Understanding Cancer Survival Rates

Well, yknow, It’s a weird one, but I make stuff about the things I’m thinking about and this is definitely one of them! It’s such a wild thing that we talk about cancer in a unified way when it is many hundreds of different diseases. Cancer isn’t a disease, it’s a way for disease to happen. And even with something as treatable as Hodgkin’s there are lots of ways it can be more or less dangerous, and sometimes it gets really stubborn! So far that isn’t happening with me, but I am very aware that it could. I’m not a population, I’m just one person, so I get to be on one side or the other! It’s good to actually understand what it all means. ELECTRIC CAR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE FASCINATING if you're not in the mood for this: • Electric cars prove we...
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[@everything-is-interesting]

My father died of HL in 1952 at the age of 28 while undergoing experimental treatment. I like to think he's part of the reason Hank has a good chance of surviving!

[@jeremycraft2445]

😢

[@levilukeskytrekker]

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[@maymorning8504]

❤ so sorry for your loss - what a lovely way of thinking about it.

[@eliscanfield3913]

*hugs* I think he is, too. My dad was in a similar situation, having therapies that were still under study. He was about the same age at diagnosis as your father though he was a boomer and had a different cancer. His survival had been a close run thing for a while there.

[@xXHarleyMaeMcAfeeXx]

Absolutely, no person lost to cancer is lost in vain. Every loss contributes something to our understanding of disease and the advancement of treatment. It’s just heartbreaking the nature of the disease has made this the case though

[@TheKingShyGuy.]

Imagine taking a month long break from KZbin and you come back to see hanks new office, hanks new haircut, and Hank now uploads videos over 4 four minutes. A lot changes fast.

[@KrazyKaiser]

Among other things...

[@TheKingShyGuy.]

@@KrazyKaiser can’t think of ANYTHING else personally

[@xraylife]

Claims he's got cancer as well, but seems way to upbeat to be true - but could be a Psy Op for the 🐑

[@thebugcoiiector]

@@xraylife is this a joke lol

[@ChrispyNut]

I'm sorry, but imagining the impossible just isn't something I'm good at. Taking a month long break from YT?? Whoa.

[@Sqwearl1]

My stage 4 lung cancer had a 5% 5 year survival rate back when I was diagnosed. I'm still here and currently working through year 7. Good luck to you my friend :3

[@danevertt3210]

How old are you?

[@megan5867]

Congratulations! That is absolutely fantastic 🎉

[@rotisseriechicken8537]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2GbmYtrfs-fr5Y

[@huntergtx]

congrats man you deserve it

[@chriswarfs3244]

so glad you're still here friend

[@userasdf]

As an oncologist, thank you for explaining this to people. Youre amazing for everything you did before and now.

[@pureicefire]

Thanks for the work you do.

[@madzane8218]

And you're amazing for everything you do

[@jm52995]

Yeah and I'm a neuro surgeon

[@kcmaldonado3948]

​@@jm52995I would like to hear an oncologist's explanation of so many post -vaccination aggressive cancers surfacing. I will never take an experimental gene therapy.

[@asliceofjackie91]

@@kcmaldonado3948 You can't start a discussion with a random statement. What are your sources for what you're trying to talk about?

[@mediocreengineering6900]

Gah that furby never gets less unsettling

[@ayaanmohammad6645]

I didn't even notice that until you pointed it out, and now it's somehow the most noticeable thing in the video. I can't stop looking at it, and I don't know how to feel about that.

[@jayroger7612]

I had so many furbies growing up including full sized electronic and old plastic mcdonalds toys that it took me scarily long to find it in the background

[@SoulB123]

It will always be watching

[@MBMCincy63]

It's sad I know what it is, but don't remember what was the deal with them. There's several things in the life of now regarding the items of the life of yesterday.

[@onemoreguyonline7878]

The og ones had certain bad word filters so they wouldn't repeat swears. The problem was you could teach them words that were close, and eventually another furby could seemingly bypass the language filter when it was learning things from other furbys. Eventually a couple buddies and I collected a box full of cussing furbies and left them in the back corner of an abandoned house in our neighborhood. None of us went back because of that nightmare fuel

[@PaulLefebvre]

My non-hodgkin's lymphoma had a 0% survival rate when I was diagnosed in '83. Prognosis was 0% survival rate at 6 weeks WITH treatment and 2 weeks without treatment. I got extremely lucky as they discovered an effective treatment protocol WITH me.

[@Rose-jz6sx]

Wow! That is incredible I'm so glad you were there for that

[@demetriusschiller]

same to me '86.

[@Uhohlisa]

Wow Paul. This actually made me cry. I’m so glad you’re still here.

[@TheLastP4NDA]

Awesome for you! Grasp life

[@PaulLefebvre]

@@Uhohlisa Thank you. I like to share my story because so many people feel like there's no hope when it comes to cancer diagnoses. But you never know WHEN a cure to a type of cancer will be found.... even when everything feels hopeless. You need to FIGHT, even when doctors say there's no hope.. because you just never know. I had the chance to have a fairly full life, And I've got two kids whom I love to death, and every single day I've had in the last 40 years has been a blessing.

[@YuBeace]

“We’re 100% alive right now.” Is amazing in the context of anyone with a chronic disability or terminal illness. I love that very much. In fact, it goes for everyone, no matter the health, you never know what happens tomorrow. But we are here.

[@imaginaryguide1895]

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[@ThisIsReMarkable]

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[@RachelBayati]

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[@wanton_josh]

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[@GoddessOfTheAir]

+

[@JasonFrankenstein]

"Our lives are not valuable because we expect to be here in a certain amount of time, they are valuable because we are here now" As somebody who is feeling their age lately, thank you, Hank. That's going to stick with me.

[@vitalthegunslinger]

We're here because we're here!

[@beepmcjeep5527]

Yeah this stuck with me too... Thanks Hank

[@19shelby99]

Could make for a sweet tattoo honestly. Such a beautiful perspective!

[@aamirrazak3467]

True, a great reminder of being present in the moment and being grateful for being alive currently. I need to work on this and being more grateful

[@lyndsaybrown8471]

Hmmm...suspicious comment from a Frankenstein

[@quickredf0x143]

That "A person with an 85% chance of dying in the next 5 years is 100% alive right now" line hit me harder than I would have expected. I don't even have anyone in my personal life dying of cancer that I know of right now and it still made me tear up. The closest thing was my grandmother dying of cancer when I was like 8. It hardly hurts me anymore and I just remember her with what little memories I still retain.

[@Kantara01]

"Those who only chase tomorrow will find it cold and gray, but those who make the present count, live lifetimes every day"

[@iam_aaa3025]

@@Kantara01 wow that is a rhyme

[@miadrawz421]

I’m sorry for your loss ❤ may she rest in peace

[@cubic_regent]

@@Kantara01 beautiful

[@Svensk7119]

My mother died of leukemia over forty years ago. I was eight. I usually don't even think about it anymore. When I do, I say heigh. I love you. Stuff like that. I still have my father.

[@juicesnap]

as a health statistician, I'm so glad that you talked about the nuance of survival rates. I just finished working as a data analyst for a pancreatic cancer clinical trial.

[@HexerPsy]

Sounds interesting :O Care to give us a scope? As a Radiotherapy Tech we see the inoperable pancreatic patients come through our clinic. I am curious what the trail is on and its results

[@Qwerty0791]

Oh god, Pancreatic cancer? So basically the death sentence that is the whipple procedure. How do you feel about the "new promising" vaccine for adenocarcinoma?

[@InvertedGoblin]

So I read somewhere that the 5 year survival rate is also deceptive because we can detect cancers earlier now. This means that even if nothing else changes these people will seem to be living longer.

[@PhoenixHyena]

My 12yr old brother passed 2 months ago from pancreatic cancer. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for working on this ❤

[@juicesnap]

@@Qwerty0791 no idea because the trial I was helping with seemed to be also very experimental but I was mainly looking at the average length of treatment for patients for certain drugs and the site level metrics and biomarkers. Also because my background is in statistics and programming some of the bio things were left to the people on the team and most of the statistical protocols and design was already there before I joined the team.

[@sam-the-moomin]

“A person who has an 85% chance of dying in the five years is 100% alive now” My mom got diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few days ago and I’ve been having a hard time keeping myself from imagining what could possibly happen to her years down the road… it’s been a rough week but everything you said surround that quote was stuff I really needed to hear right now, thanks Hank 🖤

[@AmaraJordanMusic]

I’m sorry about your Mom’s diagnosis. But maybe, having the diagnosis is helpful, in that fighting shadows is really really hard. But once the enemy has a name, once we can understand it and its process, we’re on a more level playing field and can begin digging in and doing the real work to treat it and to prolong the time before quality of life gets impeded. My Mom had Lupus and then cancer (which the Lupus hid) and it was so hard before she was diagnosed. It wasn’t what she wanted to hear, but it was so much better than some doctors thinking she was maybe a little nuts or wanting attention or drugs and it gave her a community of so many people who also had the diagnosis. I hope she gets a great medical team in place to deal with the illness and its symptoms. She’s lucky to have such an empathetic kid that is really feeling this with her. Hang in there together. My mom was sick almost my whole life, but we had a lot of fun together, even when we were in pain. She gifted me great memories.

