Out for a Stroll
- Actor Jeff Bridges was spotted out for a walk with his wife and his dog in sunny Santa Barbara.
- Five months ago, the 72-year-old revealed to his fans that his lymphoma had gone into remission.
- Bridges has kept the specifics of his cancer diagnosis private, but he has spoken openly about the way his cancer battle taught him to appreciate life’s simple moments with loved-ones.
In October 2020, Bridges took to Instagram to let his fans in on some unwelcome news. "As the Dude would say… New S**T has come to light," he wrote. Bridges shared that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma. Thanking his family, friends, and fans, the Big Lebowski star stayed remarkably positive. "Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good," he said. "Thank you for your prayers and well wishes."
Read MoreJeff Bridges: How Did Cancer Change Him?
Bridges has kept the specifics of his lymphoma diagnosis under wraps, but the actor has been open about the way his cancer battle has taught him to approach life with a new sense of gratitude. "This brush with mortality has brought me a real giftlife is brief and beautiful," he said in a podcast interview. "Love is all around us and available at all times. It's a matter of opening ourselves to receive the gift." Sometimes, this gift can look as mundane as taking your dog for a walk on a sunny day in Santa Barbara. Bridges walked alongside his wife of 45 years, Susan Geston. Even in his sweatpants and slides, the actor radiated joy. Bridges is a model of what it can look like to live a rich and rewarding life even if cancer is a part of it. His positivity is a reminder of the importance of cherishing moments with friends and loved ones.Understanding Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that begins in the white blood cells called lymphocytes. We don't know the specific type of lymphoma that Jeff Bridges has, but it's important to note there are more than 40 different types of the disease. Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the main two sub-categories with the latter being more common. The type of white blood cells linked to the disease determines the distinction. If doctors are unable to detect the Reed-Sternberg cell a giant cell derived from B lymphocytes then it is categorized as Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
You might be at a higher risk for lymphoma if you:
- Have been infected with the HIV or Epstein-Barr virus
- Had an organ transplant
- Have a family history of lymphoma
- Have been treated with radiation or chemotherapy drugs for cancer in the past
- Have an autoimmune disease
What Kind of Lymphoma Do You Have? Why Your Type Matters
People with lymphoma do not always have symptoms, but common ones are:
- Swollen glands in your neck, armpit or groin
- Fever
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling tired
- Swelling in your stomach
Life After Cancer
After a cancer battle, many patients feel that they have a ‘do-over’ at life, and often tend to appreciate life and the “little things” even more. It’s important to not put too much pressure on yourself and listen to your body as you ease back into your daily activities.
For survivor Jovannie Lorenzo, getting through cancer treatment felt like getting a second chance at life. Jovannie was just 32 when she was diagnosed with colon cancer, and was a single mother to three young kids. To get through it, she put her faith in God … and she said facing her disease gave her the opportunity to really turn her life around.
"I do believe in being born again," Jovannie expressed to SurvivorNet, "and I feel like, after having had my cancer, for me … this was my second chance at life. This was my rebirth. This was my opportunity to try and get this life done right."
After Cancer, it Felt Like a Second Chance to Get This Life Done
Contributing: Abigail Seaberg and Marisa Sullivan
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