“Jurassic Park” actor Sam Neill has announced he has stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The actor was diagnosed with “ferocious” stage 3 cancer in March 2022. To distract himself from his prognosis, he turned to writing his book, “Did I Ever Tell You This?” It gave “a reason to get through the day.”
In an interview with BBC, Neill stated when the doctors gave him his diagnosis he had been stoic. Last year he noticed that glands in his neck did not feel right while on tour for “Jurassic World Dominion.” After he received his diagnosis he took “stock of things” in his life.
At first, Neill didn’t think he had it in him to write a book so he thought he’d “write some stories.” He found the experience “increasingly engrossing.” One year later he had not only written a book but it has been published. Neill wrote the entire thing by himself.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
The actor describes his non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in his upcoming book. In his BBC interview, he makes it clear the memoir is not just about his ailment. Adding that he “can’t stand cancer books.” Neill focuses more on his fun, exciting life.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the lymph system which is part of the immune system. It helps protect one’s body from disease and infection. This cancer grows and spreads at different rates. It can be aggressive or listless (indolent). Aggressive lymphoma spreads and grows very quickly. Whereas, indolent lymphoma generally grows and spreads slowly.
During Neill’s Treatment
During the first round of chemotherapy, Neill lost his hair. He stated when he saw his reflection he saw “a bald, wizened old man.” He yearns to have his “beard back.’ Adding that he doesn’t like his “face one bit.”
Despite his diagnosis, Neill has remained positive. The actor told The Guardian that he did not fear death. However, it “would annoy” him. His family has built a few terraces and has cypresses and olive trees he would like to see “mature.” Additionally, the actor wants to see his grandchildren grow up.
By Sheena Robertson
Fox News: ‘Jurassic Park’ star Sam Neill reveals he has ‘ferocious’ stage 3 cancer
National Cancer Institute: Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Josh Jensen‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image by New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General (Photo by Mark Tantrum) Courtesy of Wikimedia – Creative Commons License