[@AderynBach42]

This is me. I'm in remission from stage 3 overian cancer. I got like a 15% five year survival rate. Had 6 rounds of day long chemo treatments, and now I'm doing a year of maintenance treatments. Like I said I'm in remission, my numbers look great. My CA125 is at 6, which is better than some people who don't have cancer. That 15% haunts me tho.

[@AmaraJordanMusic]

@@AderynBach42 My Mom managed stage 4 Appendiceal Cancer for over two years at almost remission levels. If it wasn’t for COVID messing up her treatment schedule, they don’t think it would have gotten out of hand. Treating it and looking at it like another chronic condition is so different, but sometimes that’s the way to go. Especially since stress can be somewhat toxic, that mindset seems helpful. Also, SOMEONE has to be in that 15%. It could be your group! ❤️

[@jessicashaw6815]

I'm sorry to hear about your Mom's diagnosis, I hope this might offer you a bit of comfort though...My grandfather got diagnosed with Parkinson's in his 50's and mostly had a very active and full life for 25 years with Parkinson's. There are a lot of difficult things that came along with it but he was still building decks, driving, and travelling with my Grandma when he was in his late 60's- early 70s so for him, there was lots of time to still do all of the things he loved, even though those things sometimes had to look a little different for him. He was also diagnosed over 30 years ago so there has been lots of progress since.

[@m.w.kaplan447]

Wishing you and your family comfort and support. I studied Parkinsons at NIH and the disease can be devastating, but there is also a lot of hope. So many approaches are available and emerging to not just manage symptoms but preserve joy in living. My uncle lived with Parkinsons for many years. It's a very hard diagnosis to receive. dftba

[@Beeranden]

I am an Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia survivor. Was diagnosed back in 2009. I've had chemo, a bone marrow transplant, and finally on the last relapse, a clinical trial called CAR-T cell therapy. It cleared me up completely, and I have been cancer-free since 2017. It is now being FDA approved and is being applied to other cancers. I can't tell you how cool it is to be a part of something scary and unknown, but wholly helpful for so many people.

[@halometroid]

Thank you for having fought all these years. I am so happy to know that you are feeling better today!

[@TheDragon-v7d]

THATS AWESOME MAN CONGRATULATIONS 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@zach_334]

CAR-T is a game changer. Glad you kicked cancers butt 💪

[@iconicthief9204]

I love you.

[@JayKay-v2l]

Right now I'm going through screening for a clinical trial. I think it's pretty cool, too!

[@JulieAiken]

When I was diagnosed with a very large brain tumor, just before going into surgery to remove it I thought to myself, "Everyone I love knows that I love them. So I'm OK no matter what happens." That is the one great lesson I learned from major illness. And I hope I never forget it. Make sure everyone you love knows that you love them. And then it's absolutely going to be OK.

[@lillianbarker4292]

That was my reaction to my father’s brain cancer but from the other point of view. I knew my dad knew I loved him. We were solid. That’s what mattered and when he died I was grateful he was free. Of course I mourned but it was easier.

[@AVspectre]

You’re reflection is beautiful. Just have to say that right off the top. On a less serious note - I initially read your comment as saying that you were preparing to operate on yourself and my brain just kind of whirred to a stop.

[@polyanima]

+

[@cyberpunk-2O77]

That reminds me a lot of what the artist Louis Wain said

[@goldenpapaya6862]

❤❤❤❤

[@O2life]

This hits home for me. I'm in year eight after I was diagnosed with a disease (not related to cancer) with a 50% five year survival rate. And I'm 100% alive today.

[@typemasters2871]

Congratulations on that coin flip (I know that is not how things work but I am happy that you ended up on the alive 50%)

[@SalokinQuagsire]

Congratulations and keep on fighting the good fight ❤

[@magsj6474]

I like the 100% alive ! I can honestly say that I have not been 100% alive everyday of my life, even now with my diagnosis I miss a few days. I'm going to try harder. Thank you.

[@missdragon5892]

Yes! you are 100% alive!

[@pureicefire]

Hell yeah! Very glad you are here. 💗

[@jakryk]

I am one of those rare birds: An oncology (cancer) nurse who is also a cancer survivor. I am now retired, but I worked in cancer research for almost 30 years. We used to joke that the reason we have 5-year survival rate data is because that's how long you can get a grant to follow people. I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 1997. At the time I had a 30% 5 year survival rate. I was able to get into a clinical trial where I worked (National Institutes of Health), and a few years ago I was told that I no longer needed follow-up because the chance of relapse was so remote. I'm also following Ann Russell and I love her very practical approach to her diagnosis. Wishing the best for you on your journey.

[@gerrysongs4170]

There was a third reason people are watching Hank. It’s because people you have never even met care about you. You are part of our lives and very obviously a great person.

[@waffles3629]

Yep. Parasocial relationships are weird, but millions of people around the world care about Hank.

[@theninja4137]

And a fourth: there's a big overlap between people who think Hank is awesone and people who love statistics So when we get Hank talking about statistics, we're all ears

[@dabneyapplechunks]

❤ So true! Hank, I can’t find the right words to sum up my admiration for you - things like courage, resourcefulness, wisdom and unflinching honesty are rare characteristics. Unfortunately, us humans tend to be able to access them only at the most difficult times in our lives, and not all of us have that ability. All my very best wishes, both for the future, but more immediately, for that always most precious “right now”!

[@jaycie5021]

Took the words out of my mouth

[@billyalarie929]

this.

[@keelanmurphy9941]

Here in Ireland, a standard response among sick or elderly people when asked how they're doing is simply "Still above ground". I had to explain to my dumbstruck Italian girlfriend that no, my 87 year old grandfather isn't being bitter, and it's not gallows humour, it's genuine joy and gratitude that he woke up this morning, ate his cornflakes, read the paper and went for a walk. Tomorrow isn't promised to anyone, but if you appreciate today, you're guaranteed to enjoy the rest of your life. You're doing grand, Hank.

[@emilysmith2965]

Irish people just GET death, and that’s a great thing. The U.S. has become pretty removed from illness and death being normalized despite how inevitable it all is… and there’s a variety of reasons for that… but I hope we can turn that tide back around.

[@missybarbour6885]

My dad used to say a similar thing haha! When he got cancer people who knew (which was most people in our small town) took to asking him “How are you doing?” in this really somber and concerned tone. He started saying back “Still standing on my own two legs! :)” because being up and out and about was something he was genuinely grateful for

[@alyssaoconnor]

When anyone used to ask my Australian grandfather “How are you?” he used to say “I’m one step in front of the undertaker” with glee and a twinkle in his eye.

[@amykathleen2]

I know a customer at my job who always says “Every day’s a blessing.” Despite not being religious myself, I really like that answer.

[@tomatochemist]

I always say “alive and employed” :)

[@alexacarrillo4339]

My husband is officially in remission from Hodgkin’s lymphoma(he was 44 almost 45 at diagnosis but he decided to decrease his odds of survival by getting a a motorcycle and getting in an accident July 3rd mid way through treatment. Then while he was recovering from the damage of the accident which took longer due to the chemo my son brought home Covid his first week of school. I am grateful he is still here celebrating his 46th birthday.

[@setphaser]

I’m so sorry for all the stress you’ve gone through with all that, I’m glad everyone is ok.

[@YesPlease1]

Sheesh, he's been through a lot. I bet you and your son have been very loving and supportive. Wishing him a healthy recovery.

[@interstate80.]

Boys will be boys

[@KOKO-sf6kg]

Woah, that is a wild year, lady. If you need Jesus, remember to call his name and be still and know he is with you, and then be thankful and tell him what you need.

[@Roguescienceguy]

What can I say. Men will be men😂

[@CharletteG]

As someone with health anxiety I avoid these types of video but Hank is the only person I can hear and process this type of information without freaking out.

[@MaryAnnNytowl]

Wow, I'm not alone with that? I thought it was just me being my crazy self, and not that it was something that's real. Hope that makes sense. 😕 Anyway, yeah, Hank is making me feel a little less uncomfortable about serious illnesses. I'm glad he helps you, too. He is an awesome, amazing guy!

[@HaakonHawk]

Absolutely, I've dealth with health anxiety for years, but this past year has been especially bad. To the point where I use incognito mode in my browser when Googling symptoms because I don't want to be reminded of it afterwards. But Hank just has such a calm and optimistic way of looking at things, that I just don't get that panicked feeling while watching it, to the point where it actually has the opposite effect. I feel more relaxed from watching this video than I do from **not** researching symptoms or reading fearbait articles about the subject.

[@batintheattic7293]

I wonder how anxiety impacts the quality of life post prognosis. I had a dream, last night, that I had gone in for some tests (not feeling very well) and was informed that I had an advanced stage of cancer and that (with treatment) I could look forward to six months of life and without treatment it would be one month. To me - those numbers were pretty much the same. One month or six months it probably doesn't make much difference to me as I will be spending my remaining time frozen with fear. If we are told we have a set amount of life left, and we are naturally anxious, it would just stop us in our tracks. The older we get - the faster time flies, anyway. Mortality is horrible. I'm one of those people who doesn't want to know how long I have left. We're all different, though, and a more dynamic person would be able to negotiate and utilise that information and make their remaining time count. They'd be much more likely to confound expectations. I want to be the person that puts off finding out until absolutely necessary and is then told that it's astonishing that I'm still alive. Until we are able to completely eliminate the beast that stalks us - I don't really want to know how close it is. I watched this for the third reason, that Hank didn't mention, and that is because I am rooting for him. I want to see him chase that beast back into the shadows.

