I particularly like how weird sort of taking the power back and regards to the word stupid because it is historically a word used to denigrate, degrade, and other those of us with various mental illnesses or dis-eases or disorders or disabilities. And I know for myself at least I use the word in self identifying ways and there are of course others that probably do the same and I know that there are other disabled folks that detest the word because of its history. So I love that like part of the internet that is good and wholesome and uplifting sort of like you know making it our word
@@dark_neverland Really? People are offended by the word "stupid"? Next they'll be offended by the word "orange". It's literally such a commonplace innocuous word.
@@matthewcrome5835 it's not about being offended. It's recognizing the historical usage of words like "moron" & "stupid" & "dumb" as ableist terms used to demoralize, denigrate, & subjugate, institutionalize, & kill disabled folks. We don't largely use these words in those ways anymore but some still bristle at their usage & that's okay. The right to self-identify is important, context is important, & respecting people's or a group of people's boundaries around certain words & who can/can't use them is important just as recognizing language g meanings can change is important.
I like how 'taking a stupid walk for my stupid mental health' is becoming a thing. I'm here for it. Let's all take stupid walks for our stupid mental health.
I'm "like" #118 and that's my favorite number so yay! I'll be taking a stupid walk for my stupid mental health later, and I'll be thinking of Hank and everyone else having to go through this. Sending healing vibes to all who need them!! 💖💖💖
When he said his scalp was hurting, I started crying. So many nights I have continued to pursue a career in science because of Hank and now I am working in a research lab, testing cancer drugs and stuff.
@@yanaklaribaldrogo7467That's not normal these days. My guess is that they start with computer simulations or some such, then animal trials, then small scale tests on human volunteers etc...
Thank you. Keep at it. Even if what you are doing has no direct application or benefit to Hank. People WILL benefit from your work. Maybe me someday. Maybe you someday. Even if every drug you test turns out to not be helpful. The fact that those drugs are ruled out IS helpful. Knowledge has increased, connections will be seen, progress will be made. Science can be slow, but progress is still worth the effort. We celebrate the "successes" but each success stands on the shoulders of many, many, many "failures" that increased knowledge to the point that the success became possible.
you will never be "Hank Green, that guy with cancer", but you'll be "Hank Green, that guy who even during Chemo teached people about science and kindness". I can not put into words how much love and gratefulness there is for you, even though you're a stranger from the internet. But to me you've been that amazing guy for 17(?) years.
I do appreciate it as someone who is autistic and loves having the “script” for how to act and what to expect. This means if I ever get cancer I am going to have such a hugely less hard time having been prepared by Hank.
@@EbyKat yes I feel this as an autistic person who also has Ulcerative Colitis and am at an increased risk for lymphoma like Hank. I'm rly grateful for him 💜
as someone with chronic fatigue and depression the best way i’ve been able to distinguish the two is that when i feel tired and don’t want to do anything, it’s probably depression. when i feel tired and wish i wasn’t tired bc i want to do things, that’s fatigue.
This is actually really helpful. I had never thought about it, but it makes sense. I mean, in my case it's thanks to my Hashimoto's either way, but helpful for treating it I think.
That was actually an incredibly helpful thing to hear, thank you so much for sharing. I had suspected that I was depressed in high school, and now I think that was true. Just recently I experienced genuinely wanting to work out but being so physically tired that I couldn't, and I now realize that that's different from how I felt throughout all of high school, where even though I had hobbies I loved, I was deeply unmotivated and unable to engage with any of them because I was in such a bad place.
I had Hodgkins Lymphoma back in 2012, and did 12 rounds of chemo. During that time, vlogbrothers content was one of my greatest sources of comfort. Take care, Hank! ❤
It's even more frustrating when doctors judge you by your good days. When I was trying to get treatment for my chronic migraines, it felt like the doctors themselves were being dismissive of my situation because I happened to be feeling okay when I dragged myself to the doctor's office. Like, yeah, fuck me for feeling okay today I guess...
That video is incredible and so real for those of us with chronic stuff, particularly I want to send it to friends when I barely have anything to say about my life cos this is the first time I’ve been out the house other than for doctors in months.
Her content has been such a help over the years. It gave me the vocabulary I'd been lacking, made me feel less alone, helped when my grandmother began losing her hearing, and so much more. She is well worth checking out for the disabled and not.
This is such a Hank Green video to me. Hank learns some new things and tells us about them with all the context and science he can find while still allowing his feelings on the matter to be known. Legend.
Hank Green: “I’m going to be starting chemo, so I won’t be making videos for a while.” Also Hank Green: “I’ve started chemo, so I’m going to make some videos about it.”
Hearing you curse for the first time really hits home. It was like watching my dad cry for the first time after he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Fuck cancer!
Hank Green and The Perfect Strangers -“I Fucking Love Science” amazing song, I highly recommend the album (especially Marilyn Hanson, great song and message)
@@Jesskb13 Cheers. He's actually in remission which I thought was impossible. Penn State Hershey Med took good care of him over quarantine. Hope your mom is getting the best care.
my dad is going through this right now and I am too scared to hope that he can get through it; anticipatory grief is really heavy but content like this and comments like these help a lot. I am so glad your dad is in remission now, it's good to know it is possible 🤍
I'm a breast cancer survivor (10 yrs now) best advice I was given came from a family friend who just happened to be an oncologist. He told me that my cancer would not kill me, but it would be a hassle for a year. I pass that bit of knowledge on to you, Hank. Keep the end goal in sight when things are rough. Second... hydrate and when you think you are hydrated hydrate some more. You may need to go in and get fluids the day after chemo if the headaches keep up. third get yourself some plastic utensils you will thank me later. Sleep a lot... and know that you are love and someone if not many people will benefit from what you share. Thank you for sharing things that are hard.
Plastic utensils is a really good tip, I wish I'd known that one (20 years ago)! Another non-obvious one is to be careful what you spend the energy you have on, as your body will stop regenerating properly. What that means is you can go for a walk, come home a little winded, and feel like you just went for a walk and came home a little winded for the next week.
@@cally01 You can just throw it away and not have to worry about wasting energy washing dishes. Not having to worry about dishes (even for just a short time) can be such a huge improvement when you're dealing with illness.
@@cally01 chemo can cause a bad metallic taste in the mouth and eating with metal cutlery can compound the metallic taste using plastic helps to cut down on it
my partner just finished four months of chemo, and one of the first things he realized is that his pee glowed in the dark, so if you have any uv lights and want a fun(?) experience that might be a thing, wishing you well
Thank you, Hank. I’m an oncology nurse in Seattle. We talk about chemo side effects everyday with patients. Your narrative of your experience of chemo side effects helps me to better understand what our patients actually feel. It’s not just text book symptoms. Of course, I see and treat symptoms. Being able to sit quietly and watch your UA-cam broadens and deepens my understanding. You’re helping others. I hope you find all our comments and well wishes helpful to you.
Salish, if most nurses had the desire to improve and the compassion that you do, I think a lot of people's hospital experiences would be less frightening and aggravating. Thank you for wanting to do a good job and seeing it through.
Hank- as a fellow blonde person, the best eyebrow pencil that works for me is the Glossier blonde eyebrow pen. It's called "Brow flick". I've used it on my chin when I've wanted to make a fake beard, and it stays on perfectly!
My mum had her head shaved before her first chemo so she would not wake to strands of hair on her pillow. When she came home my dad just looked at her and said: " Your skull is so beautiful! Will you look at that! So beautiful!" And he was right.
My mother for her entire life, starting in teens, had longer to long hair, which she permed in the same style. She didn't think she could look good with any other style. In preparation for chemo, she got a pixi so lost hair wouldn't "make such a mess" and was shocked by how much she and everyone else liked it. Turned what could have been a very unsetting loss into a happy few hours.
@@krose6451 I am so happy your mum found a style that was easy to manage during a stressful time and made her feels good. My mum wore wigs when going out because she didn't want to upset people who knew her but weren't aware that she was sick. At home she unusually went without. She really enjoyed the curls that grew in after chemo... unfortunatly they didn't stay.
My mom cut her hair to an almost pixie cut before her chemo started. And I finally shaved her head after about 3 rounds of chemo! I had a pixie cut then too, so it was fun to have matching hair!
Without this man’s videos in my school science classes, I would never be as interested in science and technology as I am today. Hang in there Hank we love you!
I have an amazing job that I love in the scientific research field and I would NEVER have been able to learn any of the basic STEM stuff with videos like crash course and Khan Academy. It is impossible to say how much I owe hank green and how much good he has brought into this world. Feel better Hank. Fuck cancer
Just read your post. I want to kick your teachers for their lack of enthusiasm about their subjects I am annoyed for you Hank Green, and his brother, are the reason for The Internet
Despite being solidly in your target demographic, I am brand new to the community. I’m a week into my own treatment for breast cancer and was linked to your announcement by a friend who noted that we both referred to this as being a full time job. My husband is also a graduate of Hodgkins and ABVD, so we know this road well. Let’s cherish the good days, let the bad days suck, and have a damn good cry over the Ted Lasso finale. ❤️💙⚽️💙❤️
As a person who craves consistency even when bad things happen, I'm sure it's how he's "coping" with things. I personally can't "stop and dwell" (some people do and that's normal and their own coping mechanism) and I don't think Hank can either. He's used to being busy and the consistency helps him cope even if he can't do the full capacity again. Like I've never taken off work due to a bad thing happening, I always felt better going to work and being distracted by work, instead of staying home and dwelling. Doesn't mean one doesn't cope, you just cope in the moments around keeping the consistency.
@@HouseMDaddict It's refreshing to see someone who is able to accomplish all their tasks and keep up regardless of how crappy they feel that also recognizes it is valid for people to struggle with tasks when stressed out and suffering. I have felt a lot of shame in my life for struggling to take care of myself due to having mental illness (ocd), and I've always compared myself to people like you and believed that I just wasn't trying hard enough. Recently I've been seeing a new therapist and have made progress in changing that mindset, and just seeing people that are able to function well but that also acknowledge that it's not a choice or something that makes them better than others means a lot.
