Good to see you smile while vlogging through loopy brain, malaise, headache, sleepiness, and the anxiety of self-monitoring for the ugliest side effects, Lots of NOT FUN. A big fist bump to you, Hank.
@@fx-studio WTAF are you talking about? She had SEPSIS as a result of a severe bacterial infection, which has nothing to do with any vaccine. Not you being an anti-science covidiot in a science educator's comments section... 🙄
@@kayakMike1000 Thank you for sharing your perspective, but I believe it's important to approach the world with empathy and understanding. Many people, including myself and other members of the elite baldness club, find comfort in expressing solidarity and support for Hank during this challenging time. Let's focus on encouraging those who are struggling with anything, even if they are otherwise successful and happy, and sending positive thoughts. We can all make a difference by showing kindness and compassion. Life can be challenging for all of us at times. If you're going through something that is giving you a negative perspective, I hope you triumph over it.
Hey! Radiation therapist here!! The consensus among the people I treat is that radiation is better than chemo.I hope your treatments go smoothly and I’m sending all the good vibes!!
I got radiation over the course of the month as a kid. I don’t remember it being particularly terrible. I got hit with nausea, but I dealt with that all the time anyway, and that’s what zophran is for.
My dad had radiation therapy for his cancer when I was a kid. I remember it taking the piss out of him and him sleeping a lot at that time. That being said, I have to imagine chemo is much worse. No personal experience myself though. I wouldn't wish any of it on anyone, but I'm glad Hank seems to be tolerating it as well as he can. Keeping him and the family in my thoughts. ❤
Hard agree! Radiation was vacation compared to chemo. Big tip for radiation though, speak up if you aren't comfortable during your simulation. You'll be like that for the rest of your treatment.
Sunflower, except for the burns. I had radiation from 1cm below my bottom lip to just below my diaphragm after six months of MOPP/ABVD chemo. I got bad cases of hiccups around a dozen times a day from about the fourth day of radiation until a few months after it was done. I had to constantly chew gum after the first week because it made my salivary glands quit working and that lasted years. But when I went back to high school I was the only one allowed to chew gum because of the notes from my radiologist and oncologist, lol. But after day four it hurt so bad to swallow even room temperature water. They had me stay on the peds ward for the month I had radiation and I lost weight faster because it was so painful to swallow anything and I told them that it felt like a sunburn, and my skin in the radiation area was considerably redder than the rest of my skin, but it felt like the sunburn was inside me too. They said it was because the radiation has to go all the way through and the burn doesn't just stop at the skin. I also lost my sense of smell for a little over twenty years, but that wasn't so bad. But you are right because if I just pick one out of the eight chemo drugs they gave me, the nitrogen mustard, and I had to choose between that and radiation I would definitely go with the radiation. But with all the long term effects from that chemo and radiation combined and all the surgeries and pain my body has been put through over the years and now that my once defeated Hodgkin's has come back after thirty years and brought along a few more cancers for backup I have kept fighting for all these extra years I was given, but I have to draw the line somewhere. So I've said no more chemo, no more radiation, no more surgeries. I'm on hospice now and for the first time in many many years I'm out of pain and am enjoying the time I have left. I hope you feel pride everyday for what you do, you literally are saving lives day by day and putting so much good out into the world not only by saving those in your care. But when those saved people do good things it's because you and the rest of their care team kept them alive to be able to do those good deeds. And my original cancer was Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin's Lymphoma stage 4b so my radiation was maybe stronger than most people get and that's why I had a rough time with it. Plus it was also at an old military hospital since I was a military brat. I hope you have a sunshiny life Sunflower, you deserve it!
Hi! Med student here. Please don't say you're "being lazy", you're SURVIVING. This shit is hard af and I know of all people I don't need to tell you that, but please have grace and mercy on yourself. The fact you're still producing videos at all is incredible and I hope you are celebrating your perseverance and strength through this!
Hank's personality, part of who he is, is an overachiever. He has stated that despite realizing how problematic it is he measures his self worth by how many things he does. I know that he knows surviving is work but he doesn't FEEL that way, I think you know that based on your comment. I think it is important to remind him that he is doing work by surviving and going above and beyond by making videos, but I don't know that telling him not to say things helps. I'm not him, I can't know how he'll hear it, but I know I would feel like that part of my experience is being belittled. So please, keep encouraging him, I will be too, but maybe try not to tell him how to feel.
I think he's joking with the word lazy, but I agree. He's used to being the CEO of multiple companies and doing all the other work he does. Stopping being so active so suddenly must be hard. In a similar situation, my partner recently got a clot in her arm and has had to be off work for the last 2 months, she shouldn't be using a computer or lifting heavy objects, etc, but she's finding it hard to stop and just recover as she's supposed to and she feels "lazy" not doing her usual things. Life makes it hard to just come to a complete stop when you have some momentum.
My dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1995. They gave him 5 years. I took him to chemo a few times a week. Made sure after we left the treatment that I got some food in him, as chemo kills your appetite. Sadly, he passed away in 2008. My outlook is that he still beat cancer. They told him 5 years and he went 13. He got to see me get married. He got to see his granddaughter born. Hank, you're already on your way to getting through this. You'll beat it. Get to see and experience tons more, and hopefully still be breaking down all things science to your followers for years to come. Love you man!
Thanks for sharing. This is my goal. I have weekly chemo and my prognosis is 2 years. But I want to see my daughters settled and living their best life before I go anywhere so I’m aiming for 10.
My mom saw all my kids born and that means so much to me. She passed away due to heart failure (stemming from mitral valve prolapse). Miss her like crazy but I'm so grateful she got to see me, just frankly, find happiness.
He fought his hardest and that matters. I gotta question the way we frame cancer - nobody says "he beat a heart attack" or "she lost to a car crash", it's only cancer that has this weird victim-blamey win-lose thing going on. Cancer killed my mum in a few months, does that mean I also have to call her a loser now she's dead?? What if someone is grieving and gets cancer and lets it take them? Are they a loser? Fighting for what you care about is admirable but we need to take this value judgement out of the whole process. Cancer is hard enough as it is.
Congrats on finishing chemo! As a Hodgkin’s survivor myself, I wanted to give you a few thoughts about what’s to come (or may/may not come, as everyone is different): 1. Scan anxiety sucks. Every single one of my cancer friends is convinced in the days leading up to a scan that the cancer is back, even years out of treatment with no sign of relapse. So if scans start freaking with your mind, just know that it’s normal, and that you are not alone. 2. Radiation can cause fatigue that’s even worse than from the ABVD. Be prepared to take naps when necessary. 3. It can take a long time for your body to get back to its new normal. I remember being so frustrated months after treatment that I didn’t have the energy level I used to. But it did get better. So try to be kind to yourself if it takes longer than you expect. 4. You’ve got this! You’ve made it through the worst, so hang in there for this last bit!
For sure, my spouse is 25 years out from Hodgkin's treated with ABVD then too. I very much remember the scan anxiety. It was overwhelming with the "certainty" (really fear) that the cancer returns. There was also anxiety and a feeling of vulnerability when you're not regularly visiting a doctor. Fatigue from radiation was also a big deal.
You are doing great! Just take this time to rest. I’m two years post chemo/ radiation . Radiation only made me a little tired for a day or two. It sounds like you are researching too much. Knowledge is not always power, sometimes ignorance is bliss. I didn’t want to know much about my cancer or the possible side effects or outcomes because I didn’t want to scare myself about what might not happen. I just wanted to deal with what I needed to as I needed to. No sense worrying about what might happen. Take care of yourself and rest.
I did 6 months of chemo. The accumulation effects were very real and it was hardest at the end. I wish you the best on your treatments and look forward to you all healed up.
My great aunt had been diagnosed with Ovarian cancer years ago, went through chemo, beat cancer. Then the cancer came back a few years later. She went through chemo for a while, and after 3 years it had worn her body out. She eventually stopped doing chemo and she passed away a few weeks ago. I honestly have no resolution to make from this, I just felt like this was a safe space for me to share. Losing my Aunt Joann has been one of the most heartbreaking things I've gone through. I miss her so much.
I'm sorry for your loss. Truly. I think I'm going to share something too. My sister had thyroid cancer a few years ago, but luckily they could just take the organ away and with some treatment it never came back. But those were some tough months for her and everyone around. Cancer took away a family friend 3 years ago, she was there one moment, ok, and suddenly she was diagnosed, and passed away a month later. Lung cancer made my grandmother's last years of her life way harder and took away a lot of her quality of life. It was really painful seeing the effects. My uncle was under treatment for lung cancer for more than 3 years but finally passed away 1 year and a half ago. I saw him deteriorating and I don't think I'll ever forget that. I'm still processing all that grief, and I'm not even the one who was the closest to them, although I loved them dearly. Cancer sucks. I needed to say that.
Hank Green: my brain isn't working Also Hank Green: records an an amazingly coherent and well structured impromptu vlog about his experiences, thoughts and feelings, education about cancer treatment, and plans for the future
@@chewbakkah7144 Stroke brain is like that, too. I can have deep discussions about obscure philosophical topics, then all of a sudden I can't produce Mandy Patinkin's name. Just, full-stop, brain no brain.
The thing is, when you are super bright, you can take a big hit to your mental functioning and still come across to others as very articulate. But internally, you very much notice, and it is really upsetting.
@@saraholson5946 it's incredibly upsetting. You know you know it. It's not like you can't remember. You know the file exists. It's there. You're reading it. But the one bit you need is sitting there, right in front of you, but instead of being the info you want, it's a smudge that you can't, in the moment, read. You read it five minutes ago. You'll read it again tomorrow. But just then? Eff you in particular.