[@austinhall3937]

I like how you found a way to make Hanks struggle with cancer about yourself. Edit: I say this and I stand by it. Through my life I have lost the most important people in my life to cancer. Grandpa, God father, my dad, one of my best friends. The first three being 3 years apart. One cancer death a year when I was 16, 17 and 18. Then one of my best friends right after my divorce. I understand Hank (almost absolutely) wants positivity, and discussions, and other view points. It's very frustrating to me though, to watch people take someone else's sickness and make it about themselves. I've seen it time and time again, someone is on their final bed and people are squabbling over who has it worse for pity points. Its particularly frustrating because my grandmother passed a few months ago and now I'm watching my uncle and 5 of my aunts squabble over petty things. I don't understand why it's so difficult for people to just support those who are going through the flames. The original comment I replied to isn't even about cancer or survival, it's about health anxiety. To me it doesn't make sense to say "I'm anxious about my health" to a man who's literally fighting one of the scariest diseases. Why not keep these topics for a later date, hopefully when we're watching the man who's brought us so much joy on the mend. I am sorry that my past experiences made me jump to a potentially insensitive comment. I am sorry that everyone else has their struggles and to them it makes sense to relieve stress by discussing them on someone else's video. It doesn't make sense to me but my perspective isn't the only one in the world and just because it's my lived experience doesn't make it right.

[@toxx1220]

@@MaryAnnNytowl No, you're absolutely not alone

[@jomiar309]

I'm literally sobbing right now. My father passed away earlier this week from a rare form of leukemia (chronic myelomonocytic leukemia), and the numbers they gave us in the prognoses were, at least me me, not well understood, and I was more optimistic than perhaps was warranted. This made his passing pretty devastating to my family. Thank you for using your unpleasant experience to educate the internet, Hank.

[@skrevel]

Sorry for your loss, hope it hurts less intensely and frequently eventually

[@watchmeimflying]

[@julietteferrars3097]

Cancer is so unpredictable. You were justified in having hope for the best. I hope your pain eases soon. 🖤

[@MaryAnnNytowl]

You have my sympathy. Losing your parents - though we ALL must do it eventually - never seems to hurt less, whether you are prepared or not. Sending virtual internet hugs!

[@untappedinkwell]

My condolences for your loss. In time, I hope your father's memory will be a blessing.

[@Anonymous-ti8yw]

I’m a cancer biologist graduate researcher in a Phd program in a research hospital, but less than a decade ago I was a terrified daughter helping my mom through her cancer diagnosis as a chemistry undergraduate. This was an amazing explanation of how we measure survival and why these metrics matter. This video would have been so helpful as an undergrad, and I hope others find it helpful ❤

[@pikachuuprising637]

Do you know about the radical remissions? I know there are rare but not much has gone into investigating them.

[@johnjarvis2168]

My team has been treating people for 10 years now. We have achieved an amazing success rate using only cannabis oil for treatment. 1 gram a day for 60 days is the cure for cancer. What do you people do all day? Seriously.

[@playgroundchooser]

It's a way overused cliché, but we don't deserve Hank. He's still out here educating the public. I love this man. I hope I can only be as brave as he is if called upon.

[@shakesrear7850]

*nod*

[@SoulDelSol]

He likes it

[@myladycasagrande863]

All of what you said is true, but I suspect that making videos helps Hank, too. It's something completely under his control when many other things in his life are not.

[@i_am_an_idiot_but]

@@myladycasagrande863Well put

[@ealusaid]

The thing about Hank and John is that the world is so full of people who give the world more grace and love and hope than the world has generally merited up til now. People like them who can look some of the world's darkest parts and find hope deep inside them, who just do the very simple work that makes the world 0.01% better, are so amazing, and way more numerous than we might think.

[@YellSpeakUp]

"Our lives aren't valuable because we have a guarantee that we're gonna be here in a certain amount of time. Our lives are valuable because we're here, now." This hit me really hard. Thank you, Hank.

[@shix13]

Same ... this can't be over stated. My mother passed away from a rare and aggressive cancer. We did so many things in her last few years. Don't wait for a diagnosis like this before taking advantage of the time you have!

[@Morbanaa]

When I got diagnosed with cancer at 10 they didn’t think I would be alive for more then 6 months. After four years of treatment (radiation and chemo, and being paralyzed from the waist down for a year or so from spinal surgeries) it reached that weird point where I was surprised to still be alive but starting to think it might not come back for round number 5. I’m now 23 and able to run ski and surf. Life is weird… 😅 Wish y’a all the best Hank! You and your brothers videos where a favorite source or entertainment during the long years of treatment❤❤❤

[@Raj-dy2cn]

So happy for you!

[@howardagnew8471]

My wife died from lymphoma in 2006 at the age of 32. This was before the Affordable Care Act ... she and I were very poor, didn't have health insurance and didn't have a primary care provider. By the time her symptoms were strong enough for us to realize something was seriously wrong and took her in, it was too far advanced to do anything. She's one of those whose deaths were attributable to a Harvard School of Medicine study I remember reading of a death toll attributable to lack of regular access to health care prior to the passage of the ACA, several tens of thousand of deaths per year, on par with traffic fatalities.

[@adamco42]

I'm so sorry for your loss ❤️ death from injustice is the most heartbreaking

[@prod.arcsyne2990]

This comment makes me so angry at capitalism. Money Shouldn’t be worth more than peoples lives, everyone should be able to go to the freaking doctors, its crazy that this is a controversial opinion. But like can we take care of a fellow men and women :(

[@lohphat]

When corporations and entire industries OWN legislators, government becomes a de facto extension of those industries. They cease becoming a representative democracy of the electorate and become something....else.

[@linguistlibrarian]

I am so, so sorry. Stories like yours are the reason the ACA should’ve been passed far, far sooner. I remember prior to the ACA passing because I found out first-hand why I could only ever have a job that offered health insurance: pre-existing conditions meant no insurance would take me, and that was a very scary thought in my mid-20s based on annual costs for my medications. Crappy access to healthcare has become so normalized in the US that people don’t realize we’re one of the only major 1st-world countries that has people die of preventable diseases, and our average lifespan is falling because we don’t allow equal access to care. It’s criminal. A big hug to you, and I’m so sorry about your wife. We never truly get over losing the ones we love. It’s not your fault; repeat that: it’s not your fault. Hold onto the good memories. I’m sure she would want you to remember the good times and happiness that you two brought each other. Take care.

[@mysticmarble94]

Imagine how many people could be saved / live a much more decent life with a Universal Healthcare System.

[@Ichikinz]

I struggled with that and my thyroid cancer, then I realized or found out the literature was mostly for women because they get thyroid cancer at a significantly higher rate. Mine was a fluke, super aggressive and I won. My outlook on life is so much better, I am happier than ever. I honestly count it as a blessing. You got this! This will be a joke or a pun later!

[@placeholderdoe]

Super glad you beat it!

[@kathyjohnson2043]

Glad to hear of your success! I'm a thyroid cancer survivor. And, I think people benefit from hearing from survivors.

[@MachuSayTruck]

I have stage 2 Thyroid cancer, I've found the same thing, hard to find info for men with this one. but glad you beat it, good job, I got diagnosed last year so I'm not out of the waters yet. but I'm told not to worry, numbers were not good, new growths were found, but now my tsh and tg are going down so we'll see. all should be good in a few years I guess

[@placeholderdoe]

@@MachuSayTruck good luck. Dw you’ll get through this

[@kathyjohnson2043]

@@MachuSayTruck i hope you can find more information and most importantly, everything goes well for you! Unfortunately, it does make things worse when you are not a 'typical' patient and the fact that there is more than one type of thyroid cancer. Mine was caught very early from thyroid surgery (rather than surgery because of the diagnosis) and then treated with just a radioactive iodine pill. As you know, everyone is not going to have that outcome and that is rotten.

[@blehbloop6584]

One of the first things doctors told my mother when she got cancer the first time and relapsed is to not look on the internet. They said every cancer experience is different for every person so looking at information on the internet could make a person scared and stressed with information that may not apply to them. It was very helpful and they were so open to answering questions.

[@niggyhuru5388]

more like don't look into the internet because ur gonna find out that cancer is treat:able asf **HOW TO CURE CANCER** dig into and apply -sr9009 -vit. b17 -RIFE frequency generator -7 day photosynthesis (7 day water fast right under the sun) don't forget to avoid endocrine disruptors eat sufficient organs for optimal nutritional profile (recommend eating grass fed grass finished beef brain, liver and heart) 10 sets of 30 second HIIT sprints 3 times per week push pull legs, but only one cycle per week, with only 1 set of each exercise at RPE 10 don't trust the doctors or that blog post, instead trust the science.

[@odnetnin4720]

I can’t agree more. Find a good team of doctors and stay off the internet. My son was diagnosed a little over a year ago. I didn’t want to know anything about the disease, survival rates, etc. my wife did, but to me it didn’t matter. What mattered was getting my son help quickly and having faith that the teams found a solution. We did have to advocate on some issues and that’s important as a patient and or parent, but in the moment a % is meaningless.

[@MonikaHolman]

I have a saying about how to act around someone who’s got a life-threatening illness: “There’s no use mourning the living” Just keep enjoying the time you do have with them. ❤

[@_andrewvia]

I am doing fair 3 years after colon cancer, surgery and chemotherapy. My kidneys function about about 50%, because of damage from the chemo. It's great to see Hank enjoying life, getting a mohawk like he always wanted to, etc. Go Hank!