I think in a way it's second nature, which is why he is finding it so "easy." I have chronic illnesses, and some of my symptoms even include the ones he mentions having, and there are some things I really struggle to do at all, and some things that could be considered hard that I find relatively easy to do most of the time because it's habit. You have to be careful not to judge how well someone is doing based on them continuing to do stuff they have been doing on the regular for years.
i don't mean to sound pessimistic but he is just starting out and i wouldn't blame him if he reached a point where he didn't feel like he could keep up the regular content for a while
As someone with pretty severe ADHD who is always working to manage it the phrase "Being able to, and knowing that I need to do it, but being unable to." is something I can really relate to. It makes total sense, you summarized what a lack of executive function is. Try not to beat yourself up about it though it doesn't make you any more likely to be able to "do the thing" it just makes you feel worse.
Yeah I sometimes forget that most people DON'T have that issue. He was describing it and I was like "oh yeah, that's probably weird if you haven't had it your whole life". For me, the idea that I could want to/have to complete tasks and then could almost always just DO it (without relying on a complex system of coping skills and techniques) is absolutely fascinating and foreign. It's like a magic power or something.
When my bestie from college had breast cancer her stylist hosted a shaving party and multiple friends shaved their heads along with her in solidarity. It was a bonding experience and a way to take some control back. Those of us who didn't shave our heads got pink highlights in support. Good memories during an epically shitty time. Good news. She survived! It'll be 10 years this fall. Sending you all the good vibes and pelicans, Hank!
I remember a cancer survivor saying that the annoying thing about chemo was that you feel worse and worse throughout the rest of the week, but you start feeling better the day before you go in for chemo and it knocks you right back down again and that they just had to get through that period of pain and suffering
13 year cancer survivor here. Yes, it was exactly like that. My two days after chemo were extreme fatigue followed by the third day of nausea. Hint: when the doctor gives you three prescriptions for anti nausea medication, get them all filled, unlike what I did.
And each chemo is different. My mom has nausea right off the bat and fatigue that comes off and on right up to the next dose. The effects are also cumulative, so each time is a little worse.
The aim of chemotherapy schemes is to give you as much drugs as your organism can possibly tolerate. It is to overwhelm cancer cells while barely sparing your _essential_ healthy cells like stem cells and functioning leukocytes. So if you feel better just the day before the next chemo session, it's pretty much "by design" (some people tolerate better the same doses of course). It's a full blown war inside your body!
It's interesting hearing you speak articulately about your chemotherapy. A year ago, our 6-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia, and it was difficult to decode his thoughts. What I know from our experience (and a community of stories from parents of littles with blood cancer) is that induction is the absolute worst because everything is new and at its highest doses. My son couldn't walk for two months after starting induction. It was a lot to take in. I'm not sure if you're taking Steroids, too. Those puffed up my kiddo, ramped up his appetite, and made him oscillate between demanding and depressed. I don't know how much crossover there is between adult cancers and childhood cancers, but a familiar thing I hear in our community is, "Where did my child go?" because their appearance and their personality change so drastically. If you ever wonder, "Where did I go?" I want you to know that you are still there, and you come back. My little guy went into remission after induction, did his year of frontline therapy, and is now in maintenance. He's having his port removed on Monday (which feels scary tbh - we relied on it for so long). I'm working from home and he just came up to me to say, "Mom, do you know how you avoid walking everywhere?" Before I could even guess, he started hollering, "YOU HOP!!!!" and he bounded off. The energy, the personality... all the you comes back.
When I was a kid (age 6-12), my dad went through chemo and surgeries for brain cancer and he didn't talk about his symptoms at all. I knew it was bad because he was basically out of commission for a week after treatments. Of course he also had all the symptoms of having terminal brain cancer, both the physical symptoms and the depression. Eventually he refused to do chemo anymore bc he felt it wasnt worth it to feel so miserable for his remaining time. It's oddly comforting to hear Hank talk about his symptoms bc it gives me an idea of what he might have felt.
What could be more Hank than teaching about chemo side effects while being incredibly empathetic and understanding towards the people going through similar things and how they perceive his content? Forever and always the kind and goofy science guy.
Hi Hank, chronically ill person here. I’ve found that the unique brand of tired illness inflicts is almost inherently depressing. It’s hard to tell if my feelings are capital “D” Depression at times, or a strong, yet reasonable emotional response to a sucky situation. It’s nuanced and messy - I appreciate you naming that and sharing your experience with us.
Agreed. I have ankylosing spondylitis, spondyloarthopathy, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and RSD/CRPS Type 1 so as a kid, before I had my treatments all figured out I would often take 5 hour naps during the day because I was so incredibly fatigued. I couldn’t walk anyway, but I still liked being outside and stuff in my wheelchair, so when even that was too tiring for me it was very depressing. Glad I can walk and be active now that I have my conditions under control and don’t have to take long ass naps. Life is good nowadays
Same, I was looking for this comment 😂😂😂 but I’m sure it’s even more difficult when you know what it’s like to have phenomenal executive functioning and then can’t make it happen. 😕 sending so much love, support and healing vibes to you, Hank! Thank you for always sharing your knowledge, even when your head feels like it’s about to explode 🖤
The "stupid mental health walk, for my stupid mental health" is EXACTLY what it feels like when you feel awful with treatment, and have to overcome your fatigue. I did 3 weeks of radiation, and it wiped me out. We love you Hank, and I hope you are as proud of yourself for going through treatment as we all are
@@Kat-PM I could imagine the chemo irritates the diaphragm which goes bananas and contracts uncontrollably. Just like a muscle twitch you can't consciously stop. I've had very frequent and persistent hiccups growing up. Luckily, they've decreased in quantity, but they're just as bad as they've been 20 years ago. Whenever I get the hiccups they won't cease until I fall asleep ... So I've had the hiccups for 12+ hours straight. To anyone who hasn't experienced this: It freaking hurts! The diaphragm, the throat, the rips, ... get irritated. Drinking and eating hurts sometimes even on the following day. It's a burning sensation in the throat. TMI: More than once I've had the hiccups so bad it made me throw up (not completely but little amounts).
To be clear I'm not remotely tryna compare my own issues to suffering from chemo symptoms, but hoo boy that whole not being able to tell if the fatigue is fatigue or depression thing is such a mood.
felt that. I heard one person describe it as depression usually being when you're tired and don't want to do anything, fatigued is when you wish you weren't tired because you want to be doing things, and I found that pretty apt
Same here, Narcolepsy w/Cataplexy and I'm constantly asking myself if I'm sleeping more and more because im having a bad week/month symptomatically, or if it's just because I'm depressed. Am I just not doing enough? Do I *want* to wake up? Medically I know that it isn't up to me, and nothing I can just change, but the imposter syndrome and feelings of "it's all in my head, try harder" are *a lot.*
@DrearyLaneTheatre I feel you! I have Idiopathic Hypersomnia, been tested for Narcolepsy and sleep apnea 4 or 5 times (aren't sleep studies the best?). The constant, never-ending exhaustion for years leaves me wondering that... "is this all in my head?" I don't even remember what being "awake" or well-rested feels like anymore.
Hank Green once kicked cancer’s ass So hard, like it had eaten grass His strength is good and it’s only gettin’ better Oh, by the way, subscribe to the newsletter
@@EthanRDoesMC_ He pretty much acknowledges he has actual ADHD he just has the superpower kind so I guess now he gets the unenviable normie low executive functioning/low task initiation kind
He has a whole video about it from 6 years ago 'do you have adhd' where he pretty much acknowledge he probably has it, but got diagnosed with other things at the time and got a lot of help with orthophonistes, advisors and such plus the economic privilege that for example allowed him to have a computer when still a kiddo and now have an assistant.
@@Emilyanns8 it's funny you mention the superpower kind because if you listen to the way John describes Hank's behaviors that could be attributed to ADHD, i think there are other factors that make Hank's adhd *seem* like the mythical superpower kind. But also posit that all of us that live with an experienced ADHD are capable of it sometimes appearing as a superpower if we have thhe right support systems/networks in our lives, which Hank does & has iterated many many times
“Hope” is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all - - Emily Dickenson Here’s hoping the best for you. ❤
One of my favorite poems of all time. I truly helps shed some light in darker moments. Just like thinking about hank talking about how light is always everywhere even in dark space just with nothing to bounce off of.
This was my grad quote! I love the poem and I had a very rough time of it during high school. Having hope was the only way I scraped through it so I thought the poem would be a fitting way to end my high school career.
As someone with chronic fatigue syndrome, I have definitely experienced the "on no I walked too far. Am I stuck? Do I need to call someone??" moment haha. Fatigue is definitely a weird one. Hope the rest of your chemo journey goes as well as it can.
Hey Hank, nearly 12 years in remission for me, also Hodgkin's. Hang in there, mate, and, if you have someone to lean on, don't hesitate. I personally had some PTSD from the experience (of surgery, chemo and radio) I'm now sure may have been lessened by having someone hold my hand occasionally (particularly when they're pumping you full of poison). It's low-key brutal and delivered with a smile, but it's still traumatic. Oh! And wait until the nausea pills kick in before brushing your teeth in the morning. Subconscious association of brushing teeth with nausea is a hell of a thing to get past.
as a student who has gone through and still is going through chemo for leukemia, i can't tell how much i appreciate you for coming out and saying this, just... putting it into words. even if you don't, even if you're too tired, too depressed, too scared etc(which i was and which you may be) i just always appreciate you for being this person. a lot of people on this community have told you already that you're a gift, but i'll tell you again from the bottom of my heart: you're a gift. an absolute gift.