@@drunkenfarmerjohn42give yourself time, things may improve. Even adult human brains are more 'plastic' than it was once thought. Just, look after yourself well physically. Food, sleep etc. Brain and body work as one single, complex, unit. One easily affecting the other. A simple drop in blood sugar can have a marked effect even those of us who have no real health problems when it comes to things like memory(cognitive function).
I really appreciate you showing everyone what it’s like on a “bad cancer treatment” day. Sometimes we can be more energetic and act like our old selves for hours at a time. Other days, we don’t eat because getting up and microwaving a can of soup is too exhausting. I’m so glad you have a support system to help you on those days. Virtual hug from the Uniboober. 😁
Yall they probably meant a can worth of soup that they put in a dish to microwave, why are you so hung up on that part as opposed to the rest of the comment 😭
Hello Hank, I'm sorry you're going through this. My eldest son was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma on his 14th birthday - He went through chemo and recovered - he then relapsed 1 year later and had to go through chemo and radiation again (fortunately, because he was older, he was able to do his radiation at to local General Hospital (our local Pediatric Hospital didn't have the ability at the time todo radiation treatment and we would have had to relocate 6 hours away otherwise). He fully recovered, but affectively lost two years of his youth (he never learned to drive at 16 like most children etc) - and he suffers crazy complications to this day from the treatments - not limited to the radiation destroyed his teeth. He's been seeing dental specialists helping rebuild the cracks and chipped up edges. And, currently at age 25, just this week he will be getting implants to replace every tooth on the upper right side because they weren't able to save them. But I'm grateful he's here. While at the children's hospital, I unfortunately watched to many families who children did not survive there cancers. I'm grateful to you for sharing your journey, though want to stress you owe no one anything. Your only job(s) right now, are to take care of yourself, and hug your family as much as you're able. Cheers to you
@@IdolMako I'm almost 40 and I still haven't learned, nor do I have any desire. That aside, that's what a lot of people miss about surviving cancer. You still do often suffer long term side effects, maybe even life long. But, there's something about surviving something like cancer that makes you appreciate life even more.
The fatigue and brain fog is no joke. Life is just harder when you don't feel well. It's nice to see you up and talking! Thanks for the update, be well.
You're NOT lazy. Lazy would be being healthy and just...not doing stuff (especially stuff you should be.) You're working to get healthy. That's f'ing hard work. Sucks that it's so hard, definitely more than I can imagine. As always, thank you for sharing something so personal. ❤
I work at a cancer center and talk to patients about their lives and their symptoms every day, but sometimes I feel like there's limits to how well I can understand what our patients go through -- I can't go home with them and see what living on chemo is really like, and I can't fully share the burden with them even if I want to. Seeing you posting these genuine, intimate moments helps me to keep my passion for what we do. Thanks for what you do, Hank! Dftba, and drink some protein shakes for me!
Thank you for all that you do for cancer patients. It rocked me to my core when I went through my own diagnosis 23 years ago. I don’t actually remember a lot of things that happened in life during my treatment, but I remember every caregiver that was kind and compassionate when I needed it most. It takes a special person to keep being there for people in crisis day after day. You are SO appreciated! ❤
Hank I'm 78 and have stage 4 colon cancer. Get chemo every 2 weeks and don't function for 1 week after. I talk to God alot and no mater how i feel i get up and do some sort of exercise . You can do it. I know you can and it helps a lot. My sessions last 4 to 6 hours and it's the 3 day's later that hurts but your mind can overcome most of the pain. You will be fine and my family will pray for you.❤
I had a rare pediatric renal cancer in 1975. I am on one of the longest cancer research studies in the U.S. the late effects have been very difficult. How treatment has changed over the decades, making the protocol less brutal and how people are responding in such a positive way to you lifts my heart. It's a long journey, find the magic. ❤
@@erikak8187 I'm pretty sure you were not replying to me however, I am in a unique position to answer that question. I had wilms both when I was 7 and 11 and again at 31 (which is almost unheard of). I'm now 39. I received similar treatments between them. I was taking mostly the same medicine and in general the equipment used was the same. The equipment seemed to be a few new generations The anti-nausea medication has improved significantly. The actually treatment was more aggressive as an adult so it's hard to make a comparison but I'm my case each time the course was cut short due to the worsening of the side effects.
@@benq3009 In my experience, no, not always, especially on the internet, there's also the lack of non-verbal/written communication which means that their actual meaning could be lost or obscured by only being as partial message. For example, your question could well have been rhetorical but it's hard for me to know your intent without asking.
Hello, Hank. My brother’s wife was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid leukemia shortly after you shared your discovery with us. She is undergoing a six-week intense chemo treatment, and only a few family members can visit her before treatments. She seemed to be responding well, so everyone was rooting for her. I am also rooting for you.
I went through treatment for AML last year, at 25, and am on the other side post transplant. Please let me know if you or your family would benefit from talking with someone who's been where she is.