[@PierreDybman]

There are a number of interesting products you can take to improve your kidney functions after chemo. In any case it can still improve over time, some of the side-effects improve over time, such as liver (my GGT went off the roof, they got back to normal slowly over 3/4 years. As for renal functions, after losing a valuable member of the family, the valuable info I learned is that your creatinine levels are a more important metrics than Uric acid or urea. Good luck!

[@_andrewvia]

@@PierreDybman ty

[@allanmonroe692]

My wife is a stage IV cancer survivor who's over 5 years cancer free. The treatment protocol she underwent was still experimental at the time, but is now a standard treatment regimen for her particular cancer. I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Your chances are good & hopefully your side effects from treament won't be too onerous. Even so, this can be a reminder to not leave things unsaid. When my wife was diagnosed, I swore that if the worst happened, she would not go into the great unknown without knowing she is loved. I'm just glad that I've had 13 years to let her know every day. Best of luck to you.

[@MissMolly30]

Thank you for sharing that quote! Women in my family have mostly died before their 60s. My G-ma was 48, my mom was 52. I spent a lot of time thinking I'd not live to be old. Now at 33 I'm in surgical menopause and fighting some auto-immune stuff and have just assumed I will follow in their steps. I didn't realize until this video that I have been living as if nothing I do now matters because I'll not be alive in 20 years. But I AM ALIVE NOW! And I have a wonderful life that I've been watching pass by! Thank you so much for your positive outlook! You and John are a wonderful duo for this world!

[@HexerPsy]

But any event in life has the possibility to be a meaningful event. My uncle died in his 80s - his prognosis was uncertain - but the family grew much closer in his last half year. That last year has some of my fondest memories of him. Knowing what quality of life means for patients and surrounding families - he is one of my driving motivations behind the work with cancer patients I do today. So live life as it comes, and live it well! - you ll never know what good you may inspire in others :)

[@aussie405]

My Mum died at 50, and when I turned 51 it felt great, but almost like I had no template for how to be older. There is a book called "Motherless Daughters" by Hope Edelman which may interest you.

[@sarahprunierlaw9147]

You are alive now! I hope you go do some awesome things tomorrow. :)

[@oliver_twistor]

I think this is very common even for people who don't have low life expectancy. We humans tend to think too much of the future, so we neglect our present. Anything can happen at any moment. Disease-free people can live their best life without any care in the world and then when they are 17 years old they die in a car accident. All the while someone who has struggled with disease all their life still hangs on when they are 95. So the only thing we can do really is to try to live every moment to its fullest extent possible. Like with a movie, the length of it matters less than its content and quality. A good life doesn't necessarily mean a long life. Take care, and I hope you'll get to live wonderful days for whatever time you have.

[@eventingkate1339]

Going to say goodbye to a dear friend who is dying from her cancer tomorrow, and is in her last days of consciousness. It probably seems like an odd choice to watch this video, but for me it was both hopeful and reassuring to remember that all people who get cancer don’t die from it. Thank you ❤

[@Ozzy10432]

❤❤❤

[@sta._rina]

I hope you were able to make the most of your last moments with her, gathering closure and whatever else. That’s such a tough spot to be in and I’m sending you all of my love

[@Rachel-fi4sc]

I cannot even imagine the grief you are facing right now. I know it will not help - nothing will ease that kind of pain right now - but you are seen, and you are loved, and I'm sure it meant so, so much to your friend to have you by their side. I know it's not the same, but having been diagnosed with a chronic illness, you really find out who your friends are when you get sick, and you cherish the friends who will just sit with you in silence and pain beyond all words. I'm so, so sorry for your loss.

[@RealBradMiller]

🫂🫂🫂🫂

[@yourlocalinsomniac2264]

[@becwatson7906]

Hi John, I was diagnosed with lymphoma a week ago. I still don't know what kind i have. I should find out on Tuesday. My daughter introduced me to you videos because of your journey and the insite you share with the world. I can't thank you enough for making these videos. ♡

[@m.w.kaplan447]

welcome to the community! i hope your journey goes smoothly and you find support here!

[@Self5]

How are you doing now one month later?

[@VioletEmerald]

Really hope you're doing okay now nearly a year later! 💜💜also i had a slight smile @ the "John". I assume unintentional but many people purposefully joke that way on these videos ;)

[@mediocreatbest9203]

*"Today is the best time in human history to get cancer."* It's wild hearing you say that, because I _exactly_ thought of the same thing when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer 4 years ago! My cancer was very treatable, heck it didn't even need chemotherapy (there were still surgery and radioactive iodine therapy tho). This made me often worried that my inner turmoil wasn't warranted at all, that I was not sick enough, wasn't deserving enough to call myself a "cancer patient". But like you said, different types (and stages) of cancer are different diseases. There isn't one monolithic cancer experience (although unfortunately the media seems to portray the contrary and rarely captures the nuance of this illness). It did help realizing that my cancer is now very very treatable thanks to the cancer researchers and the many experiences of cancer patients before me. I'm standing on the shoulders of giants. I'm forever grateful for them. If anyone reads this comment, I hope you're having a good day ❤️

[@nizzy1999]

A family member of mine was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis along with some other complications. This video is a helpful framework to look at disease - it makes disease feel less wishy-washy and more something that you can sit down and understand (although there's still more understanding to do, both for cancer and TB)

[@flowerheit4512]

+

[@rawdaaljawhary4174]

I hope your relative gets better and that they and your family are okay. ❤ Take good care, friend.

[@badassmystichealingtarot]

My dad survived hodgekins. It never recurred. He lived the rest of his amazing life disease free and committed to fun. He was diagnosed in the mid 90s. The treatment was hard, but worth it.

[@moriahblalock9071]

As a person who works in clinical oncology trials, I absolutely love this video. The most frequent question I get is "why haven't we cured cancer?" and you address a lot of the points I reference when I answer. A lot of the time the work I do feels very invisible and undervalued because we haven't solved the whole problem yet. This was fantastic information delivered with clarity and compassion. I really appreciate that you're still taking the time to educate everyone with such generosity and complexity, even at a time when we all would understand if all you wanted to do was play Animal Crossing in bed. Sending you all my love and best wishes and deep, deep thanks.

[@GabrielaCenturionNeumann]

Thank you for your hard work. And I am so sorry we are very ungrateful sometimes. I, too, have often wondered why we haven't cured cancer yet... specially when someone close to me is diagnosed with it. This week it was my dad and I again asked that question over and over. I think it's the frustration of seeing someone you care about suffering so much. But, seriously, thank you for everything you guys are doing. Everything counts to beat this thing. And I hope my dad will be able to beat this :)

[@workchannel8053]

Man, i haven't really thought of it before, but such a big part of the problem is that the answer is "Which one?" Thank you for the work you do, hope you're doing well ❤️

[@lexwithbub]

People have this weird conception of cancer, like, we can treat tuberculosis, but that doesn't mean no one gets tuberculosis, nor that no one dies of tuberculosis, but people DO consider that we have a cure for tuberculosis.

[@Iownacoat]

You and your work are not invisible. You are doing something important, and generous. *You* are important, and generous. Thank you for dedicating hours of your time to helping others.

[@ueblay]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your work. It's awful that it ever feels undervalued when it's obviously so critically important. Y'all are the real MVPs.

[@fisheyme47]

I don't know why, but when you quoted the line, "A person with an 85% chance of dying in 5 years is still 100% alive today," I teared up. My mom passed away from lung cancer several years ago, and I just remember that even knowing she was sick and that recovery wasn't likely, I still clung to the here-and-now with her. There's a Latin quote, "Dum spiro, spero," which means "While I breathe, I hope," and I feel like that is one of the most important parts of dealing with cancer. Either in yourself or in someone you love. While there is life, there is hope. You cannot know what will happen in 5 years. You cannot know what will happen in 5 minutes, honestly, but you can always hope for the best.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

+

[@jacb523]

My father died of Hodgkins lymphoma in 2007 at 53 years old. It's so hard to so often hear that "it's such a curable cancer". It's nice to think the 5-6 different treatments he underwent may have paved the path for other's survival.❤❤

[@Zeyev]

Thank you very much for this discussion. I have 3 types of cancer currently, none of which is in remission. But . . . one was found 35 years ago, another 8 years ago, and the last 7 years ago. So, like the woman you quoted, I saw that I am LIVING with cancer. And I make sure that my visits to my doctors are filled with laughter.

[@asdlfkj23oij4]

Thank you for making this video! I am a 2x cancer survivor (don't remember the first time), and all my doctors the second time emphasized how misleading cancer survival rates can be, and I have had to explain it to so many people. For example, my cancer (osteosarcoma) doesn't really have stages, just local or metastasized, and the survival rates for local vs metastasized are much different, my best friend passed away from metastasized osteosarcoma almost 3 years ago. My oncologist is actually on the treatment protocol board for pediatric NHL worldwide (through the Children's Oncology Group), he is a true hero. I now work in a healthcare-related field in IT, it is my way of giving back :).

[@TheYGOMusketeer]

As a person who has had cancer, I decided to watch this video because Hank being so open and communitive about the cancer has really hhelped me come to grips with the weight I've carried ever since. Even over 17 years later.