I really appreciate how transparent you're being about this process, and it means to me and many others. It made me reflect on my experience dealing with a loved one with cancer-- my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, eventually brain cancer, and she passed away when I was twelve, and at no point in the process did anyone sit down with me to explain to me what cancer really was, what chemo was, the effects (mental and physical), etc. It wasn't until after she passed that I learned that you lose hair because of the chemo, not because of the cancer itself! It's not something I blame anyone for, but I wish someone would have been this transparent with me during that time; it would have made everything less scary and less hard to process. You are by no means obligated to talk about your chemo journey, but I admire how, even through these times, you are informing and teaching people to make cancer and chemo less of a scary taboo topic. You're a gift 💚
Hank, I was just diagnose with cancer last week and it’s spreading. I am feeling everything that you do as well as panic attacks and worst … Thank you for posting your fight, I wish I was as strong as you.
Damn man, that's terrible news. I wish you the best of luck. Not to make this about me, but now that I'm in my 30s, this cancer stuff is starting to scare the hell out of me. May I ask you- what was the first sign that something was wrong?
Thanks so much for sharing this, Hank. As someone with a disability, it's SO IMPORTANT to me that people understand that when you see a person who "seems fine," that does not mean they're that way all the time. Your vulnerability here is raising an important awareness, and I really, really appreciate it.
Eyebrow advice if you so desire it: I'm relatively new to makeup, and I found it kinda intimidating to learn how to do my brows, so the best no-stress way I found to learn to do eyebrows was to go to the store Ulta Beauty where they have a brow bar. The brow bar is meant to wax your brows and stuff like that, but I have made an appointment and asked the person working there to teach me how to do my eyebrows, and they were very friendly and helpful, even though, technically, that's not what they do. They recommended an eyebrow pencil that matched my complexion and showed me how to use it. Plus, the eyebrow pencil they use is the benefit eyebrow pencil which I love. I hope you are doing as well as you can under the circumstance; thank you so much for sharing whatever you feel comfortable with.
Yes! When I first got ME I was at vet school in a shared house, & i was on the ground floor with a shower that had a shower chair. When I had to drop out & move back with my parents, I just took to sitting on the floor of the shower/ taking baths in 3 inches of water. No way I was getting daily hygiene standing up
I got one after my c-section. Absolutely recommended! It comes apart for storage and clicks back together easily. I keep it in an extra laundry hamper in my bathroom. Extra long bout with the flu? Shower chair. Super bad day at work? Shower chair!
Yup, spoonies tend to know that other spoonies only dust themselves off for public consumption when they're at their most recent 'best' and often need to recover afterwards.
As someone with many chronic illnesses including chronic fatigue it was refreshing to hear you say you dont know the difference between fatigue and depression. Thats been a hard one for me this week. Thank you for sharing and sending you as many spoons as possible. We love you.
Your announcement came days after my mom got diagnosed with a different aggressive cancer. Thank you so much for giving me some context for what she’s feeling and doing so when you yourself are not feeling well either. Don’t feel like you need to post but know that when you do it is such a gift to all of us and we appreciate everything you do and have done for us for many years. You’re truly my biggest hero
My wife got and I both got life-impacting dieseases a few years ago and not gonna lie it took us about 3-4 years to get over the "our lives are over, everything is way more work than it should be our bodies are falling apart" depression. I'm bringing that up to say give yourself permission to go up and down like that and try to find the humor in it wherever you can. One thing that helped us is to make MULTIPLE plans - a "good day plan" and a "bad day plan", maybe the good day plan is make a video and the bad day plan is read a book or take a nap and watch your favorite 80s cartoon reruns, but having a good day plan and a bad day plan helps you avoid the "I can't do the good day so now what?" feeling. It does wonders for the emotional overwhelmed feeling to break your days down like that. Hang in there bud, you got this Cheers
Man, Hank's cells can't even just stick to one job, but also finding new things to do and accomplish and multiply their new efforts into their world. Just overachieving down to the cellular level. ;-) ...But in all seriousness, love the videos and the product of your brain's random ideas, efforts, and musings. The world has been better because you're in it and have influenced it in ways that are meaningful for so many. Hope you feel and will be doing better soon, and recover as fast as amazing science and the amazing human body can make possible. -Daven
Reliving my twelve rounds of ABVD as you talk about your symptoms/side effects. Unfortunately it gets harder after every treatment, but you start to live for that second week in between treatments. And (for me) there was comfort in the consistency of the symptoms and the order in which I could expect them. They came and went like clock work. And I found the schedule of it all helpful. I hope your cough & headache subside soon, Hank. Rest up. ❤
I have rarely if ever seen such an open and honest video. My girlfriend went through similar struggles a few years ago. She was a very strong person, but talking about her mouth ulcers , fatigue, and all sorts of other symptoms/side effects was never easy. I admire the openness. It means a lot, to me anyway
Hank talking about losing his hair actually put a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat. I know he’s so strong and I’m so proud of him for talking about it in this format on the internet. ❤
Me too. Really felt like I was having a vid call with a friend when he just implied that we know what the scalp tingling was because it took me a second to catch up, because oh yeah, hair loss and cancer are a thing, and now it hit me that my internet friend has cancer. We love you, Hank.
Hank I am an Oncology/BMT RN, and I wanted to send some words of encouragement to you! You helped me get through school with your amazing videos, seriously. Thank you for that, you helped me and so many other nurses/healthcare workers I’m sure. I’m sorry you’re going through this, I hope you can get plenty of rest between your chemo cycles and feel better. Take care of yourself, I’m rooting for you Hank! 🤍🎗️
God bless you. The big C terrifies me and de-mystifying it is just… such a service to those of us who are in the dark about the entire thing. I’m not saying it hasn’t touched our family - my dad passed of asbestos related lung cancer - but he never had chemo and drugs. So yeah - thank you. You’re amazing. Xx
I’m recovering from chemo too! Laying on my couch watching this!! I’m 27 and I was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer last January and have been fighting it ever since! I just did my 32nd round of chemo I think? Plus I just recovered from pneumonia. Nothing can keep me down for too long! Hope your chemo journey goes similarly to mine!! My side effect drugs are dexamethasone, akynzeo, and metonia (for breakthrough nausea). It’s a good combo for me, but I have no idea what they give you in the states (I’m in Vancouver, BC)
Be kind to yourself when you feel like you could/need do something, but can't seem to do it. Feeling okay in the moment doesn't stop your body from telling you to conserve energy for the future bad times. I like that you talk about the mental health issues with being ill since cancer is not just a blow to the body, it's a blow to your life in every way possible
Thanks for the update, Hank. I'm currently prepping to start chemo and taking notes from you. Your insights about symptoms are helpful but it's your ability to speak kindly of yourself and your examples of self-care that I find most helpful. Peace, Lee
Yeh, my sister came and buzzed my hair off at the beginning of chemo so that 1) I wanted to know what shape my head is (so I can be forewarned) and 2) so I didn't end up with a seriously moth-eaten shaggy head.
When my wife was told of the possibility of losing her hair, we both went in to get a buzz cut. And then later, we went to a local biker shop to find some do-rags that weren't (in her words) girlie-looking and stupid. The best thing (for me at least) was the dude behind the counter. Big, grungy biker type. Took one look at my wife as she was paying for what she found and all he said was, "Good luck." By this time my wife was soooooo over people expressing things like "I'll say a prayer for you," or whatever. And here we had this guy who *knew* with just one look what was going on and he did was give her a quick nod and, "Good luck." It meant a lot to me.
My mom got very into bandanas and that gave her a fun new way to dress herself up so she was enjoying her baldness instead of resenting it. What I’m trying to say is that I think it might be prime time for Hank to get into really weird hats.
hi hank, pink tinted glasses may help with the headaches (FL-41 is the tint). i use them for migraines and honestly on bad adhd days it also just fucking helps to literally see the world through rose-coloured glasses!
I am starting chemo as well. I am a big fan, Hank. Sorry that you have to go through this, but this video makes me feel like I am going through this with someone. Thank you for sharing this.
Hank is truly an educator, even through chemo he's still teaching us. You got this, and we'll be here to listen if you feel like talking. If not, we'll be thinking about you and awaiting your return. Love you Hank!!!!❤
Colon cancer survivor here…read up on the side effects of the medications they are giving you to manage the chemo side effects. If by chance one of them is causing the headache, they can switch it for you. It takes a few rounds to figure out what works best for you but it is worth being your own advocate.
Hey Hank, I'm a Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor, 15 years in remission, and just wanted to wish you well on your journey. I can totally relate to your side effects of chemo and especially chemo brain which I actually still have! You're very brave opening up on here, I'm sure your experience will help others. Take good care and be kind to yourself, you got this x
this is so interesting to watch hank's constant curiosity and truth seeking infiltrate this journey he's going on. more learning and growing is happening despite it all. it really makes me appreciate hank's earnesty and intellect.
Thank you for this video. The things you are saying are exactly the things I have said to myself and family through my own treatments - but I've always doubted myself like "is this feeling even real?" Hearing you mirror my experience has been so validating and comforting. Thank you for being you.
Hank, thank you for taking the time to be real with us. You were a huge part of my childhood and I'm now working on Mars Sample Return, and you're part of why I made it where I did. Even going through chemo, you're taking the time to talk to us about science and about kindness and just being human. Not only have you already inspired a generation of scientists, now you're taking the time to make sure others in your shoes don't feel alone. You're a wonderful human being, and I wish I had better words for you. For video games... I highly recommend Outer Wilds (not to be confused with Outer Worlds) if you're okay with some optimism entangled with existential nihilism - which you very understandably might not want right now. If now isn't the time, maybe after you beat cancer will be the time for it :) Edit to add: If you do go ahead and play Outer Wilds, three things: play with a controller, not mouse and keyboard, avoid spoilers like the plague, and maybe skip the DLC for now since it is very heavy compared to the base game.
I was a recent widow and went through chemo mostly alone--my daughter came with me on the first day. The best thing a tech told me was that because my cancer was very curable they'd be going at it hard and it would be rough. Made it easier to get through. I'm 5+ years. Hang in there. Edit: Yes the poets are hell!