AML sucks. I was diagnosed at the beginning of last year. Two transplants later my treatment is complete now. Relapse is always a possibility but hoping for the best.
This man is a hero to a lot of people. You already have a legacy that will live on for the next century. Not many people can leave the kind of impact that Hank Green will leave on our world. I wish you and your family the best.
Cancer survivor here. When you said about people coming out of cancer treatment with lifelong disability, know that, for almost every survivor, one's body is permanently changed from cancer + treatment. It doesn't manifest as what would be recognized as a disability for some, but your body will recover in a different way from how you remember your body before. That's totes okay - it's how life works. But it's good to know that you're permanently in the "during/after cancer" part of your body now. Wishing you the best, Hank. 💚💚
As someone with anxiety, I can't imagine how nerve wracking going through this would be. The fear of every ache and fever and headache possibly meaning something serious, in addition to the toll just feeling physically awful takes on your emotions, and the loss of brain focus to be able rationalize those emotions... Thank you for your vulnerability in showing that fighting cancer is HARD. There's a desire that a lot of people have to only show the positive, to put on a brave face so as to inspire others who are going through similar things... But I don't believe that really helps, because it makes people who CAN'T put on a brave face, who can't be positive, who struggle with the fear and depression and the emotional toll that the physical SUCK of the whole situation creates, feel like they are not strong enough, that they are failing, or that they are closer to being beaten by the disease. You are showing the truth: is hard, it sucks, and maybe you can find some positive moments where it sucks less, but it still sucks to have to go through it! And you aren't being "lazy"; you could lay in bed 24/7 for months and you would still not be lazy, because every moment, you are battling this disease, you are surviving!
Yes to everything you said. Chronic disease sucks. Fatigue sucks. Anxiety and depression sucks. Mixing those really sucks. Sometimes persisting is enough. Just making it through today is enough. I had a stretch of life about 3 years long where a few of those things created a bit of a perfect storm for suckiness, and making it through felt simultaneously impossibly difficult and also incredibly insufficient. But it was enough. I'm better now than I was then, I'm better now than I thought even possible during those three years. Not perfect, not outstanding, but I am here today. I persisted, and I am here. That's pretty damn impressive.
In my breast cancer treatment, I lost my hair and I allowed only 2 people to see it. I found it was a big part of my identity, and I needed hair. My mom gave me three of her wigs, and I was relieved. She even said I looked sexier in them than she did! 😊 I did go visit my best friend. In the kitchen, when everybody else was in the living room, my friends daughter, a fashion-plate in her own right, gushed about how good my hair looked, and I smiled. Then I pulled my wig off and she was shocked and giggled. So did I. But I showed only her and my Brother in law (who ran errands for me and told me stories about a fellow Navy seaman who had alopecia.) He said the alopecia guy was a big man, and when somebody called him a baby, he punched the guy to knock down 2 bunk beds. Nobody called him baby after that. My BIL was great like that. Also my brother in law would get me a big meat-filled hamburger and smoothie and fries every time he got me groceries. And he'd make sure I ate it all. He and my sister were very protective of me and wanted to make sure I was healthy.
Thank you for that. For writing that. I think that could apply for so many people whk are going through other chronic diseases, too. I especially struggle with the part about putting on a brave face when what I really feel is terrible. Because the brave face is expected. People don't want to see less. And so we pretend to be alright. But then that gives the impression that we are alright. When, if they saw us 24/7 they would know that we are not. I'm guessing that most of the people who will read this will understand.
@@phillyphakename1255 I'm really proud of you for persisting and making it through. I know how hard that it. It's only been a handful of years now that I've been glad that I'm alive. That doesn't mean that I feel good, as I'm sure many of us could say. But we're here. We're alive. And we're doing better than we thought we could. I say as I sit in front of my new cane. But what I meant to say is, go you! You're here. And I'm proud of you.
@@anyascelticcreations Indeed! Cancer treatment isn't a once-and-done thing, even if you never get treated a second time! It affects other organs including the brain. People experience brain fog for a significant length of time afterwards. People experience weakness and quite a bit of fragility. I've known some cancer survivors who were quite skinny, and that's not all because of having worked out and gotten athletic. There are many breast cancer survivors who paddle and compete in dragon boat races (like me!) who are at any point in their treatment. Some post treatment like me, and others who are going through it. A number of people get kinkier hair. One I met had very tightly-curled hair after treatment. I had Adriamycin and Cytoxan (A/C), which is a very strong chemo, and I lost my hair. Then one morning several weeks after chemo, I woke up with my ears being tickled. I hate that! I brushed my hair aside then became surprised! "I have hair!" I yelled. Things come back slowly. Be patient.
It’s usually the loss of the myth of control - most of us have control over a very slim amount of things in life but we like to believe we have so much more agency - some things really are what they are for better or worse and it’s far more mindful to learn how to lean into the wave and brace it instead of run from it and get swallowed
Hank, I think it is really important to be mindful of the words you use, and how they will affect you psychologically. You are NOT lazy. You are sick. You are feeling fatigue. Remember all the things your body is doing trying to heal itself. You arent lazy, in fact, your body is working harder than the average person. Im glad chemo is finally over, i have been told, it really is the hardest part of everything. Take care of yourself. I know its hard as hell.
