Jeff Bridges Shares Positive Health Update After Cancer Battle
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, award-winning actor and musician Jeff Bridges expressed that he is feeling “very good” as he continues to recover from his battle with lymphoma. Bridges, 75, disclosed that he was diagnosed with lymphoma in October 2020 and successfully achieved remission in September 2021. Despite his optimism about his health, Bridges mentioned facing challenges with his memory and lingering effects potentially linked to his previous battle with COVID-19.
Acknowledging the complexities of his health journey, Bridges candidly shared, “I’m feeling good, but there are some things that it’s hard to tell if it’s the cancer and the COVID or just old age.” He revealed that he struggles with his memory at times and pointed out that he has lost his sense of smell, a common symptom reported by COVID-19 survivors. Despite these hurdles, Bridges maintains a positive outlook and even finds humour in the situation, as his wife jokingly remarks on his impaired sense of smell.
The initial announcement of Bridges’ lymphoma diagnosis was made via Twitter in October 2020, where he expressed gratitude for the medical team supporting him and shared hope about his treatment and recovery process. According to medical experts at the Mayo Clinic, lymphoma affects the lymphatic system and can present symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, weight loss, and itchy skin. Following several months of intensive treatment, Bridges celebrated the news of his remission, highlighting the significant reduction in the size of the cancer mass.
In addition to his health updates, Bridges recently delighted fans by releasing a collection of unreleased recordings titled “Slow Magic 1977-1978.” Collaborating with talented artists such as Keefus Ciancia, Jean Sievers, and Matt Sullivan, Bridges immersed himself in a creative project that not only showcased his musical artistry but also reconnected him with friends from the past. The album features diverse jam sessions and pays tribute to the vibrant music scene of West Los Angeles during that era, including collaborations with renowned musicians like Burgess Meredith and members of Oingo Boingo.
Reflecting on the creative process behind “Slow Magic 1977-1978,” Bridges expressed his excitement about reconnecting with old friends through music and the joy of reviving tunes from his past. The project stands as a testament to Bridges’ resilience and artistic spirit, illustrating his ability to find solace and inspiration in the midst of personal challenges.
As Bridges continues on his journey to full recovery, he remains a source of inspiration for many, demonstrating grace and courage in the face of adversity. His openness about his health struggles and creative endeavours serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of finding moments of joy and connection amidst life’s trials. With his positive outlook and unwavering spirit, Jeff Bridges continues to inspire fans and admirers worldwide with his profound resilience and creative passion.