As a Spooner, I think it's better to take shorter walks than you think you are up for, and possibly do it multiple times rather than to go too far and either pay for it later or need to sit down and rest.
Yep. Even just poddling to the little square of grass on the corner & sitting down can do you good (not a people doctor - don't sit on the floor if you're having chemo, probably, what do I know)
Hank, you are an incredible human being, that unlike most others, takes such a hard and misunderstood time of your life, and still continues to educate others and do what you always have done. We are all lucky to have you ❤ I wish you and your loved ones the best and hope your symptoms get better soon and that you never have to go through this again. -an adult that watched your videos all the time as a child
6 years ago tomorrow I had my colectomy (I'm now the proud owner of a semicolon!), which was followed by FOLFOX a month later. I won't go into my side effects, but, as others have probably told you, every chemo session is worse than the last one. I know you've been told this is going to happen, and that it's on purpose (once you're recovered enough to tolerate another round, you get it, not when you're fully recovered), but be prepared for it to be worse than you've been warned. Hang in there my fellow cancer warrior!
I don't know why but I thought each month of chemo would get easier as my body became used to the chemicals. Sort of getting used to a pain killer for instance. I was wrong and it scared me until nurses finally said it was no surprise each month felt worse. It is also nice to be done, for a while at least, with chemo and days I feel normal are appreciated. Best wishes, Drew.
My son and I watched this together. You and John have been a part of our lives for a lot of years. We are nerdfighters from waaay back. Thank you for sharing your story. Him and I are sending big care bear rainbow heart love your way ❤
Man, I have never once commented on any of your videos despite watching you for years. I cannot fathom how many of the delightful fun facts I know off by heart came from watching you. You have built the foundation that learning can be fun and gripping and that doing that is important. I know my comment is a single voice in the choir that sings your praises but thank you for everything you've done. I know you'll kick this things ass and I'm sure you'll look badass bald. Thank you Hank. I hope I have the strength and grace to deal with life the way you do.
I'm a nurse that works with patients getting experimental cancer therapies. The thing that surprised me the most when I started was how most oncology patients didn't let their cancer consume their lives. Their lives had changed significantly, but they still did their best to live as much of their lives as they could. I'm glad to see you are doing the same Hank, DFTBA!
For the eyebrows, a friend of mine used a beard filler pen during his chemo. Made it a lot easier to apply for him and it comes out of a brush for the pen style. Truly hoping for the best for you hank.
There was a fashion fad in my area awhile back where women would shave their eyebrows and draw them back in with a pencil (some women who didn't go all the way and just penciled over their eyebrows, or only shaved a bit, but there were definitely some that went *all* the way). Anyway, my point is - there are options to help with eyebrow insufficiencies, and if women in the 2010s can think that's sexy, then if Hank Green tries it he'll probably re-start a trend. There are eyebrow pencils you can grab for like $3, or fancier ones for $10-15, if anyone was curious...
I've been reading the Mistborn books a lot recently, so they're on my mind. In them, some of the characters can "store health," that is, they can spend days or weeks of their lives feeling generally miserable, and in return, they can spend that stored health to heal remarkably fast when they need it, like to instantly recover from a lethal wound. What you're going through now is very similar to that, you're spending days feeling genuinely awful, and that sucks, but it's trading that into years of health in your future. I think that's a positive way of thinking about it when you're working yourself through the crummy bits. Store up that health.
As an Intractable Migraine sufferer, I can say that an ice pack hat (a "headache hat") can help the headaches. My twin sister went through chemo for breast cancer last year, as did my mom when she went through chemo the 2 years before, and they both experienced the same cycle of chemo - feel ok - feel like shit - feel like UTTER DEATH for a day - feel better - feel almost normal - chemo. Yes, the difference between not being able to do something and knowing you NEED to do something and not being able to... It sucks so bad that to have to stop doing what needs to be done because you just CAN'T. Your body's only job right now is to fight and endure this war that your doctors are helping you fight. Don't be too hard on yourself. You are don't the best you can, and nobody is going to fault you for not being able to keep up your normal schedule! Be well and know your are loved
I was gonna comment the same. Nothing helps with my migraines, I just have to suffer through them and putting something cold on my forehead helps so much
I almost didn't write anything, but this just comes from the heart. I wish you didn't have to go through this... when I think about all the people that suffers because of cancer, it makes my heart sink. Here's yet another random person in the world that can do absolutely nothing, wishing they could do something so you can feel better.
I want to thank you for your transparency and sharing all of this. My husband has dealt with two rounds of chemo, one for colon cancer and one for a reoccurrence, and people just don't seem to understand what that means. It hurts my heart that you have to go through this, that anyone does, but I'm so grateful that you're shinning a light in what's a very isolating space.
I really love that you're talking about this. I myself have been going through cancer treatment on and off since 2016 and it is quite the journey to go through. Thanks for the visibility and vulnerability. ❤
i love the internets collective decision to begrudgingly yet appreciatively call it a “stupid walk for my stupid mental health”
Walking my stupid dog, to be a good stupid dog owner😂😂
I particularly like how weird sort of taking the power back and regards to the word stupid because it is historically a word used to denigrate, degrade, and other those of us with various mental illnesses or dis-eases or disorders or disabilities. And I know for myself at least I use the word in self identifying ways and there are of course others that probably do the same and I know that there are other disabled folks that detest the word because of its history. So I love that like part of the internet that is good and wholesome and uplifting sort of like you know making it our word
Cool
@@dark_neverland Really? People are offended by the word "stupid"? Next they'll be offended by the word "orange". It's literally such a commonplace innocuous word.
@@matthewcrome5835 it's not about being offended. It's recognizing the historical usage of words like "moron" & "stupid" & "dumb" as ableist terms used to demoralize, denigrate, & subjugate, institutionalize, & kill disabled folks. We don't largely use these words in those ways anymore but some still bristle at their usage & that's okay. The right to self-identify is important, context is important, & respecting people's or a group of people's boundaries around certain words & who can/can't use them is important just as recognizing language g meanings can change is important.
I like how 'taking a stupid walk for my stupid mental health' is becoming a thing. I'm here for it. Let's all take stupid walks for our stupid mental health.
+++ Taking a stupid walk for your stupid mental health is an excellent self care choice.
StupidWalksEveryDay Squad where ya at🙌
ohh but it gets less stupid if you have good music
I'm "like" #118 and that's my favorite number so yay! I'll be taking a stupid walk for my stupid mental health later, and I'll be thinking of Hank and everyone else having to go through this. Sending healing vibes to all who need them!! 💖💖💖
@@t3hsis324 agreed. Some good music drastically improves the situation.
When he said his scalp was hurting, I started crying. So many nights I have continued to pursue a career in science because of Hank and now I am working in a research lab, testing cancer drugs and stuff.
You are a wonderful human being and I am glad you exist and that you are pursuing making this world a better place!
Same here!
@YANAKLARI BAL DROGO running clinical trials, maybe?
@@yanaklaribaldrogo7467That's not normal these days.
My guess is that they start with computer simulations or some such, then animal trials, then small scale tests on human volunteers etc...
Thank you. Keep at it. Even if what you are doing has no direct application or benefit to Hank. People WILL benefit from your work. Maybe me someday. Maybe you someday. Even if every drug you test turns out to not be helpful. The fact that those drugs are ruled out IS helpful. Knowledge has increased, connections will be seen, progress will be made. Science can be slow, but progress is still worth the effort. We celebrate the "successes" but each success stands on the shoulders of many, many, many "failures" that increased knowledge to the point that the success became possible.
you will never be "Hank Green, that guy with cancer", but you'll be "Hank Green, that guy who even during Chemo teached people about science and kindness". I can not put into words how much love and gratefulness there is for you, even though you're a stranger from the internet. But to me you've been that amazing guy for 17(?) years.
Well said
(Teaches*, not taught)
Ditto. Thanks for teaching us, Hank. You are an amazing guy.
I am echoing sentiments of so many other people but Hank helped me through so many science classes, ever so grateful for him
Thinking of you and praying for you.
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We're not entitled to chemo content. It's incredibly kind of you to be more... Vulnerable and open about this.
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I do appreciate it as someone who is autistic and loves having the “script” for how to act and what to expect. This means if I ever get cancer I am going to have such a hugely less hard time having been prepared by Hank.
@@EbyKat yes I feel this as an autistic person who also has Ulcerative Colitis and am at an increased risk for lymphoma like Hank. I'm rly grateful for him 💜
as someone with chronic fatigue and depression the best way i’ve been able to distinguish the two is that when i feel tired and don’t want to do anything, it’s probably depression. when i feel tired and wish i wasn’t tired bc i want to do things, that’s fatigue.
That’s a really great way to distinguish between them, I’m going to use this now!
This is actually really helpful. I had never thought about it, but it makes sense. I mean, in my case it's thanks to my Hashimoto's either way, but helpful for treating it I think.
Great insight. Cfs here too .
Chronic I learned something new today! Chronic migraines here
That was actually an incredibly helpful thing to hear, thank you so much for sharing. I had suspected that I was depressed in high school, and now I think that was true. Just recently I experienced genuinely wanting to work out but being so physically tired that I couldn't, and I now realize that that's different from how I felt throughout all of high school, where even though I had hobbies I loved, I was deeply unmotivated and unable to engage with any of them because I was in such a bad place.
'I'm in intense pain from cancer treatment but it's a great opportunity to educate some folks on youtube'.
God you're an inspiration.
I had Hodgkins Lymphoma back in 2012, and did 12 rounds of chemo. During that time, vlogbrothers content was one of my greatest sources of comfort. Take care, Hank! ❤
I hope you are healthy now! Sending hugs
I had the same in 2012 as well, stage 3B. Good to see you still around, champ 🥳
@@Complexxity_ Same, 3B, but in 2017. And here I am thinking about round 12 while Hank talks about round 1 being not too bad. Foreshadowing.