[@leonardsusskindswar7258]

My dad has colon cancer. He got an MRI on Thursday, and we go to his oncologist on Tuesday to find out if it has advanced, and what treatment options are available. I am so incredibly scared. But seeing it from the perspective of "He's alive today" really helps. It's definitely brought a host of cathartic tears with it.

[@sissinoklahoma2057]

My mom was diagnosed in March of last year with stage iv colon cancer that was metastatic on her liver. She takes a chemo treatment every 2 weeks and is living her best life now. Her doctor's approach is like Hank said, treating the cancer as a chronic disease. The only goal is to keep the cancer Stagnant (not growing) and balance the chemo necessary to maintain that level while also not killing her with the chemo treatments themselves. We were told she had 3 months to live last March and we tend to celebrate every day we get with her. Wishing your father and family healing and grace!

[@ashrowan2143]

Best of luck to you and your family, I hope that it was caught early and that any treatments pursued are as kind on your father as possible (some peoples bodies react better to chemo and radiation treatments than others and don't run into nearly as much discomfort and fatigue)

[@magsj6474]

I lost my best friend to cancer. I was diagnosed 3 years ago and underwent normal chemo and radiation. It metastasized but the targeted drugs I'm on work to slow the disease down, stabilizing me. Having been on both sides I can tell you without any doubt, having cancer is so much easier than watching a loved one go through it. I'm very sorry you are going through this. Every day matters.

[@My-name-is-Kit]

Going through this myself. My dad got diagnosed a month ago, after being hospitalized for an unrelated issue, and time has been both very slow and very fast since then. He and my mom live three hours away, and I have been burning up all my weekends to spend time with them. He's starting his treatment next week, now that he's got his medical team together and the issue he was originally in the hospital for is clearing up. Good luck to you and your family.

[@ContentFall757Gaming]

All the best to your dad and family :)

[@NWEDC]

There is so much to take into consideration with diseases. My late wife was taken from me by Cystic Fibrosis. When she was born, her survival age was about 15, when I laid her to rest, she was 31, so the rate is constantly changing. You got this! LOVE THE HAWK!

[@ein-veh2365]

Similar story with my late uncle. When he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a kid, his parents were told he wouldn’t live to see 15. Instead he made it into his 30s. And he died about 30 years ago now. A child with his diagnosis now could potentially live a normal life span. The treatments are always improving.

[@Nelle4ever]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[@LadyBoldly]

My grandma was told my dad was die before he was 5, obviously he didn't and didn't die until his mid 50s

[@sananmir7520]

I am sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences

[@aZevonFan]

My father (63m) was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer last year. One of the first things his oncologist told us was that current survival rates for his cancer are already outdated. In the last several years they have made a lot of advancements in treatment that just haven't been around long enough to know how much it effects survival rates. One of the big things is that they now start chemo and radiation before surgery to remove the cancer. This way the person is in better physical condition to withstand as much treatment as possible, and maybe shrink the tumor making the surgery easier. It's been a hard year and a half, but my dad's scans are clear, there are no signs of cancer. He's still recovering from the whipple surgery, but he's here. Recovery is a sort of two steps forward , one step back situation but he's here and regaining strength and that's all that matters to me. Please have hope, no matter how scary the diagnosis.

[@pikachuuprising637]

I wish nothing but the best for your dad. My mom's friend told her the same "To never lose hope and rely on God (not meaning to proselytize), regardless of what she hears". I believe hope is a good thing and nobody has the final say. God bless.

[@phillyphakename1255]

My mom is coming out of a bone marrow transplant, with the same benefits of newer aggressive treatment strategies. Coming up on 9 months since transplant. Today was a one step back kind of day for her, but that comes on the heals of two or three days of two steps forward. Nowhere near "cured" in the it-doesnt-affect-me-anymore way, but the cancer itself is managed well, and her general improvement has a positive trend line, and has gotten to a manageable absolute state. Today really is the best time in human history to get cancer, and the hard work of researchers and clinicians, combined with willingness of previous and present patients to share data, it all adds up to make a diagnosis tomorrow even better than today. I love these stories of humans clawing progress through hard work, collaboration, and caring.

[@skylerwitherspoon]

"I'm not a population, I'm just one person" sometimes this is helpful to clarify I think

[@TodayIFoundOut]

One thing of doing educational videos for so long that ultimately becomes so clear is absolutely NOTHING is as simple as it first appears. And nothing is black and white. But also the complexity and nuance ends up being what makes basically everything so interesting when you dive in. In this case, questions like "Why haven't we cured cancer yet?" Or "What are the survival rates of XYZ?" Fascinating. And also amazing how far we've come with it and how fast it is changing all the time for the better. Also interesting to think that literally all of human experience since the first human to ever human has led up to our ability today to tell cancer, in many cases, to F- off. Countless thousands of years of humans humaning to get to today, and ability to do things today that even a century ago would have been miraculous. But now we say "It's going to be scary. It's going to be awful in every possible way mentally and physically. But there is a really good chance you're going to be ok on the other side." -Daven

[@taradaves3096]

Amen to all that Daven!

[@connissia]

Well said Daven. Love your channel btw, always great writing! Tell Simon Hi. 😄

[@jaybestnz]

It's sad that if we spent all the money the world spent on military on cancer research in 5 years would probably solve this.

[@Coffeeisnecessarynowpepper]

WXY and Z

[@shootatmepls1]

I am a teacher. I tell my students a few things with a frequency that I am sure they find frustrating. 1 - If it seems simple, you probably don't fully understand it (yet). 2 - The key to finding things interesting, is to be interested.

[@kellyrogers8720]

My dad stopped looking at my big brother after he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at age 7 because it is a terminal disease. He never forgot that pain. He is 48 years old and my first hero. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. Your willingness to let us into your experiences takes the fear out of the C word so we can learn with those we love and enjoy the moments we’re given.

[@mikeybarthi]

my mom had hl as a kid and went through radiation treatment; she was unable to have children as a result, but now i am one of three adoptees who are glad that some delayed fortune could come out of it! thank you for sharing your experience and providing a platform for all walks of people to come together, hank 💜

[@rachelellebaker]

🤍🤍🤍

[@Selsmittenxo]

💞

[@StonedtotheBones13]

Bless your mom for taking what life gave her and twisting it around to be positive

[@derrickmarais]

Using a crappy situation as another teachable moment...god I love this man.

[@NikkisorousRex]

As a fellow cancer survivor (brain cancer here), these types of videos, while not about my actual diagnosis, are insanely interesting to me. I appreciate you putting your life online for the world so we can learn from what you’re going through, and know that I’m praying for you. ❤

[@maryel5398]

My son was diagnosed with a rare cancer, that presented in a rare manner even for that cancer, at age 4. The pediatrician who didn’t believe him about pain and only agreed to an x-ray of his collar bone actually called and apologized while he was setting us up at the amazingly good local pediatric cancer hospital. He went through 3 rounds of chemo, each making him sicker and sicker, and we took a break after the 3rd one because the leftover part of the bone tumor simply wasn’t getting any smaller and was in a place that they couldn’t get to without causing issues like him not being able to use his entire shoulder and arm. And he was so sick. And the next type of chemo would have just kept him in the hospital full time. We watched and waited, and the tumor didn’t grow. We watched another 3 months. No growth. We are now at scans only once per year, and the tumor hasn’t grown. So, he still has a tumor, 10 years later. It stopped growing. But it’s still there.

[@lunarraven5004]

I really hope you're gonna fight off this crap. My mom fought and she's 9 years clean after chemo I believe you've got so much to give to this world it won't let you go too soon

[@Ravenesque]

My Sibling got hodgkins aged 13. Three years going through the treatment process, but is now nearly thirty and is clean and clear and living a completly normal life.

[@jankbunky4279]

A beautiful sentiment, but the idea that people who *do* die early in life didn't have more to give to the world, is not actually helpful or accurate.

[@lunarraven5004]

@@jankbunky4279 oh sorry that wasn't my intention. I meant that he means so much to so many people

[@southie21]

My dad died of pancan ten years ago. 1% 5-year survival rate, and it was really tough listening to people say "there's so much you can do these days"... And you have to say, "yes, but it's pancreatic cancer". We did get him for nearly 18 months post-diagnosis, which is a ten in 100 thing, and for that, I'm thankful. I relied a lot on "the median is not the message" by Stephen Jay Gould during that time.

[@colliness]

Thank you for this post…my dad was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in March of this year. To hear that you are still here and fighting gives me hope for my dad!!!

[@carolinedunn4091]

it's funny, the oncologist that diagnosed me didn't give me a prognosis. She told me that I had leukemia, and then promptly told me: "You're not going to die. We won't let that happen." we started chemo that same hour. I actually think that not knowing the prognosis helped me to push forward. knowing the possibility of death isn't something that makes you want to fight for life, especially when living means suffering terrible treatments for three years (leukemia treatments stretch for a long time). im now 2 years in, and finish treatment this upcoming January. Keep pushing through Hank!!

[@megan5867]

Congratulations! That is absolutely awesome 🎉

[@PsychoPizzas]

Thats awesome. Im so damn happy to hear this! I wish you the best recovery ❤️ youre so brave and strong!!

[@Groobaby]

sounds like an amazing doctor. cherish her.

[@fleabaguette9699]

I can't imagine how much of a relief and how comforting it was to hear your doctor assure you that they will take care of you. ❤ Congratulations on almost being done with treatment, I can't imagine how much of a relief it must be to know you're almost there!