My brother passed at 19 years old in 2021 after just a few months of being diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma. I truly miss him. I don't even know what to type, but your videos have brought me to tears and I just wanted to mention him. You and anyone going through this is a true fighter. I wish you the best.
I’m truly sorry. It’s so hard to accept the sudden loss of a young healthy person, not that it’s ever easy. (Still, maybe not ideal to share this with someone who’s still going through treatment and hoping for best results, even though Hank is a sharing and loving person)
My family has a toddler who’s non-verbal going through chemo right now. Listening to you talk about it and how you feel is very good insight. I know it’s all different, but it helps.
Hank the “thing you’re supposed to be doing” is recovery from chemo and prepping mentally and physically as best as you can for radiation As you said at the beginning “cancer treatment is your job now”, that doesn’t change just because you’re on a new stage of treatment DFTBA
It is so hard to see you exhausted like this but I’m so glad you’re sharing. I have a genetic condition that makes me exhausted and have the foggy brain feeling that you described a lot and, I know you know this, but it’ll pass. It’s horrific being in those moments and feeling like you’re never going to be “okay” again. I’ve always like hearing the reassurance that it’s not going to be this way forever even though it might be for a long time.
@@dana102083 me too!!! It’s horrible but I’m so thankful for the diagnosis because it felt like all of my issues were my fault but they were just symptoms….
@moiradarling97 I had a suspicion..always find my zebras in the midst. I hear you on that..double edged sword. My diagnosis lead me to being diagnosed with a csf leak and an epidural blood patch so it was essential..14.yrs of leaking... now I feel my best esting a krtogenic diet as it helps anlot with inflammation. I'm in high pressure now... my.csf production seem to still be cranked high afternso long and balancing the dysautonomia...thanks eds!!!! Sending gentle hugs xox
I've been in remission for 19 years and I have a check up appointment next week. I still get anxious every time that there will be unexpected news. You sharing this journey with us has been comforting and less lonely. Thank you, and 'Hank' in there 😁❤
I'm glad you have your kitty friend to help you through this journey, along with all the human support. Feline therapy is the best. We're all rooting for you, and congrats on finishing chemo.
Raise your hand if you've got scan anxiety right now. Waiting is hard. That's where I'm at in my cancer "journey." I gotta wait a few weeks. I understand the all-consuming tired, and I don't wish it on anyone. Remember to get some fresh air (if you can) because it's surprisingly refreshing sometimes. Also, sleep is when your body repairs itself; don't fight it. Allow yourself the all the naps you can handle!! Best wishes!!
Cripes I’m anxious when I get regular bloodwork and I’m an official wreck weeks before and day of mammogram/ultrasound and then of course, waiting. I wish you comfort and wellbeing and strength. Bless you dear💜
Hank, I love you man. On a personal level you've positively impacted my life. & as a nurse that worked years in oncology I commend you for sharing your experience. My heart goes out to you & yours.
Ive never experienced cancer, but what you said about the flu-like discomfort where you just cant seem to feel comfortable really reminded me of going through opiate withdrawal. And that was brought on by my own actions, i cant imagine having to take a medication that makes you feel that way with no way to relieve the pain besides riding it out, and then doing it again 2 weeks later just to live. Fighting cancer is a whole other kind of strength I swear.
Got diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia June 20th, all your content has made me feel so much better about treatment! I really enjoy hearing about your experience and being able to also learn from you. Thanks for doing what you do :)
Thank you for sharing what a rough day looks like. So much of social media is carefully planned and positive videos, without recognition of illness, fatigue, or struggle. Both you and John bring your authentic selves to your vlogs, and this is why we love you. I wish you rest and healing.
Spent the entire video trying to decide if the cat was a cat (on the one hand it’s on top of a cat tree, but on the other hand it didn’t move at all), so I’m glad the cat’s cat-ness was addressed at the end of the video! But anyway congratulations on the completion of the first part of your treatment, I’m certain we are all hoping you can now have happy scans and not-too-miserable radiation!
Me too…cat question…glad you mentioned it. With everyone else here i thank you for sharing this journey which is so scary and about which we know very little until it happens to us. Wishing you many good things!
I’ve gained so much validity and companionship thru your sharing your journey. I am very glad you are sharing as it will benefit you greatly when you are past the immediate crisis. I didn’t do much sharing. Now I am 13 months remission Stage 3 Endometrial Cancer and I am processing the treatment experience. For me, the chemo was 3 cycles of Taxol and carboplatin chemo, 28 radiation sessions & 3 more cycles of chemo. Check up every 3 months. I have long term chemo and radiation side effects and now my hair is curly. I am not who I used to be- both good and bad. When I watch you videos, you describe everything so well. I sit here saying “ yep, for sure, yeah.” I relate to you and I feel for you.