Are u cured now brother
@@ngocat6714 I'm going to guess yes. Either that or they're posting from the great beyond.
"Don't judge me by my good days": Jessica Kellgren-Fozard is a disability advocate/UA-camr/delight who says this and it has been *so helpful*
I love her videos
It's even more frustrating when doctors judge you by your good days. When I was trying to get treatment for my chronic migraines, it felt like the doctors themselves were being dismissive of my situation because I happened to be feeling okay when I dragged myself to the doctor's office. Like, yeah, fuck me for feeling okay today I guess...
That video is incredible and so real for those of us with chronic stuff, particularly I want to send it to friends when I barely have anything to say about my life cos this is the first time I’ve been out the house other than for doctors in months.
Invisible disabilities, illnesses, etc get especially judged on the "good days"
Her content has been such a help over the years. It gave me the vocabulary I'd been lacking, made me feel less alone, helped when my grandmother began losing her hearing, and so much more. She is well worth checking out for the disabled and not.
I love that "a stupid walk for my stupid mental health" is a singular phrase.
This is such a Hank Green video to me. Hank learns some new things and tells us about them with all the context and science he can find while still allowing his feelings on the matter to be known. Legend.
couldn't have put it into word in a better way. He is an absolute fucking legend indeed
That is exactly what i feel
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Hank Green consoling his viewers during his chemo journey... such a Green Brother thing to do. We are here for you Hank. Thanks for sharing.
Hank Green: “I’m going to be starting chemo, so I won’t be making videos for a while.”
Also Hank Green: “I’ve started chemo, so I’m going to make some videos about it.”
Well he didn't say he wouldn't be making videos he said he would see how he feels
To be fair, he specified that he wasn't promising videos, but that he might make some if he both wanted to and was up to making them.
I mean I can't say I'm surprised
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Hank trying to logic himself out of mental health problems. Sometimes you just have to be hank. Mental health takes time ❤
Logic can help with your mental health. It helps me sometimes with getting out of a depressive funk. But you're right, sometimes you need to just be
No no, I think he's onto something. Let him cook.
I wish I could just be Hank
A great observation and I love the balance of "having to be hank" and "having to be, hank".
Hearing you curse for the first time really hits home. It was like watching my dad cry for the first time after he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Fuck cancer!
Hank Green and The Perfect Strangers -“I Fucking Love Science” amazing song, I highly recommend the album (especially Marilyn Hanson, great song and message)
My mum also has stage 4 lung cancer. Seriously sucks. Definitely fuck cancer!
All my best for your dad ❤
@@Jesskb13 Cheers. He's actually in remission which I thought was impossible. Penn State Hershey Med took good care of him over quarantine. Hope your mom is getting the best care.
@@LuciTerra666 That's very good news!
my dad is going through this right now and I am too scared to hope that he can get through it; anticipatory grief is really heavy but content like this and comments like these help a lot. I am so glad your dad is in remission now, it's good to know it is possible 🤍
I'm a breast cancer survivor (10 yrs now) best advice I was given came from a family friend who just happened to be an oncologist. He told me that my cancer would not kill me, but it would be a hassle for a year. I pass that bit of knowledge on to you, Hank. Keep the end goal in sight when things are rough. Second... hydrate and when you think you are hydrated hydrate some more. You may need to go in and get fluids the day after chemo if the headaches keep up. third get yourself some plastic utensils you will thank me later. Sleep a lot... and know that you are love and someone if not many people will benefit from what you share. Thank you for sharing things that are hard.
Plastic utensils is a really good tip, I wish I'd known that one (20 years ago)!
Another non-obvious one is to be careful what you spend the energy you have on, as your body will stop regenerating properly. What that means is you can go for a walk, come home a little winded, and feel like you just went for a walk and came home a little winded for the next week.
@@bobgarrish I'm curious about the reasoning behind plastic cutlery. Is it just because it's less tough than metal cutlery or am I being dumb?
@@cally01 You can just throw it away and not have to worry about wasting energy washing dishes. Not having to worry about dishes (even for just a short time) can be such a huge improvement when you're dealing with illness.
@@combatwombats That makes a lot of sense actually, thanks for the quick response
@@cally01 chemo can cause a bad metallic taste in the mouth and eating with metal cutlery can compound the metallic taste
using plastic helps to cut down on it
HANK CAN’T BE STOPPED two videos in one day? thank you so much for the updates. I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to be up to it
Side note, hank you’re doing an amazing job
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hank you so much*
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my partner just finished four months of chemo, and one of the first things he realized is that his pee glowed in the dark, so if you have any uv lights and want a fun(?) experience that might be a thing, wishing you well
PLEASE do this omg
Urea glows under UV regardless of chemo
Thank you, Hank. I’m an oncology nurse in Seattle. We talk about chemo side effects everyday with patients. Your narrative of your experience of chemo side effects helps me to better understand what our patients actually feel. It’s not just text book symptoms. Of course, I see and treat symptoms. Being able to sit quietly and watch your UA-cam broadens and deepens my understanding. You’re helping others. I hope you find all our comments and well wishes helpful to you.
Salish, if most nurses had the desire to improve and the compassion that you do, I think a lot of people's hospital experiences would be less frightening and aggravating.
Thank you for wanting to do a good job and seeing it through.
Hank- as a fellow blonde person, the best eyebrow pencil that works for me is the Glossier blonde eyebrow pen. It's called "Brow flick". I've used it on my chin when I've wanted to make a fake beard, and it stays on perfectly!
My mum had her head shaved before her first chemo so she would not wake to strands of hair on her pillow. When she came home my dad just looked at her and said: " Your skull is so beautiful! Will you look at that! So beautiful!" And he was right.
My mother for her entire life, starting in teens, had longer to long hair, which she permed in the same style. She didn't think she could look good with any other style. In preparation for chemo, she got a pixi so lost hair wouldn't "make such a mess" and was shocked by how much she and everyone else liked it. Turned what could have been a very unsetting loss into a happy few hours.
@@krose6451 I am so happy your mum found a style that was easy to manage during a stressful time and made her feels good.
My mum wore wigs when going out because she didn't want to upset people who knew her but weren't aware that she was sick.
At home she unusually went without.
She really enjoyed the curls that grew in after chemo... unfortunatly they didn't stay.
Your dad is so beautiful!
@@CL-go2ji Thank you. He was lovely.
My mom cut her hair to an almost pixie cut before her chemo started. And I finally shaved her head after about 3 rounds of chemo! I had a pixie cut then too, so it was fun to have matching hair!
Without this man’s videos in my school science classes, I would never be as interested in science and technology as I am today. Hang in there Hank we love you!
@Rizzotto I think Hank Greene is this generation's Bill Nye, I also hope he is able to make a full recovery.
I have an amazing job that I love in the scientific research field and I would NEVER have been able to learn any of the basic STEM stuff with videos like crash course and Khan Academy. It is impossible to say how much I owe hank green and how much good he has brought into this world. Feel better Hank. Fuck cancer
@@peggedyourdad9560Bill Nye was my gens Bill Nye, but Hank is better!
Discovered him 16 years ago!
Just read your post.
I want to kick your teachers for their lack of enthusiasm about their subjects
I am annoyed for you
Hank Green, and his brother, are the reason for The Internet
"I've taken a stupid walk for my stupid mental health every day." Love it.
Despite being solidly in your target demographic, I am brand new to the community. I’m a week into my own treatment for breast cancer and was linked to your announcement by a friend who noted that we both referred to this as being a full time job. My husband is also a graduate of Hodgkins and ABVD, so we know this road well. Let’s cherish the good days, let the bad days suck, and have a damn good cry over the Ted Lasso finale. ❤️💙⚽️💙❤️
Wishing you well on your journey.
Good luck! ❤
Welcome to Nerdfighteria, I hope you find some solace here during your journey. Wishing you well.
Good luck I hope you recover quickly
This guy is something fucking else. Like, a gift.
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I'm pleasantly suprised hank has still been creating stuff through his chemo, but if he weren't he would still be amazing.
As a person who craves consistency even when bad things happen, I'm sure it's how he's "coping" with things. I personally can't "stop and dwell" (some people do and that's normal and their own coping mechanism) and I don't think Hank can either. He's used to being busy and the consistency helps him cope even if he can't do the full capacity again. Like I've never taken off work due to a bad thing happening, I always felt better going to work and being distracted by work, instead of staying home and dwelling. Doesn't mean one doesn't cope, you just cope in the moments around keeping the consistency.
@@HouseMDaddict It's refreshing to see someone who is able to accomplish all their tasks and keep up regardless of how crappy they feel that also recognizes it is valid for people to struggle with tasks when stressed out and suffering.
I have felt a lot of shame in my life for struggling to take care of myself due to having mental illness (ocd), and I've always compared myself to people like you and believed that I just wasn't trying hard enough. Recently I've been seeing a new therapist and have made progress in changing that mindset, and just seeing people that are able to function well but that also acknowledge that it's not a choice or something that makes them better than others means a lot.
I’m actually not surprised he really likes to do stuff and make stuff
I think in a way it's second nature, which is why he is finding it so "easy." I have chronic illnesses, and some of my symptoms even include the ones he mentions having, and there are some things I really struggle to do at all, and some things that could be considered hard that I find relatively easy to do most of the time because it's habit.
You have to be careful not to judge how well someone is doing based on them continuing to do stuff they have been doing on the regular for years.
i don't mean to sound pessimistic but he is just starting out and i wouldn't blame him if he reached a point where he didn't feel like he could keep up the regular content for a while
As someone with pretty severe ADHD who is always working to manage it the phrase "Being able to, and knowing that I need to do it, but being unable to." is something I can really relate to. It makes total sense, you summarized what a lack of executive function is. Try not to beat yourself up about it though it doesn't make you any more likely to be able to "do the thing" it just makes you feel worse.
I was thinking the exact same thing
Same. That's pretty much my default state of being.