[@carolinedunn4091]

@@fleabaguette9699 it is a relief!! it's been a long journey that cost me most of my high school years, but I'm thankful for all the amazing doctors and nurses that worked so hard to save my life

[@HamidShibataBennett]

Hank… I am so sorry you are going through this. I know the cancer survivor community will benefit for your outreach. In 1991, after many months of stumping the docs, I was diagnosed with a rare lymphoma, a couple weeks after my high school graduation. My case study read that there were 9 diagnosed cases before mine and I was the first to live beyond 72 months. I feel quite tickled to be celebrating my 50th birthday today. I never thought I’d make it this far. Keep on taking such good care. Blessings.

[@joanhoffman3702]

Belated birthday 🎂 greetings! 🎉🍨🎂💐🎉🍨

[@AnnikaAwsome]

Happy belated birthday! I'm glad you're still here. Thank you for sharing!

[@PsychoPizzas]

Wow, thats actually crazy. Glad you’re here to share! Take care

[@glvarner]

I am an epidemiologist with the Alabama Department of Public Health. I worked my way through school working as a paramedic (and I am still licensed as one). This is an excellent treatise on the subject of cancer. Excellent. I often tell people that I have never put anyone into a body bag that didn't have a surprised look on their face. Meaning that, you could easily beat cancer and go outside and get run over by a bus. The way to face this, and each day for the rest of your life is to (1) Be thankful for each day that you live (2) Eat healthy, unprocessed and whole foods and drink pure water (3) Exercise as much as you can (it helps you be thankful for each day of life) and (4) Dedicate your life to helping others find their way through this thing we call life. Meditation, relaxation and exploring your inner self will also help tremendously. Good luck and thanks for your explanations and insights. You got this...

[@eventingkate1339]

I love this take on things!

[@missconnie1768]

I was driving myself insane looking up the survival rate for my cancer. Then I realized the time and energy I was wasting. Worrying about how long I have left to live with my cancer is ridiculous because I could die tomorrow in an accidental way. Live right now! ❤

[@wubzt3r]

Focus on staying happy and healthy now and worry less and you'll find that you're actually extending your life by relieving the stress.

[@missconnie1768]

@@wubzt3r You are 100% correct!

[@sashabrown1796]

In the middle of treatment someone from my home town died in an accident, then a public figure I had followed when I was younger. It was strange. Like I was shocked I had outlived people. I felt so close to my own mortality,nbut also realized that none of us is garaunteed anything. I might live to 90, or I might slip in the tub and die tomorrow. Going through cancer really twists your head around; both in positive and negative ways.

[@niggyhuru5388]

**HOW TO CURE CANCER** dig into and apply -sr9009 -vit. b17 -RIFE frequency generator -7 day photosynthesis (7 day water fast right under the sun) don't forget to avoid endocrine disruptors eat sufficient organs for optimal nutritional profile (recommend eating grass fed grass finished beef brain, liver and heart) 10 sets of 30 second HIIT sprints 3 times per week push pull legs, but only one cycle per week, with only 1 set of each exercise at RPE 10 don't trust the doctors or that blog post, instead trust the science.

[@rebeccasford]

I have had stage 4 colorectal cancer for almost 6 years. Disease free for 5 years. Thanks for sharing your journey, and for explaining this. It was terrifying for the first two years, but it's gotten easier.

[@HexerPsy]

@@samarnadra The treatment options have improved a lot since 2008. Better imaging, better treatments, better surgery. Even if the cancer returns to surrounding lymphnodes after the initial treatment, we have good detection rates and good treatments to stop such localized meta's from growing and spreading further. For the wider population, there is screening through testing for blood in stool samples (through swabs) too in some countries (for ages 55-75 in my country). These are not easy treatments, but a lot has progressed since then.

[@Jsimmons80]

Yeah, I was also stage 4 CRC. And now NED (no evidence of disease). Although surveillance gives me anxiety, I gave up on worrying about it. I met a woman who had stage 4 16 years ago and she still has panic attacks every time she has a scan. But every other day of her life is fine.

[@kimhaze]

I'm stage 3c colorectal cancer just over a year and a half clean getting checked again next month. fingers crossed

[@sananmir7520]

Wish you the best

[@batya7]

Prayers for all who are suffering. Prayers for the healthcare providers and researchers. Prayers for those who comfort and aid the sick. Thank you Hank.

[@nicoleloske8072]

My dad got a cancer with a 6.8% five-year survival rate, and he is in the larger part of that statistic now. I think people whose lives have been unaffected by cancer do not realize that these numbers are sometimes the things that we cling to, both for hope, and to ease despair. I am grateful to have known him, and to have shared his pain and joys. I am grateful that we get to witness this piece of time with you, Hank.

[@dougthomson5544]

How interesting, Hank. My wife has heart failure and we just went through the statistical outcomes of surgery for heart valve disease with our cardiologist. He was absolutely clear about the plethora of variables that can affect the prognosis for her post surgery. It was a very interesting conversation that pretty much paralleled your discussion here. Thanks for this, Hank. By the by, my wife also had the joy of cancer some years ago. It was caught very early and all seems to be good now. She’s amazing woman who never sinks into self-pity; she just gets on with life.

[@EricaDiebold]

Hope her surgery goes well! I had my mitral valve replaced in 2020. I’m available if y’all have any questions

[@gabryelsohle6627]

My mom (57) had a valve replacement late last year and is doing swimmingly now. Wishing you both the strength to handle this challenge, and the absolute best outcome.

[@tigress9643]

This is actually really helpful, thank you Hank 😊 I’m 26 and had my cancer diagnosis confirmed on Wednesday 😢 unfortunately my long term outlook, from the limited understanding I have, is not as positive (?) but you’re right- I am 100% alive today ❤ it’s really good to have all this stuff explained in layman talk- doctors and especially specialists can sometimes lose touch with what a non medically trained and experienced person knows and will understand; especially after having to process such a diagnosis. I think that someone’s reaction to a diagnosis is also something to touch on; I know for me that my brain felt like it just emptied and I kept asking the same few questions over and over. It’s really frustrating when people simply say “why don’t scientists just cure cancer” when like you said; cancers and stages are different diseases under the same huge umbrella. Like saying “end war” when different cancers are different diseases. Different wars, different battles within those wars and different causes (both of cancer and war)- it’s just more complicated than discovering a cure for a specific illness (like COVID for example). All the best with your battle with HL ❤ rocking the Mohawk 😊

[@missyaman7053]

Stay strong. You Got this ❤

[@lillianb8762]

Hank: I'm taking a break from my job to heal Also Hank: Now to create an entire Statistics 201 course for you regarding the IRL statistics application condensed into 10 minutes Nicely done, sir

[@euca8704]

Everything Hank has been putting online throughout this is basically a course in how knowledge of science and how to learn and be curious can be applied to your life, it's amazing

[@FabbrizioPlays]

I'd imagine part of the healing is sorting through this information so he himself can feel confidence and reassurance in the treatment and have the willpower to push through. When he says he's stepping away from work, he means managerial duties at DFTBA and all that. Which John has talked about taking over for him. But doing vlogbrothers is an outlet for him to process what he knows and how he feels, especially to an audience that is asking after him and is broadly concerned for his wellbeing. And while I hope he doesn't feel obligated to choose vlogbrothers over his health if ever they conflict, I'm not at all surprised that they are one and the same right now. The treatment comes first, but a patient will not be healed without the will to live. Hank needs a sense of normalcy and a reason to stay engaged with the world, not to withdraw and become a recluse, if he's going to fully recover.

[@RainaRamsay]

That's what we love about Hank

[@caitlindonovanwest9192]

​@@FabbrizioPlaysBeautifully put. 💯💯💯

[@bathedinridicule]

Thank you Hank. My mom is about to start treatment for her stage 4 pancreatic cancer. We learned about her diagnosis a week after you shared your diagnosis, and your whole process has been helpful to my processing, even though hers is the "worst" one and yours is the "best" one. The odds are against us, big time. The site you quoted gives us: 1% in 5 years 21% in 1 year (I'm holding onto this one) Out of 100 people in her situation, 50 lived for 2 months to 10 months after diagnosis. I really hope we're not on the 2 month end of the statistics. But, she's perfectly healthy aside from the terminal cancer. And, importantly... she's alive right now. Won't let cancer and anticipatory grief rob us of the beautiful moments we still have ahead of us. Thanks Hank.

[@cj9667]

My mom also had pan can. Stage 4 at diagnosis. She was otherwise healthy and very active. Chemo was brutal on her…she spent the next 3 months in bed. Toward the end…she said,” wrong choice…should have just went on with my life as it was”. Why be miserable…enjoy the life you have left! Best wishes for your mom.

[@HexerPsy]

There are radiotherapy treatments tested in the last few years that could locally halt the tumor for up to a year in the pancreas. You ll need to ask the doctor for a 'MR-Linac treatment for up to 5x10Gy' which is currently the latest we offer in our hospital. If such treatments are available in your area, it may will be worth it. Wish you all the best!

[@mariannetfinches]

I'm so sorry your family is going through this. I hope her pain is well managed & that she's getting to spend some quality time with you.

[@sananmir7520]

​@@HexerPsyBest wish you for your Mother

[@Hedgewalkers]

I have been battling a severe, life threatening, and complicated illness for a few years now. With that being said, I just wanted to express my sincere thanks to you, Hank Green, for putting a great deal into perspective for me in the last several videos you have posted. You are a very selfless and kind being, and I just wanted you to know how, I, for one in probably many like me, are very grateful! ❤

[@daimsaeed]

Willing to share what it is?