I'm a PhD student in a lung research lab and I just wanted to share this story about Bleomycin that Hank might know but someone might find it interesting, here it is. After it was found that the chemotherapeutic drug Bleomycin can cause scarring of the lungs, doctors of course started monitoring patients who took it as part of their cancer treatments just like Hank talked about. However, here is the interesting part. We study idiopathic lung fibrosis (IPF) in our lab, which is a disease of an unknown origin that causes scarring of the lung. Now, If a scientist is trying to study a disease of no known cause in an animal model, how would they get that animal to get IPF and study it if it's not known what causes it in the first place? So upon the discovery that Bleomycin can cause scarring in the lungs just like IPF. Scientists used the bleomycin-induced model of IPF to find out a lot about IPF which helped develop some treatments for that disease. This model is not perfect, and there are better models being developed, but for the longest time it was the best available scientists had. Which is kind of is the silver lining of this whole situation. I hope someone finds this interesting!
That is super interesting! G'luck with your studies and research! I'm glad there are people out there doing this research. I dipped my toes in as an undergrad and found it was not for me. You have my respect and gratitude.
My Pulmonologist used to specialize in supporting Fibrosis patients, but she moved on to specialize in A1AD (I was her first A1AD patient) as IPF had a bunch of support & research, but A1AD did not - even though both are fatal, nobody cared about A1AD patients. 🤷
It’s interesting to me. My mother died of IPF 12 years ago and at least for her, there was no options brought up as any kind of a possible treatment. They just tried to keep her somewhat comfortable. It was terrible. If we lived closer to a major research hospital, things might have been different.
I've always felt you were a cream of the crop human specimen. You continue to go above and beyond in everything you do. Thank you for the many years of wonderful content and inspiring me to be exceptional too. Your microcosmos crash-course of nerds in beasts, kids, space, and psych alike are pulling for you.
My sister was diagnosed with Hodgkins last December and finished 12 rounds of ABVD last month. Following your journey, which parallels hers, somehow eases our fears of the future. Maybe you think nobody cares about hearing the details of your treatment, but I honestly appreciate these updates. I’ve watched you on YT since 2009. So even if I don’t know you personally, it’s nice to be updated about how you’re doing… same as how you’d like to be updated if a friend has cancer.
I really appreciate your doing these videos and especially the ones that are real about how it feels! I had brain surgery to remove brain tumor and 2019, and they found cancer and I have been in treatment ever cents. I had a six weeks five days, a weeks of proton radiation and I’m now finishing up a year of five times a month chemotherapy. And it’s going well. I am with you when you say things change and get better since the treatment I’m taking is much more tolerable they say then the only other treatment available, which is a cocktail of drugs that most people quit and still, all the things you say about what people say, and the way we try to cheer ourselves up while tearing up a cancer patient… It’s like a slow speed crisis and I’m glad for that and yet there is some thing about having somebody reframe something to cheerful before you’re ready that really knocks me for a loop unless I am feeling well
Thanks for the videos Hank. You are able to effectively put into words what chemo feels like for many. I am on my own journey ( round IV next week) and I share your videos often with friends and family because they are so informative and strangely, it makes me feel authenticated.
It just struck me why I find you and your videos so great. I worked for a very long time with brilliant scientists and engineers (and some very smart lawyers too). They, like you, could get animated and get me excited about the most incredibly unlikely subjects. Just as you were somewhat tired and rundown by your last chemo, the more you go into your story, the more animated you became. For me, it was like being with them again. You are such a positive influence.
Thank you for mentioning the long-term impacts of chemo and the need for monitoring. I think a lot of people believe you're supposed to just bounce back completely or even come back "better than ever" after cancer or other serious illness treatment, and that is not the case!! I graduated from my long-term follow-up a few years back, more than 15 years after my bone marrow transplant, and lots of folks are monitored for longer.
Lol I like that this vlog ended with "that's my cat, I'm gonna lie down now". Congrats on getting through the chemo portion! And thanks for the update, it's always wonderful to hear from you :D
My mom had a similar plan. Radiation was a lot easier short term, but the long term effect seemed to be more severe. However she has had as much radiation as she ever can have, according to docs. She beat stage 3 with that plan, so we are not complaining.I am wishing you luck. I appreciate that you are documenting this process. You are a special person.
I have been fortunate enough to never have cancer. I do have chronic illnesses, including Fibromyalgia and Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome. I am so sorry you're going through this constant exhaustion. I want you to know that being able to see you both show how bad it can feel, and being able to see you smiling through so much of it means the world to me. You are my sunshine, Hank. We'll get through this.
Damn, FM and post-viral fatigue are sh*tbags in their own right. My partner has severe ME among other things, and I've got thyroid problems with related mysteries. Hope the good times outweigh the bad for you.