Yup, perfect description
I couldn’t agree more.
Yeah I sometimes forget that most people DON'T have that issue. He was describing it and I was like "oh yeah, that's probably weird if you haven't had it your whole life". For me, the idea that I could want to/have to complete tasks and then could almost always just DO it (without relying on a complex system of coping skills and techniques) is absolutely fascinating and foreign. It's like a magic power or something.
When my bestie from college had breast cancer her stylist hosted a shaving party and multiple friends shaved their heads along with her in solidarity. It was a bonding experience and a way to take some control back. Those of us who didn't shave our heads got pink highlights in support. Good memories during an epically shitty time. Good news. She survived! It'll be 10 years this fall.
Sending you all the good vibes and pelicans, Hank!
I remember a cancer survivor saying that the annoying thing about chemo was that you feel worse and worse throughout the rest of the week, but you start feeling better the day before you go in for chemo and it knocks you right back down again and that they just had to get through that period of pain and suffering
13 year cancer survivor here. Yes, it was exactly like that. My two days after chemo were extreme fatigue followed by the third day of nausea. Hint: when the doctor gives you three prescriptions for anti nausea medication, get them all filled, unlike what I did.
It's like that, the fatigue is crushing, but I was fortunate not to have nausea or loss of appetite at all during both courses for chemo.
And each chemo is different. My mom has nausea right off the bat and fatigue that comes off and on right up to the next dose. The effects are also cumulative, so each time is a little worse.
The aim of chemotherapy schemes is to give you as much drugs as your organism can possibly tolerate. It is to overwhelm cancer cells while barely sparing your _essential_ healthy cells like stem cells and functioning leukocytes. So if you feel better just the day before the next chemo session, it's pretty much "by design" (some people tolerate better the same doses of course). It's a full blown war inside your body!
My wife called it the "chemo hole".
We (platonically and parasocially) love you Hank! You can do it! You'll make it through!
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ahaha exactly (healthy and rational internet friendship-strengthening laugh)
It's interesting hearing you speak articulately about your chemotherapy. A year ago, our 6-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia, and it was difficult to decode his thoughts. What I know from our experience (and a community of stories from parents of littles with blood cancer) is that induction is the absolute worst because everything is new and at its highest doses. My son couldn't walk for two months after starting induction. It was a lot to take in. I'm not sure if you're taking Steroids, too. Those puffed up my kiddo, ramped up his appetite, and made him oscillate between demanding and depressed.
I don't know how much crossover there is between adult cancers and childhood cancers, but a familiar thing I hear in our community is, "Where did my child go?" because their appearance and their personality change so drastically. If you ever wonder, "Where did I go?" I want you to know that you are still there, and you come back. My little guy went into remission after induction, did his year of frontline therapy, and is now in maintenance. He's having his port removed on Monday (which feels scary tbh - we relied on it for so long). I'm working from home and he just came up to me to say, "Mom, do you know how you avoid walking everywhere?" Before I could even guess, he started hollering, "YOU HOP!!!!" and he bounded off. The energy, the personality... all the you comes back.
When I was a kid (age 6-12), my dad went through chemo and surgeries for brain cancer and he didn't talk about his symptoms at all. I knew it was bad because he was basically out of commission for a week after treatments. Of course he also had all the symptoms of having terminal brain cancer, both the physical symptoms and the depression. Eventually he refused to do chemo anymore bc he felt it wasnt worth it to feel so miserable for his remaining time. It's oddly comforting to hear Hank talk about his symptoms bc it gives me an idea of what he might have felt.
What could be more Hank than teaching about chemo side effects while being incredibly empathetic and understanding towards the people going through similar things and how they perceive his content? Forever and always the kind and goofy science guy.
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Hi Hank, chronically ill person here. I’ve found that the unique brand of tired illness inflicts is almost inherently depressing. It’s hard to tell if my feelings are capital “D” Depression at times, or a strong, yet reasonable emotional response to a sucky situation. It’s nuanced and messy - I appreciate you naming that and sharing your experience with us.
Agreed. I have ankylosing spondylitis, spondyloarthopathy, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and RSD/CRPS Type 1 so as a kid, before I had my treatments all figured out I would often take 5 hour naps during the day because I was so incredibly fatigued. I couldn’t walk anyway, but I still liked being outside and stuff in my wheelchair, so when even that was too tiring for me it was very depressing. Glad I can walk and be active now that I have my conditions under control and don’t have to take long ass naps. Life is good nowadays
Same. Like feeling like crap a lot tends to make you feel crappy. And sorting out those feelings can be impossible.
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"Being able to, and knowing that you need to, but not being able to."
Oh Hank, I have ADHD and I understand that more than you could possibly know
Same, I was looking for this comment 😂😂😂 but I’m sure it’s even more difficult when you know what it’s like to have phenomenal executive functioning and then can’t make it happen. 😕 sending so much love, support and healing vibes to you, Hank! Thank you for always sharing your knowledge, even when your head feels like it’s about to explode 🖤
The "stupid mental health walk, for my stupid mental health" is EXACTLY what it feels like when you feel awful with treatment, and have to overcome your fatigue. I did 3 weeks of radiation, and it wiped me out. We love you Hank, and I hope you are as proud of yourself for going through treatment as we all are
"Hiccups are not normal: I never have hiccups..."
Hang in there and as always thank you for being there for all of us.
Now we know that it is cancer that causes hiccups
Dang, I get hiccups all the time. Stop it
@@themasstermwahahahah It’s not the cancer, it’s the chemo. I’m not sure why
@@Kat-PM I could imagine the chemo irritates the diaphragm which goes bananas and contracts uncontrollably. Just like a muscle twitch you can't consciously stop.
I've had very frequent and persistent hiccups growing up. Luckily, they've decreased in quantity, but they're just as bad as they've been 20 years ago. Whenever I get the hiccups they won't cease until I fall asleep ... So I've had the hiccups for 12+ hours straight. To anyone who hasn't experienced this: It freaking hurts! The diaphragm, the throat, the rips, ... get irritated. Drinking and eating hurts sometimes even on the following day. It's a burning sensation in the throat.
TMI: More than once I've had the hiccups so bad it made me throw up (not completely but little amounts).
To be clear I'm not remotely tryna compare my own issues to suffering from chemo symptoms, but hoo boy that whole not being able to tell if the fatigue is fatigue or depression thing is such a mood.
felt that. I heard one person describe it as depression usually being when you're tired and don't want to do anything, fatigued is when you wish you weren't tired because you want to be doing things, and I found that pretty apt
@@Romanticoutlaw Needed this advice omg ty ty ty
@@Romanticoutlaw Oh man, I'm going to use that!
Same here, Narcolepsy w/Cataplexy and I'm constantly asking myself if I'm sleeping more and more because im having a bad week/month symptomatically, or if it's just because I'm depressed. Am I just not doing enough? Do I *want* to wake up? Medically I know that it isn't up to me, and nothing I can just change, but the imposter syndrome and feelings of "it's all in my head, try harder" are *a lot.*
@DrearyLaneTheatre I feel you! I have Idiopathic Hypersomnia, been tested for Narcolepsy and sleep apnea 4 or 5 times (aren't sleep studies the best?).
The constant, never-ending exhaustion for years leaves me wondering that... "is this all in my head?" I don't even remember what being "awake" or well-rested feels like anymore.
"Cancer didn't happen to you; you happened to cancer."
(My auntie with lymphoma in remission says the same).
Stay strong, Hank!
We love you xx
Hank, with cancer, on chemo..... called himself a healthy 43 year old.
I love that that is still how he thinks of himself. 💕
I did the same thing at 45. It's weird to consider yourself a healthy person who happens to be going through this thing but not as weird as I expected
.... I have cancer. I'm starting chemo tomorrow. I'm 40. I consider myself healthy. I guess it is a thing?
Hank Green once kicked cancer’s ass
So hard, like it had eaten grass
His strength is good and it’s only gettin’ better
Oh, by the way, subscribe to the newsletter
I hope you meant this to go along to the "Rappin for Jesus" beat, because i totally read it like that :).
@@Sosotora55 Hahahahahaha it certainly crossed my mind, but I never intended for it to go along with the beat.
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"Being able to and knowing that I need to, but not being able to" captures ADHD/depression perfectly
heard him say those words and immediately went to write a comment about it. yeah. hank u got adhd simulator rn
@@EthanRDoesMC_ He pretty much acknowledges he has actual ADHD he just has the superpower kind so I guess now he gets the unenviable normie low executive functioning/low task initiation kind
He has a whole video about it from 6 years ago 'do you have adhd' where he pretty much acknowledge he probably has it, but got diagnosed with other things at the time and got a lot of help with orthophonistes, advisors and such plus the economic privilege that for example allowed him to have a computer when still a kiddo and now have an assistant.
@@Emilyanns8 it's funny you mention the superpower kind because if you listen to the way John describes Hank's behaviors that could be attributed to ADHD, i think there are other factors that make Hank's adhd *seem* like the mythical superpower kind. But also posit that all of us that live with an experienced ADHD are capable of it sometimes appearing as a superpower if we have thhe right support systems/networks in our lives, which Hank does & has iterated many many times
This was my immediate thought too
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
- Emily Dickenson
Here’s hoping the best for you. ❤
One of my favorite poems of all time. I truly helps shed some light in darker moments. Just like thinking about hank talking about how light is always everywhere even in dark space just with nothing to bounce off of.
This was my grad quote! I love the poem and I had a very rough time of it during high school. Having hope was the only way I scraped through it so I thought the poem would be a fitting way to end my high school career.
As someone with chronic fatigue syndrome, I have definitely experienced the "on no I walked too far. Am I stuck? Do I need to call someone??" moment haha. Fatigue is definitely a weird one. Hope the rest of your chemo journey goes as well as it can.
I love the fact that you are still worried that you might hurt someone else by acting "too healthy" on camera. Keep being awesome, Hank.