[@Hedgewalkers]

Sure; I have systemic lupus; a disease which caused hepatorenal failure, and a stroke which came very close to killing me. Every day I live with the threat of death. That being said, I posted because Mr. Green reminded me of something had, out of fear, forgotten: and that was that I am alive today! Today, there's still life, hope and even happiness! There is something about brushing so close to death that makes you hyper aware of time. Sometimes you forget that, at the moment, you're still living! I am grateful to Mr. Green for reminding me of this.

[@daimsaeed]

@@Hedgewalkers thanks for sharing I cant imagine what youve been through and are going through. Your will to continue is commendable and keep fighting. If you dont mind me asking, what does your treatment entail? is there a particular diet you follow i.e keto?

[@theveryfirstlostgirl]

I think I can probably speak for all the nerdfighters when I say that to us, your case is not just an average celebrity diagnosis but also has a little bit of the “someone we love” feeling, even if we aren’t actually involved. So thanks for going “into the weeds” a little bit for us today. However much you do or don’t share along the way, we’re glad to be here.

[@VereskVeil]

I personally think that Green brothers are my favorite persons out of all the people I don't know personally and who don't know about my existence. Hank's books made so much for me in last year. So it's quite a lot about person I actually love, yes.

[@lyrichal0202]

My mom was diagnosed with cancer last month. I am a very disabled young adult and rely on her every day as a caregiver. This is an impossible situation, everything is different now and will continue to change. I really appreciate your grounded and direct input on the topic

[@italucenaz]

I hope everything turns out alright

[@cha5422]

Wishing you and your mum all the best, hoping things pick up on your end ❤

[@kathrineanderson]

So sorry to hear that. I hope you get all the love and support you need and know your not alone.

[@ealusaid]

Oh no, I hope you get as much help and community as possible. I'm disabled and have worked in social services before, and I know that a lot of resources and sympathy are gatekept, so you have to go through a humiliating and arduous process to prove you're "disabled enough" to count, and accepting help often means losing autonomy. All the same, I encourage you to reach out to people and organizations near you, especially now that you have a cancer diagnosis in the family, an unfair or not, people respect that more. When you're struggling, it's really hard to then go talk to people on a completely different wavelength and try to get them to care about you. Even so: You deserve help, and there are many people who would be willing to help you. I hope that if you reach out, you can find a bridge between those two things.

[@olivierolivier6080]

I had a lymphom 4 years ago and I'm now 100% in full remission ! I'm still on review every 6 months but I'm confident. Be strong and keep in mind that she can be cured.

[@Cinders634]

I have had a pet scan and biopsy for suspected stage 3B lymphoma & am now waiting 10 agonising days for results and confirmation. I can’t tell you how helpful it is that you covered this stuff and shared your journey on your channel.

[@GhostsOfThings]

Hank and Ann have been doing so much to help ... normalise? cancer as an actual thing you can understand, rather than the hovering almost mystical threat it felt like before. I appreciate so much the time they take to teach us, even while dealing with a lot themselves. Thanks Hank! ❤

[@kashiichan]

Seeing them comment on each other's TikToks is surprisingly uplifting.

[@Domdrok]

+

[@sarahmickel4921]

Ah yes, Hank, I would love to be correctly uncertain. Definitely more grounding while everything is unknown. 😂 Honestly though, thank you for making this an educational experience. You are very appreciated.

[@flightattendantsteven]

Hank...knowing (from later videos) that you get much better, allowed me to watch this video with less anxiety. I just wanted to say that you are freaking amazing. My goal in life to be the quality kind of human that you are.

[@davi6115]

Cancer is definitely horrific, but it's always wonderful to see a "brighter" side of it, or at least have an acceptance/understanding of it. I hope the best for you, Hank!

[@AgentMaayan]

Someone I love was just diagnosed with cancer last week, and this video was incredibly helpful to me in understanding that situation better. So thank you for, once again, adding insightful, nuanced information where I need it.

[@Eyeolair]

My wife have breastcancer. Thank you for shedding some light on the situation. Its been tough but she has pulled through. Theres many hospital visits and talks with doctors but Im just blessed that shes still with me.

[@eininw]

If I may, a shout out to the lab techs, who are often the first ones to sound the alarm about leukemias and lymphomas. While not doctors or researchers, they are commonly the first to physically look at your blood cells and decide something is off and needs further investigation. And many people forget they even exist after their blood is drawn and disappears to the lab.

[@elizabethr.9359]

Shoutout to you guys and everyone working in the lab and research settings, I have a couple genetic conditions, some very rare and ik that my communities and I are so thankful to have research to look at to help guide us ❤

[@RainaRamsay]

+

[@Ani-rq7wv]

I have a lot of medical anxiety, and while I don’t currently have cancer I know anyone can get cancer at any time. Watching these vlogs is helping me manage when my anxiety goes “hey you could have cancer right now! Remember that weird pain you had in your stomach area?! It’s cancer!” And even tho I know it’s almost definitely not it helps to know what would happen if it would. It’s good to know what the process of being someone with cancer is like. Even if it’s so individualized based on the person and type of cancer. Thank you for using your education background and teaching people about cancer!

[@anniedemko7151]

I just wanted to say I relate very strongly to this! I've had a number of family members pass away from cancer throughout my life. Combine that with cancer/their deaths being a taboo subject with my parents, and I developed a deep fear of cancer early on that is still with me (I have repeated essentially your quote innumerable times to myself!). I am also so grateful, Hank, for your willingness, as you're able, to share parts of your journey publicly, and to speak about it in a frank and down-to-earth manner - it has been incredibly helpful for me. Thank you.

[@bigtimebutterbaron8873]

Perspective of someone who had medical anxiety before, during, and after having Hodgkin's - Before, I was worried about my body failing somehow in general, and it made me avoid any kind of doctors visit. During treatment, I did so so much research about Hodgkin's and cancer in general to try to ease the anxiety, and it actually worked for the most part. It still sucked to go through, but I had a realistic view of what could happen, when, and how. Unfortunately, after remission, the anxiety got worse again as I got more opportunities to avoid doctors and ignore data. The trauma created blocks in my brain about it. Hank talking openly about it has been immensely helpful and brings me back to when I was afraid, but ready to learn anything I could. For anyone still reading, and interested in cancer stuff for whatever reason, I highly recommend the book The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee. It's a history of cancer and its treatments from the perspective of an oncologist, with personal anecdotes and a very readable timeline.

[@anyasaunders916]

Same my man same

[@polyanima]

@@samarnadra +

[@HexerPsy]

@@samarnadra Hi from the hospital (radiotherapy dep.) Just wanted to clarify that things dont magically move fast. There are health targets and agreements that anything that could be life threatening, or as serious as cancer, should be investigated immediately. These health policies come from your local or national health services/groups. Where I am from (Netherlands), if you show up with possibly cancer symptoms, policy says the doctor must have a full staging diagnosis within 2 weeks of your first visit. This is why patients typically undergo a series of different exams within days of reporting to the doctor if something suspicious is found. It is a stressful thing to go through, but the benefits are that, the earlier you can intervene in the cancer's growth, the better your odds are. As for your environmental factors. Its not just smoking and chemicals, or work related materials. Smoking and drinking are the most common risk factors for nearly all cancers. Some cancer have a DNA component and can run in the family. But some others tend to come with old age (most men die of old age from something else, while having a mild form of or pre-stage of prostate cancer). Your best bet is just to look after your health, which means a varied diet and moderate, daily exercise. Skin cancers are common - and usually found on places people forget to use sunscreen: back of the hand, nose and top of ears. As this is within a threat on medical anxiety, know that doctors these days will explain the situation to you, and that their goal is to make a shared decision with you on what treatment goals to aim for, and what the pros and cons will be of the various treatment options. The doctor will advice you of what is possible, will have suggestions of what makes sense for you - but what you want and the supporters you bring want (family usually) is heavily weighed into the eventual treatment. You can go all out and graps every small opportunity - or balance it with quality of life to avoid side effects that are just not worth it.

[@CrossCory]

I’m a 20 years survivor of Hodgkin’s. Best of luck to you sir, you have an excellent attitude and energy to withstand the storm.

[@Megstillinbed]

I worked as an oncology nurse and have always found cancer research and treatment fascinating. I love that you are taking your situation and using it to continue educating the Internet.

[@Phlorochyll]

The mohawk looks fucking sick, Hank. And, your type of lymphoma is very treatable... I don't know what to say, so I think I'm just gonna say this: We're all rooting for you, and we all know that you're gonna pull through this. Hope your chemo goes as well as chemo can go... GO HANK GO!

[@lungcancer69]

That's sometimes all you can say. And 💯 agreement on the Mohawk! Keep it when this is all over! Hard-core science!!!

[@jewlover131]

my dad had pancreatic cancer for just over a year. early on in his diagnosis i looked up the survival rate and it was something like 10% of patients live in that 5 year survival rate, the average period of time was 3-3.5. he passed in january. thank you for making these videos, in a way it’s helping me along in the grieving process.

[@GabrielaCenturionNeumann]

My dad was diagnosed last tuesday. He will get surgery this next tuesday. I am still not digesting any of this, but thank you so very much for everything you are educating us on Edit: ...even with your own cancer. That makes it even more amazing

[@ammonal244]

I wish all the best to your dad and to you. I sincerely hope he gets through this. Never lose hope and good luck!