I thought the way he described the psychological aspects of symptom monitoring was something all chronically and acutely ill people could relate to... it's a struggle for sure. I have many autoimmune conditions and can relate
Chronic migraine endurer chiming in, wishing all of us infinite spoons, more good days than bad, and being surrounded by people who believe you! We might not have casserole diseases, but we are also worthy of compassion, empathy, and care, even if that only comes from our own dang selves. (And strangers on the internet!) 💜💜💜🥄🥄🥄
Pet your cat, when you feel like it. That always seems to make me smile through the chronic fatigue (I do not have cancer, I’m simply chronically ill), even if it doesn’t necessarily make the chronic fatigue easier to deal with. You got this, you’re doing it!
"It's hard to be lazy all the time." Wow. We are very different people. But seriously, Hank, you're kicking ass. We all appreciate your openness and honesty more than you'll ever know.
I went through 5 rounds of chemo for Hodgkin's and watching your videos conceptualizes exactly how I felt during and between cycles. Its been nice to share in your experience. Radiation for me was the easier of the treatment's. Praying its the same for you, keep up the fight
Thank you for this video, Hank. It is so nice to hear from you and I really wish you the best! Keep on hanging in there. You're taking chemo like a champ!
Thank you, hank, for being so open about your chemo and cancer diagnosis. I know it’s a very hard process to go through and you are still educating us along the way. DFTBA :)
My uncle got diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma this past weekend. I don't know what stage he was at or what chemo plan he's on (he lives on the other side of the state, so we're just getting updates whenever his family gives us the rare call), but your videos help me to understand what the process is. Wishing the best for you, Hank
I'm new to this channel and was extremely moved by this video. Thank you for being so honest and explaining the whole process in such detail. Good Luck!
You’re still far smarter than most of us ❤ lol My childhood friend just got diagnosed with B Cell stage 4 and she has a sweet 1 1/2 year old son… she’s doing 6 cycles. I’m praying for you both so much ❤
I hope you know that you're one of the coolest, strongest, most insufferably consistently awesome people on the internet. I've been following you for over a decade and you've never disappointed. I, and everyone else here, are so glad you're alive, and even in the weird parasocial way that we've all been warned against, we're here for you. Stay strong!
I hope your recovery is quick and without complications! Honestly, I last saw your content in high school, crash course, but I still remember how much it helped me understand some concepts!
Thanks for sharing so much of your journey with us, Hank. As a chronic illness fellow, I relate to a lot of your recent journey (as well as the UC journey) and am in awe of how much you’ve shared with us, and how open you’ve been about it. Thank you. Here’s crossing all my fingers and toes that your body has responded well to the treatment. ❤
It really sucks that these challenges were forced upon you by the universe, and I really appreciate your sharing of what you've gone through and how you're managing it. When you have a platform like you do, your strength echoes. Thank you.
You're being so brave documenting all of this when you feel bad, Hank. I'm sure it's helping a lot of people who are also going through or have gone through chemo. It's hard for me because I see my dad in you. And I get sad because I miss him so much. I hope this is the final round, Hank. I'm rooting for you!
Thank you for having so much courage to share the experience. I have known people with your illness as well as other cancers and I applaud your willingness to share the darkest parts of the treatment. Please get well soon.
It's been surreal with your cancer as I was diagnosed just a few days earlier with thyroid cancer. These videos have been good on grounding me, and helping me cope. I'm glad you made them.
OMG I recited the ABVD meds along with you!! Feels weird but 7 yrs into remission it feels like a cool club, welcome to the club, Hank!! You got this!!
Just wanted to say thank you for making these videos Hank. I also had Hodgkin's and just finished my 6th cycle of chemo back in May. But your videos have totally validated everything I felt going through treatment. It's hard to explain to somebody who's not experiencing all the symptoms how shitty it feels. Since I was fortunate enough not to be working while on treatment, I had family who would make comments that I was on an extended vacation. Thank you for articulating how difficult it is.
Glad your doing okay aside from the affects of the chemo. Thank you for keeping us informed on your status and providing helpful hints and also comfort to those who may be going through chemo. Take care friend and we all appreciate and love you and your content Peace be with you
Literally every male in my family has gone through it, and my dad was the first to not die from Cancer. You are doing great, and should be very proud of yourself for how well your doing. You are an inspiration, not just for you surviving, and staying strong through it, but also for the fact you have spent your time making others feel in simplest terms, not alone. Thank you for sharing this with us.