@@fx-studio be so fr 💀💀💀💀💀
@@fx-studio you can’t be serious
Hey Hank, nearly 12 years in remission for me, also Hodgkin's. Hang in there, mate, and, if you have someone to lean on, don't hesitate. I personally had some PTSD from the experience (of surgery, chemo and radio) I'm now sure may have been lessened by having someone hold my hand occasionally (particularly when they're pumping you full of poison). It's low-key brutal and delivered with a smile, but it's still traumatic. Oh! And wait until the nausea pills kick in before brushing your teeth in the morning. Subconscious association of brushing teeth with nausea is a hell of a thing to get past.
as a student who has gone through and still is going through chemo for leukemia, i can't tell how much i appreciate you for coming out and saying this, just... putting it into words. even if you don't, even if you're too tired, too depressed, too scared etc(which i was and which you may be) i just always appreciate you for being this person. a lot of people on this community have told you already that you're a gift, but i'll tell you again from the bottom of my heart: you're a gift. an absolute gift.
What are you a student of?
@@megankidd4671 oh i'm still in school :)
I really appreciate how transparent you're being about this process, and it means to me and many others. It made me reflect on my experience dealing with a loved one with cancer-- my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, eventually brain cancer, and she passed away when I was twelve, and at no point in the process did anyone sit down with me to explain to me what cancer really was, what chemo was, the effects (mental and physical), etc. It wasn't until after she passed that I learned that you lose hair because of the chemo, not because of the cancer itself! It's not something I blame anyone for, but I wish someone would have been this transparent with me during that time; it would have made everything less scary and less hard to process. You are by no means obligated to talk about your chemo journey, but I admire how, even through these times, you are informing and teaching people to make cancer and chemo less of a scary taboo topic. You're a gift 💚
Hank throughout the video:*yawns* me literally every single time: *also yawns*
Not me yawning after I read this comment
Yes, that's a scientific empathy thing. Us fans are typically an empathetic lot. ❤️
Hank selfishly I’m glad you feel well enough to make content and also unselfishly I’m glad you feel well enough to make content 💚💚
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Hank, I was just diagnose with cancer last week and it’s spreading.
I am feeling everything that you do as well as panic attacks and worst …
Thank you for posting your fight, I wish I was as strong as you.
I’m so sorry, and we don’t know eachother, but i am sending you love and hope
stay strong
Damn man, that's terrible news. I wish you the best of luck.
Not to make this about me, but now that I'm in my 30s, this cancer stuff is starting to scare the hell out of me. May I ask you- what was the first sign that something was wrong?
love you Hank. we’re here for you as well as a bunch of strangers on the internet can be.
take care of yourself king
Never heard Hank swear before, but it’s almost comforting. Get well Hank.
Have you listened to delete this?
Great content, lots of swearing lol
He swears regularly over on TT.
@@gerimaple TT?
cancer sucks so much, but here you are continuing to educate and make people smile. you’re just amazing, Hank. you’ve got this!!!!!💚💚💚
Thanks so much for sharing this, Hank. As someone with a disability, it's SO IMPORTANT to me that people understand that when you see a person who "seems fine," that does not mean they're that way all the time. Your vulnerability here is raising an important awareness, and I really, really appreciate it.
Eyebrow advice if you so desire it: I'm relatively new to makeup, and I found it kinda intimidating to learn how to do my brows, so the best no-stress way I found to learn to do eyebrows was to go to the store Ulta Beauty where they have a brow bar. The brow bar is meant to wax your brows and stuff like that, but I have made an appointment and asked the person working there to teach me how to do my eyebrows, and they were very friendly and helpful, even though, technically, that's not what they do. They recommended an eyebrow pencil that matched my complexion and showed me how to use it. Plus, the eyebrow pencil they use is the benefit eyebrow pencil which I love. I hope you are doing as well as you can under the circumstance; thank you so much for sharing whatever you feel comfortable with.
Shower chairs are an amazing tool, folks. If you think it might help your hygiene situation, it's worth a try
Yes! When I first got ME I was at vet school in a shared house, & i was on the ground floor with a shower that had a shower chair. When I had to drop out & move back with my parents, I just took to sitting on the floor of the shower/ taking baths in 3 inches of water. No way I was getting daily hygiene standing up
As a potsie highly highly recommend
I second this. I went through a long illness and having a shower chair was so helpful.
I got one after my c-section. Absolutely recommended! It comes apart for storage and clicks back together easily. I keep it in an extra laundry hamper in my bathroom. Extra long bout with the flu? Shower chair. Super bad day at work? Shower chair!
Spoonies everywhere are with you, Hank. We understand and we're behind you all the way. You got this.
Today I learned what the term "spoonies" means because of your comment. Thanks for helping me understand this community a little better, man.
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We are.
Yup, spoonies tend to know that other spoonies only dust themselves off for public consumption when they're at their most recent 'best' and often need to recover afterwards.
Save the spoons Hank.
As someone with many chronic illnesses including chronic fatigue it was refreshing to hear you say you dont know the difference between fatigue and depression. Thats been a hard one for me this week. Thank you for sharing and sending you as many spoons as possible. We love you.
Your announcement came days after my mom got diagnosed with a different aggressive cancer. Thank you so much for giving me some context for what she’s feeling and doing so when you yourself are not feeling well either. Don’t feel like you need to post but know that when you do it is such a gift to all of us and we appreciate everything you do and have done for us for many years. You’re truly my biggest hero
My wife got and I both got life-impacting dieseases a few years ago and not gonna lie it took us about 3-4 years to get over the "our lives are over, everything is way more work than it should be our bodies are falling apart" depression. I'm bringing that up to say give yourself permission to go up and down like that and try to find the humor in it wherever you can. One thing that helped us is to make MULTIPLE plans - a "good day plan" and a "bad day plan", maybe the good day plan is make a video and the bad day plan is read a book or take a nap and watch your favorite 80s cartoon reruns, but having a good day plan and a bad day plan helps you avoid the "I can't do the good day so now what?" feeling. It does wonders for the emotional overwhelmed feeling to break your days down like that.
Hang in there bud, you got this
Cheers
THIS! All the yes to this
Omg what a great idea. Thank you
This is incredible stuff. Thanks for sharing your wisdom - I hope you’re on a good day!!!!!!!
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Dude, I’ve had chronic illnesses for years and hadn’t come across this gem yet!! Thanks for this advice.
Man, Hank's cells can't even just stick to one job, but also finding new things to do and accomplish and multiply their new efforts into their world. Just overachieving down to the cellular level. ;-) ...But in all seriousness, love the videos and the product of your brain's random ideas, efforts, and musings. The world has been better because you're in it and have influenced it in ways that are meaningful for so many. Hope you feel and will be doing better soon, and recover as fast as amazing science and the amazing human body can make possible. -Daven
Hank=overachievers all the way down 🐢🐢🐢good thing science and medicine can overachieve too!
Simon??
@@Taygetea Daven
Reliving my twelve rounds of ABVD as you talk about your symptoms/side effects. Unfortunately it gets harder after every treatment, but you start to live for that second week in between treatments. And (for me) there was comfort in the consistency of the symptoms and the order in which I could expect them. They came and went like clock work. And I found the schedule of it all helpful. I hope your cough & headache subside soon, Hank. Rest up. ❤
I have rarely if ever seen such an open and honest video. My girlfriend went through similar struggles a few years ago. She was a very strong person, but talking about her mouth ulcers , fatigue, and all sorts of other symptoms/side effects was never easy. I admire the openness. It means a lot, to me anyway
Hank talking about losing his hair actually put a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat. I know he’s so strong and I’m so proud of him for talking about it in this format on the internet. ❤
I too love Hank and will cry many times over the next few months I am sure. He and John are just the best people around right now.
Me too. Really felt like I was having a vid call with a friend when he just implied that we know what the scalp tingling was because it took me a second to catch up, because oh yeah, hair loss and cancer are a thing, and now it hit me that my internet friend has cancer. We love you, Hank.
Same! I don't know why, but I think that was the comment that really made this sink in for me, like "oh... shit. This is real, he has cancer."
“A stupid walk for my stupid mental health” is the best way to describe how I also feel about walks. Thank you for that. ❤
Hank I am an Oncology/BMT RN, and I wanted to send some words of encouragement to you! You helped me get through school with your amazing videos, seriously. Thank you for that, you helped me and so many other nurses/healthcare workers I’m sure. I’m sorry you’re going through this, I hope you can get plenty of rest between your chemo cycles and feel better. Take care of yourself, I’m rooting for you Hank! 🤍🎗️
God bless you. The big C terrifies me and de-mystifying it is just… such a service to those of us who are in the dark about the entire thing. I’m not saying it hasn’t touched our family - my dad passed of asbestos related lung cancer - but he never had chemo and drugs. So yeah - thank you. You’re amazing. Xx
I’m recovering from chemo too! Laying on my couch watching this!! I’m 27 and I was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer last January and have been fighting it ever since! I just did my 32nd round of chemo I think? Plus I just recovered from pneumonia. Nothing can keep me down for too long! Hope your chemo journey goes similarly to mine!!
My side effect drugs are dexamethasone, akynzeo, and metonia (for breakthrough nausea). It’s a good combo for me, but I have no idea what they give you in the states (I’m in Vancouver, BC)
Sending you hugs and strength!
look at you go Hank, and even taking a stupid walk for your stupid mental health. way to go - love you
Whoo go Hank
Be kind to yourself when you feel like you could/need do something, but can't seem to do it. Feeling okay in the moment doesn't stop your body from telling you to conserve energy for the future bad times. I like that you talk about the mental health issues with being ill since cancer is not just a blow to the body, it's a blow to your life in every way possible
Thanks for the update, Hank. I'm currently prepping to start chemo and taking notes from you. Your insights about symptoms are helpful but it's your ability to speak kindly of yourself and your examples of self-care that I find most helpful. Peace, Lee
His motivation levels on chemo are still higher than mine on a normal day.
shaving her head gave my mom the feeling of control over at leat something the cancer wasn't allowed to do to her. gave her some good spirits.