[@GabrielaCenturionNeumann]

@@ammonal244 Thank you so very much. We are hopeful we caught it in time. I just wish this disease would stop existing. It is beyond my understanding that we have not yet found a way to prevent it or cure it without causing more pain. I lost my maternal grandma to cancer 30 years ago. And then more relatives over the years. How is it that we're still here in this spot? But, as Hank said in another video, I am grateful for the progress we have made on this matter in science and I trust in the process... however imperfect it might be. Thank you for reading me and for your lovely reply. I hope you will have a nice weekend :)

[@Mr.Cheeseburger24]

I hope all goes well for him! And you stay strong for him!

[@GabrielaCenturionNeumann]

@@Mr.Cheeseburger24 Thank you so very much! I am trying my hardest

[@kristijanpancevski264]

​@@ammonal244a!

[@rheah4622]

My mom was a oncologist (cancer researcher). Some of her research went all the way to human trials I think, she was an inventor on some patents. But she died of cancer at 60, after a fighting it a couple of times over her life. Unfortunately I have the same genes that give me a similar chances of getting cancer. It was bitter sweet the way she was explaining her own disease to doctors at the hospital and some of them seemed really grateful to hear about the cutting edge stuff she was doing. I’m glad she told me all this and more, and glad someone else is doing that for everyone more openly. It’s also a good reminder not to just assume I’ll also be gone by 60 and should try harder to understand the research my mom left behind.

[@StonedtotheBones13]

Your mom sounds like an incredible woman. I know life is hard to plan when you just see pain and disease in your future, so I'd not blame yourself if that's the case. It is def a great reminder tho to enjoy the now

[@tomatochemist]

My mom was also an oncology researcher! Thank God that folks like them put their lives into the research they did, because people are surviving longer thanks to them. :)

[@xSwordLilyx]

What I find really fascinating is if you have the BRACA gene is you can just take those organs out, I'm hoping there is some prophylaxis like that you can undertake.

[@misterpitters]

Your mom sounds like a badass. Wishing you the best of health.

[@niggyhuru5388]

**HOW TO CURE CANCER** dig into and apply -sr9009 -vit. b17 -RIFE frequency generator -7 day photosynthesis (7 day water fast right under the sun) don't forget to avoid endocrine disruptors eat sufficient organs for optimal nutritional profile (recommend eating grass fed grass finished beef brain, liver and heart) 10 sets of 30 second HIIT sprints 3 times per week push pull legs, but only one cycle per week, with only 1 set of each exercise at RPE 10 don't trust the doctors or that blog post, instead trust the science.

[@amandahewitt]

Stay strong Sir ❤️ I lost my mam in Feb last year to blood cancer 8 days before her 71st bday. My Mam fell ill in 2013 but was finally diagnosed in 2014. I googled everything re my mams cancer and survival rates, around 10 years was the best survival for her age due to other medical conditions, she managed 9 years. I think knowing about survival rates helped me process my feelings of eventually losing my mam but it also meant i made every day count with her. Thank you for this video. I think this is very helpful and commend you for doing this while fighting your own battle with cancer. I wish you all the best with your treatment x

[@graceroy9110]

John Greene and Hank Greene are the proof that objectively the sciences and humanities are different fields of study, yet together they come from the same point of origin, as relatives that collaborate to understand the experiences of the world. Thank you as always Hank for sharing!! You and John make such a great impact on the world around you.

[@untappedinkwell]

"our lives are valuable because we're here now" is such a beautiful, accurate, wonderful expression.

[@NicWhalen]

I loved the comment you made about the personalities of physicians and patients meshing. It is such a big part of that relationship that is so often overlooked. People often take one bad encounter as a representation of the entire field. Rock on. Thank you for what you do.

[@Mikey__R]

Hank, there is a third group of people watching this. We are very specifically interested in knowing if YOU are going to be ok. We really want you to be ok.

[@rotorwash4731]

I had HL a few years back and you saying “probably die at a fairly normal age” really comforted me in a way I really needed to hear. I’ve been stressed about dying young because of it for a while.

[@junk_DNA]

Hank, all I can say is thank you for choosing to live your “now” here with us, adding to humanity’s collective knowledge. seriously, you’ve propped me up through some of the hardest periods of my life and we can only hope to return the favor a little bit.

[@N3rdfightermom]

I really appreciate you taking the time to explain nuance in many things to remind us that nothing in life is black and white

[@RainaRamsay]

+

[@amyspeers8012]

I’m an American living in France. I was diagnosed with stage 2c melanoma. Following my surgery, I met with a new dermatology team-my original dermatologist sent me there-to see if I qualified for a clinical trial. The trial ended a few weeks before my appointment and I was able to get the immunotherapy treatments. BTW-I am also on the French health care system and so far have paid €55 out of pocket. I also have gotten more care than I would have had in the US. Lots of love from SW France

[@miguelmolano6611]

united statetisian*

[@crazybiogeek]

Damn. Please adopt me as a sister so I can get that sweet, sweet French healthcare. Tired of being chained to my job so I don't die from melanoma. I also benefitted from immunotherapy, but I had to also run the rings of chemo, surgery and radiation.

[@pooki-dooki]

@@miguelmolano6611 American is not incorrect.

[@emmettdonkeydoodle6230]

@@miguelmolano6611I mean yes, but that sounds stupid

[@miguelmolano6611]

@@emmettdonkeydoodle6230 aren't they also..?

[@yfarrell]

I lost a close friend with the same cancer, but in the 80’s. I was shocked when you got it and I’m sooooo happy it’s survivable now. Thank you so much for helping all of us understand these diseases.

[@ClaireTheFab]

I lost my mom to oligodendroglioma in October and I’m glad you’re talking about this. I remember panicking looking through NIH articles when she was first diagnosed, these conversations can be so difficult to navigate and obviously with so much emotion behind them. Sending love 💕

[@cheryldueck318]

I don’t want you to be going through this, but as a 5 year survivor myself, I am really appreciating how you are describing your experiences and the science around it. Thank you. BTW, love the hair :)

[@robertacquet7135]

Thousands have told you the same, but I can't help myself. I am so grateful to have heard you and to have shared this with you. You have given us so much, you have done so all throughout this process, and we all know, as you do, that you will continue to do so. Thus, we have been part of your life, and you are meaningful to us. However, sharing this particular aspect of your personal life is very useful, as you are fully aware, to both the curious and those who have had personal experience with potentially fatal diseases. Thank you for hitting the nail on the head, and for understanding your viewers.

[@werbnaright5012]

Hospice nurse here. YES! These conversations NEED to happen! Canadian and American culture is so out of touch with death and dying. The more talking we can do, the better. Normalize death or die trying!

[@BKScience812]

Hey Hank! As a cancer researcher, I'm hoping tomorrow will be even better for those who get such a terrible diagnosis

[@Web3Future333]

Are you doing research on treatment or finding a cure? As a healthcare financial analyst im worried that most efforts are going into making treating cancer a business and not trying to find a cure because its not profitable. Whats your perception of this?

[@BKScience812]

@@Web3Future333 You're correct, kinda. Most institutions that fund research into medicine usually won't fund something they don't think they can make a profit on. So rare cancers usually don't get researched. To the extent that you're wrong, finding a single cure for all cancer is unrealistic. Every cancer is a different disease with different underlying drivers of the disease and different traits and vulnerabilities. There's no silver bullet to hit them all. So yes, I'm looking for treatments that will make a realistic difference, and one I hope we'll have enough treatments that nobody will have to die to cancer anymore.

[@BKScience812]

@xXJuanpe97Xx In case I wasn't clear, I do hope the treatments we make can cure some patients. And we'll need to keep working until we find treatments that can cure other patients. If curing is not possible, living with the disease is the next best. But even if we get rid of every tumor, the patient is not cured until we get rid of every cancer cell, which isn't something we can confirm.

[@Web3Future333]

@@BKScience812 I see, i was just curious. Keep up the good work

[@MildlyRabid]

I’m grateful that you took your frustration (‘everyone asks about the survival rate and there’s no quick way to make sure they don’t get the wrong idea’) and channeled it into an explainer video that will be a helpful resource for many people in the same boat!

[@alexandrakershner4463]

For what it’s worth, the way you are so openly talking about and explaining your journey has been so immensely helpful for my illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondria). Cancer in particular is something that I am incredibly afraid of, and all of the work you are doing is slowly chipping away at that fear, and I cannot express how grateful I am to you. You got this. Thank you.

[@everflores9484]

As someone with a similar anxiety: same. My personal mantra is "i can get through this", one step at a time! :)

[@madeleineturner2198]

I did not know there was a push to re-label this affliction - I've been calling myself a hypochondriac. Curious to know the reasoning behind the re-label.

[@alexandrakershner4463]

@@madeleineturner2198 I believe they’ve officially changed the diagnosis in the DSM to Illness Anxiety Disorder because people were being dismissive and, similar to OCD, were misusing the label and making light of a very serious and debilitating disorder. I’ve even noticed a difference when I tell people about it that when I say “Illness Anxiety Disorder” there’s more interest in understanding vs “Hypochondriac” where people think they already know what that is. Minor difference, and of course, if hypochondriac fits you more, then by all means use it. One isn’t inherently better than the other, just different.

[@madeleineturner2198]

@@alexandrakershner4463 this makes complete sense. Thanks for explaining!