My dad's side of the family has been through touched by cancer. Multiple myeloma and leukemia took two of his brothers. My dad is one of the ones who got off "easy" with testicular cancer that was caught very early. My mom's mother's side has all types of lady bit cancers and breast cancer. I do sometimes worry for myself and my other family members about all of this nonsense. I feel like we hear So Much about people having cancer and that's scary to me. I wish we knew what's causing it to become so common. My dad is still alive in his 60s, thank goodness. But we've lost too many people from the various types of cancer. I hope they keep doing research and that one day perhaps it can be a thing of the past. ❤
I went through the same chemo cycle as you for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The part where you talked about monitoring your symptoms I didn't think anyone else would understand. Every symptom I was worried, and it took a huge toll on my mental health. Thank you for talking about it hank
I'm there with you Hank! Very interested in your treatment and all the medial details! I've been through a trip like that too for leukemia, and it's no walk in the park! The late effects of the chemo and radiation can suck big time.But keep your hopes up and keep updating us on your journey! ❤️
Love all of this. Currently in the "frequent follow-up" (constant panic) phase myself. I'm also finishing up my final year of medical school, and I'm planning to pursue hematology-oncology. :) I have been an avid vlogbrothers fan since high school, and your crashcourse biology videos were what made me love science. Sending you so much love and support; you've been really brave through all of this and will be on the other side soon!
Thank you for keeping us updated (and thanks for confirming that the blob on the cat tree was, in fact, a cat because I spent the entire video glancing at it and wondering 😁)
Hi Hank. I wish you the best. I have a love hate relationship with your videos. My 11yo son was diagnosed with AML (leukemia) in 2020. All fine now after a second BMT. So everything you say makes me relive that period but at the same time you put words on how you felt and makes me understand better what he went throught but wasn't able to put into words. Continue to fight. Science is behind the treatments, we are behind you to support you.
I know those drug names by heart. I had 4 cycles for stage 4 Hodgekin's Lymphoma when I was 16. It was rough. I had an allergic reaction to one of the drugs as well, and once the hospital figured out why I was shaking and burning up they resolved to give me a "cover" ahead of each dose, like they normally do during blood transfusions. Nothing but love, chief.
Hey Hank! Thank you for sharing your experience with us, I think it's so important to normalise talking about cancer, it's a much more common illness than people think! You're my hero, the reason I became interested in science and got into medical school! Thank you and I wish you all the best health!
My wife went though cancer and chemo when she was in her twenties long before I met her. She's been deemed cancer free ever since and still dreads going to the check ins. Watching your journey had helped me understand what she went through a little better. Knowing how you presented yourself in the decade I've been watching you (I don't know you personally or anything) before this and then during this is also so much more informative than just watching one shot videos or reading studies etc. Thank you from some random lurker.
I watched your videos through nursing school and thought you were my best educational support. During program my mom was battling a breast cancer relapse. She pasted right before I graduated. I’m balling at this video.
As a chronically ill person I know (to some extent) how it is to be monitoring symptoms and not knowing which ones are important and what they might mean. And I know how horrible it is to lose mental capacity and clarity, especially when you're someone who values their academic abilities. It is so deeply frustrating. You have all my love and empathy. You are rocking this. You are surviving. You are not lazy. Your body is working SO god damn hard right now! And you must be feeling so many different emotions too which is also a lot of work. Please be kind to yourself. And feel your feelings, I am bad at this I like to logic my way out of it. I identify my feelings and talk about them but I don't let myself feel them, and you dont work through them that way longterm, they get repressed and eventually bubble up at much less convenient times than if you let yourself feel them in the first place. This is a big and scary thing you are going through.
I had never thought about dealing with emotions that way. I also logic my way through emotions a lot of the time. I'm great at analizing, talking about, journaling about what I'm going through and why. And then I wonder why the dsrned emotions don't go away. I hadn't considered that logicing them is not necessarily the same as feeling them. Thank you. I appreciate your pointing out that.
@anyascelticcreations you are very welcome! I had to do lots and lots of therapy before being able to understand it myself so I'm always happy to share the insights! I suspect a lot of vlogbrothers subscribers are the same way in terms of being very good at logic but not good at feeling the feelings (most people aren't good at it, because it sucks)
@@Rose-jz6sx I suspect you're right. And feeling them enough to see what they are isn't always the same as truly and fully feeling them. I suspect that a lot of us think/thought that feeling them enough to analyze them counts. I guess it does. But maybe we would benefit from allowing ourselves to feel them more. 🙏
I got COVID very early (late Feb or early March 2020) and never really recovered - these videos have meant a lot to me. When you said you wanted to keep making things, I did not expect such thoughtful, vulnerable, and instructive content about your health journey and the ... sociology (??) of how we think/talk about serious health conditions. The sincerest thanks for sharing with us, and I hope the scans, continued treatment, and your general wellbeing are all as positive and smooth as possible going forward.
Cheers to Hank who showed us a small glimps of what he has been going though. We can't go though it with him, we can only be passive bystanders. But he still wanted to do what he loves doing, educating people, being busy as he can be. But he also had to draw some hard boundrys and that in and of itself can be hard. So just big props to him for allowing us to see this small glimps into his health journey. Here's to hoping that things get better, or at last progress is made.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I've learned so much about chemo/cancer over your past few videos. Still a scary, amorphous monster imo, but learning has helped. Congratulations on finishing your chemo treatment!
