you do that bring you joy, then you should try to do more of those activities.”

Dr. Dana Chase explains the importance of emotional health during a cancer battle

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