American vlogger and author Hank Green recently shared that he has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Hank, who is bestselling author John Green's brother, shared the news in a YouTube video on May 20, 2023.
"I noticed that my lymph nodes were big. ‘It’s probably nothing. We’ll send you in for an ultrasound’ (the doctor said). Got an ultrasound. The tech in the ultrasound room was like, 'I’m going to go get a doctor.’ That’s not what you want to have happen,” Hank Green revealed in the video.
Hank further said that upon examining his ultrasound, the doctor said that it showed the signs of a possible lymphoma. He was then asked to get a biopsy done, through which he learned that the cancer was most likely detected in the early stages.
Talking about the whole experience and how long it took him to get tested, Hank said, "When you're in the American health care system, you don't expect things to move quick. When it starts to get a little efficient, it's actually quite disconcerting.
"Good news, bad news-- one it is cancer, it's called lymphoma which is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Good news-- it's called Hodgkin's lymphoma which is one of the most treatable cancers. The goal now is to cure. The procedure to get there is fairly known, even if unpleasant," he added.
Hank also said that he has some risk factors like an autoimmune condition, having mononucleosis in his childhood, medications, etc.
But being hopeful, that he is, he shared a very Hank Green thought. "This is the best time to get Hodgkin's lymphoma in human history-- which is a very Hank Green thought. And then you gave me a very John Green thought that a year from now would have been better," Hank said in the video.
He also shared that it's not going to be less than four months of chemo in his case.
"I'm wrestling with the reality that this is now part of how people are no going to imagine me. It's an identity that I have now thrust upon me, which happens to people all the time. And it is totally the thing that I will get over... I want to be fun, goofy science guy, not a struggling-with-anxiety-cancer guy," Hank said.
He then thanked his friends and family, who have been a huge support for him in such times of crisis. "All of the time that I have spent investing in friendships, and even when they have been hard, to try and keep them strong, and even when I have been busy, to try and spend time with them, has been joyful in the moment and wise in the long term. I’ve really needed friends in the last few weeks, and I’ve been very grateful to have them," Hank said in the video.
Ending his video message, Hank asked his fans and followers to refrain from sending their advice. "I don't need healthcare advice. I'm not really a 'Let's fight this together' guy. I don't want this to be a big thing," he said.
"I'm still gong to find joy in creating and communicating with people, if I can. And easiest way would be by writing something down and putting it on newsletter," he added.
Here's wishing a speedy recovery to Hank Green.
