It's All in the Attitude
- Exodus drummer Tom Hunting, 56, announced that he has squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, and says he is feeling empowered to share his story.
- Hunting just started chemotherapy treatment for the disease, which is in his upper stomach, and is taking on his new battle with a metal attitude.
- Advanced forms of the squamous cell carcinoma can spread deeper or to distant organs, and this is when chemotherapy is needed.
“I’m gonna beat this like a fucking snare drum that owes me money!!!” the rocker said in a statement shared on the band’s official Instagram.
Read MoreLuckily, the California native is feeling great physically so far and expressed that he’s in good hands. “I’ve had great doctors and a great support system that is an army in itself,” he shared. “I’m ready for the fight!”
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The hardcore rockerwho just celebrated a birthday on April 11also announced that the band is releasing a “career-defining album” with tours to follow. “I’m stoked for everyone to hear it, and even more excited to get out there and play some of it! I will see you all very soon! CHEERS!!!”
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Hunting co-founded Exodus in 1979. Guitarist Kirk Hammett was also one of the thrash metal band’s founding members but exited in 1983 to join Metallica.
“I don't know if you know Tom Hunting, but he's a very high-strung person,” Hammett said of his former bandmate in a recent interview with Louder magazine. “He's always shaking, or tapping on something, or hitting something … Tom Hunting had a lot of nervous energy. A lot like (Metallica ) Lars (Ulrich).”
Currently, along with Hunting, the band is made up of guitarists Lee Altus and Gary Holt, lead vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza and bassist Jack Gibson.
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What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer that is typically easy to treat if caught early. In Hunting’s case, it is in his upper stomach, which is more rare.
The American Cancer Society says that most squamous cell skin cancers are found at an early stage and can be removed easily. In more advanced scenarios, these cancers can be harder to treat and chemotherapy may be needed if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
If this type of cancer has spread beyond the initial tumor site, according to Harvard Health, radiation therapy can also be effective if the cancer is in one specific area. If the cancer has metastasized in a more widespread manner, it typically does respond well to chemotherapy.
Processing a Cancer Diagnosis
Hunting was first diagnosed with cancer in February, and understandably it may have taken some time to process before deciding to share his news with fans.
Survivor Jovannie Lorenzo says that it is normal to have a “why me?” type of reaction when processing this life-altering news.
"You're not human if you don't question at some point in your life, why me?" Lorenzo tells SurvivorNet. "Why would this happen to me, why God? What did I do? But trust in what's in your heart. Trust in what you feel and trust in what you know. And don't lose that hope, don't lose that love that you have for you God."
Band members from Exodus are known for some anti-religious music content, but it is common for cancer patients to turn to God during a cancer diagnosis, or at least have some sort of spiritual enlightenment when you’re faced with a life-threatening illness.
We wish Hunting well in however he chooses to deal with the down days of his illness. It already looks like he’s staying pretty strong, so hopefully he continues to find ways to stay positive during his fight.
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