Yeh, my sister came and buzzed my hair off at the beginning of chemo so that 1) I wanted to know what shape my head is (so I can be forewarned) and 2) so I didn't end up with a seriously moth-eaten shaggy head.
When my wife was told of the possibility of losing her hair, we both went in to get a buzz cut. And then later, we went to a local biker shop to find some do-rags that weren't (in her words) girlie-looking and stupid. The best thing (for me at least) was the dude behind the counter. Big, grungy biker type. Took one look at my wife as she was paying for what she found and all he said was, "Good luck." By this time my wife was soooooo over people expressing things like "I'll say a prayer for you," or whatever. And here we had this guy who *knew* with just one look what was going on and he did was give her a quick nod and, "Good luck." It meant a lot to me.
My mom got very into bandanas and that gave her a fun new way to dress herself up so she was enjoying her baldness instead of resenting it. What I’m trying to say is that I think it might be prime time for Hank to get into really weird hats.
@Olivia - Yes! Bring back Putting Stuff On Your Head!
Buffs work really well too! Stretchy tube that can be worn in various ways.
hi hank, pink tinted glasses may help with the headaches (FL-41 is the tint). i use them for migraines and honestly on bad adhd days it also just fucking helps to literally see the world through rose-coloured glasses!
I am starting chemo as well. I am a big fan, Hank. Sorry that you have to go through this, but this video makes me feel like I am going through this with someone. Thank you for sharing this.
Hugs dude.
Hank is truly an educator, even through chemo he's still teaching us. You got this, and we'll be here to listen if you feel like talking. If not, we'll be thinking about you and awaiting your return. Love you Hank!!!!❤
Colon cancer survivor here…read up on the side effects of the medications they are giving you to manage the chemo side effects. If by chance one of them is causing the headache, they can switch it for you. It takes a few rounds to figure out what works best for you but it is worth being your own advocate.
Also as someone who has health literacy and is also v stubborn, don't be afraid to have a supportive person help you do that, or anything else.
Thank you for the grace and the education.
A whole big family in Texas is sending you every warm thought, healing energy, and/or prayer we have.
Hey Hank, I'm a Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor, 15 years in remission, and just wanted to wish you well on your journey. I can totally relate to your side effects of chemo and especially chemo brain which I actually still have! You're very brave opening up on here, I'm sure your experience will help others. Take good care and be kind to yourself, you got this x
Hank be like "Media that no make me cry," and then he watched Ted Lasso.
this is so interesting to watch hank's constant curiosity and truth seeking infiltrate this journey he's going on. more learning and growing is happening despite it all. it really makes me appreciate hank's earnesty and intellect.
Thank you for this video. The things you are saying are exactly the things I have said to myself and family through my own treatments - but I've always doubted myself like "is this feeling even real?" Hearing you mirror my experience has been so validating and comforting. Thank you for being you.
Hank, thank you for taking the time to be real with us. You were a huge part of my childhood and I'm now working on Mars Sample Return, and you're part of why I made it where I did. Even going through chemo, you're taking the time to talk to us about science and about kindness and just being human. Not only have you already inspired a generation of scientists, now you're taking the time to make sure others in your shoes don't feel alone. You're a wonderful human being, and I wish I had better words for you.
For video games... I highly recommend Outer Wilds (not to be confused with Outer Worlds) if you're okay with some optimism entangled with existential nihilism - which you very understandably might not want right now. If now isn't the time, maybe after you beat cancer will be the time for it :)
Edit to add: If you do go ahead and play Outer Wilds, three things: play with a controller, not mouse and keyboard, avoid spoilers like the plague, and maybe skip the DLC for now since it is very heavy compared to the base game.
I was a recent widow and went through chemo mostly alone--my daughter came with me on the first day. The best thing a tech told me was that because my cancer was very curable they'd be going at it hard and it would be rough. Made it easier to get through. I'm 5+ years. Hang in there. Edit: Yes the poets are hell!
I'm sorry you had to do it mostly alone. ❤
As a Spooner, I think it's better to take shorter walks than you think you are up for, and possibly do it multiple times rather than to go too far and either pay for it later or need to sit down and rest.
Idk if ppl with long covid count as spoonies but agreed
I bump you! Excellent recommendation.
@@supernova622 of course you do.
Yes. Small steps you can take are better than large steps you cannot take.
Yep. Even just poddling to the little square of grass on the corner & sitting down can do you good (not a people doctor - don't sit on the floor if you're having chemo, probably, what do I know)
Hank is a gift to the world. 💚
Hank, you are an incredible human being, that unlike most others, takes such a hard and misunderstood time of your life, and still continues to educate others and do what you always have done. We are all lucky to have you ❤ I wish you and your loved ones the best and hope your symptoms get better soon and that you never have to go through this again. -an adult that watched your videos all the time as a child
Executive Dysfunction is a real mindfuck.
it also makes you feel like a shittily functioning human, at times. Yes shit needs an adverb form, you're welcome 😆
For real. It's like your brain bluescreened and you're just mashing all the buttons and nothing is happening.
6 years ago tomorrow I had my colectomy (I'm now the proud owner of a semicolon!), which was followed by FOLFOX a month later. I won't go into my side effects, but, as others have probably told you, every chemo session is worse than the last one. I know you've been told this is going to happen, and that it's on purpose (once you're recovered enough to tolerate another round, you get it, not when you're fully recovered), but be prepared for it to be worse than you've been warned. Hang in there my fellow cancer warrior!
I don't know why but I thought each month of chemo would get easier as my body became used to the chemicals. Sort of getting used to a pain killer for instance. I was wrong and it scared me until nurses finally said it was no surprise each month felt worse. It is also nice to be done, for a while at least, with chemo and days I feel normal are appreciated. Best wishes, Drew.
My son and I watched this together. You and John have been a part of our lives for a lot of years. We are nerdfighters from waaay back. Thank you for sharing your story. Him and I are sending big care bear rainbow heart love your way ❤
Man, I have never once commented on any of your videos despite watching you for years. I cannot fathom how many of the delightful fun facts I know off by heart came from watching you. You have built the foundation that learning can be fun and gripping and that doing that is important. I know my comment is a single voice in the choir that sings your praises but thank you for everything you've done. I know you'll kick this things ass and I'm sure you'll look badass bald. Thank you Hank. I hope I have the strength and grace to deal with life the way you do.
I'm a nurse that works with patients getting experimental cancer therapies. The thing that surprised me the most when I started was how most oncology patients didn't let their cancer consume their lives. Their lives had changed significantly, but they still did their best to live as much of their lives as they could. I'm glad to see you are doing the same Hank, DFTBA!
Don't forget to be amazing?
@@MaryAnnNytowl very close! "don't forget to be awesome"
For the eyebrows, a friend of mine used a beard filler pen during his chemo. Made it a lot easier to apply for him and it comes out of a brush for the pen style. Truly hoping for the best for you hank.
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There was a fashion fad in my area awhile back where women would shave their eyebrows and draw them back in with a pencil (some women who didn't go all the way and just penciled over their eyebrows, or only shaved a bit, but there were definitely some that went *all* the way).
Anyway, my point is - there are options to help with eyebrow insufficiencies, and if women in the 2010s can think that's sexy, then if Hank Green tries it he'll probably re-start a trend. There are eyebrow pencils you can grab for like $3, or fancier ones for $10-15, if anyone was curious...
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Glossier has a thin eyebrow liner that can draw on the individual hairs. There are also premade eyebrow tattoos so that they'll be even
As someone who suffered from untreated sleep apnea for 15 years, what you were saying about fatigue, exhaustion, and mental health rings soooo true.
I've been reading the Mistborn books a lot recently, so they're on my mind. In them, some of the characters can "store health," that is, they can spend days or weeks of their lives feeling generally miserable, and in return, they can spend that stored health to heal remarkably fast when they need it, like to instantly recover from a lethal wound. What you're going through now is very similar to that, you're spending days feeling genuinely awful, and that sucks, but it's trading that into years of health in your future. I think that's a positive way of thinking about it when you're working yourself through the crummy bits. Store up that health.
As an Intractable Migraine sufferer, I can say that an ice pack hat (a "headache hat") can help the headaches. My twin sister went through chemo for breast cancer last year, as did my mom when she went through chemo the 2 years before, and they both experienced the same cycle of chemo - feel ok - feel like shit - feel like UTTER DEATH for a day - feel better - feel almost normal - chemo. Yes, the difference between not being able to do something and knowing you NEED to do something and not being able to... It sucks so bad that to have to stop doing what needs to be done because you just CAN'T. Your body's only job right now is to fight and endure this war that your doctors are helping you fight. Don't be too hard on yourself. You are don't the best you can, and nobody is going to fault you for not being able to keep up your normal schedule! Be well and know your are loved
I was gonna comment the same. Nothing helps with my migraines, I just have to suffer through them and putting something cold on my forehead helps so much
My ice cap changed my life and I'm not being dramatic at all.
I also use icyhot/peppermint oil to help my tension headaches
Love the relief/distraction of my ice hats! Having a few to rotate a game changer.
I almost didn't write anything, but this just comes from the heart. I wish you didn't have to go through this... when I think about all the people that suffers because of cancer, it makes my heart sink.
Here's yet another random person in the world that can do absolutely nothing, wishing they could do something so you can feel better.
I want to thank you for your transparency and sharing all of this. My husband has dealt with two rounds of chemo, one for colon cancer and one for a reoccurrence, and people just don't seem to understand what that means. It hurts my heart that you have to go through this, that anyone does, but I'm so grateful that you're shinning a light in what's a very isolating space.
I really love that you're talking about this. I myself have been going through cancer treatment on and off since 2016 and it is quite the journey to go through. Thanks for the visibility and vulnerability. ❤