Focusing on Positivity and Joy While Facing Cancer
- Actress Susan Sullivan, 82, who announced she was “cancer-free” from non-small cell lung cancer (the most common type of lung cancer) last year, is now battling lymphoma. She hasn’t specified what type of lymphoma she’s been diagnosed with, or her treatment plan, but a recent photo she shared on social media shows her getting an infused of some kind.
- The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common, and you’re more likely to be diagnosed with it after age 55. People usually develop Hodgkin lymphoma at a younger age.
- Lymphoma treatments include active surveillance, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplant.
- Experts recommend anyone facing cancer should make sure they continue to prioritize their overall well-being and do the things that they love. It can help fuel a positive attitude.
- Dr. Zuri Murrell of Cedars-Sinai previously told SurvivorNet, “A positive attitude is really important. My patients who thrive, even with stage 4 cancer, from the time that they, about a month after they’re diagnosed, I kind of am pretty good at seeing who is going to be OK. Now doesn’t that mean I’m good at saying that the cancer won’t grow.”
The 82-year-old soap opera icon took to social media to reveal she’s now struggling with another health issue, by sharing a photo of herself sitting in a chair while connected to a BD Alaris Infusion System, seemingly getting medication or fluids. The machine is used for infusion therapy that can treat patients battling lymphoma or other conditions.
Read MoreWhat I struggle with health wise, lung cancer and now lymphoma has deepened my compassion for others. #life pic.twitter.com/r0djLpXO7n
— Susan Sullivan (@realssullivan) January 20, 2025
Although Sullivan hasn’t offered additional information on her new cancer journey, as to what type of lymphoma she’s been diagnosed with or what her treatment plan consists of, she has received praise and support from fans on her social media page, with one supporter commenting, “As a cancer survivor, sending good healing positive thoughts.”
Another fan wrote, “We all need compassion. Make sure to show yourself the same compassion you show others! I’m so sorry to hear about your cancer. I have always loved your acting. Kitty Montgomery was epic. Sending you every good thought for your treatment and recovery!”
“I’m so proud of you, Susan. To share this part of your private life, you will inspire so many who are in the same position. I knew you’d share this hurdle with the world when you were ready. You are so strong & so loved. Compassion for others is infinite. But don’t forget that,” a third commented.
A fourth person commented, “Cancer is tiresome and tiring. I understand that deep appreciation for life when faced with extraordinary health challenges. One moment at a time.”
“I hope the recovery would be possible in your case. Anyway, my thoughts are with you. I’ve grown up with your roles on TV shows, so you are part of my life, like many others. All my best wishes are with you,” a fifth fan said.
Sullivan’s post comes just days after she shared another photo on X, writing, “Even when the lights go out, in times of fear and stress, a few candles, throw light on Hope!”
Even when the lights go out, in times of fear and stress, a few candles, throw light on Hope! pic.twitter.com/Srggx6kTQG
— Susan Sullivan (@realssullivan) January 17, 2025
However, that wasn’t the only one of Sullivan’s recent uplifting posts. She wrote alongside another image of herself, standing on a bridge overlooking a creek, “Even when the path looks a little rocky ahead jump in, it’s your life enjoy the adventure!”
Sullivan often shares beautiful photos of sunsets and fun photos with her long-term partner, psychologist and writer Connell Cowan, so we’re happy to see that despite her ongoing health struggles, she’s taking time to enjoy life’s special moments and maintaining hope for the future.
She captioned an additional post, “Every sunrise is a new chapter, waiting to be written,” while another, featuring a sweet photo of her and Cowen read, “Anyone can be passionate it takes real lovers to be silly! Enjoy the holidays. Life is a great gift.”
Anyone can be passionate it takes real lovers to be silly! Enjoy the holidays. Life is a great gift. pic.twitter.com/HaZhIBx39j
— Susan Sullivan (@realssullivan) December 22, 2024
Sullivan’s Previous Battle With Lung Cancer
Last year, Sullivan declared it was an “enormous blessing” to be “cancer-free” from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [most common type of lung cancer making up about 85% of cases] after undergoing surgery.
She underwent surgery on Oct. 11 at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. Doctors ultimately removed the upper lobe of her right lung and drained lymph nodes, Sullivan explained in an interview with People.
Sullivan exclusively spoke about her cancer journey to People, explaining how her journey began when she went for a routine mammogram in September of 2023. It was then a radiologist discovered a swollen lymph node under her arm and advised her to get a biopsy.
Sullivan, who doesn’t smoke, recounted to the celebrity news outlet how she didn’t think the swollen lymph node was
anything,” thinking to herself, “I don’t need a biopsy.”
Her partner ultimately urged her to get checked, leading her to think about how both her dad and uncle died from lung cancer.
Despite her worries, prior to undergoing CT and PET scans, Sullivan stayed optimistic by writing herself a note, reading, “Have lung cancer. It’s going to be okay though. Don’t worry about it. Just take care of it.”
Thanks for all the lovely comments and concerns. I had lung cancer. The surgery was successful. The healing process is a struggle, Thanks glad you’re out there! #friends pic.twitter.com/HgwrHhIJbd
— Susan Sullivan (@realssullivan) October 17, 2023
After receiving her diagnosis days later, Sullivan recounted, “I thought it was going to be pretty simple that they just take that one little nodule, but they took the whole upper part of my lung. My surgeon said when they went in and looked around with their two cameras, that it would be better to take it all out so any potential for this coming back would be eliminated, which is what they did.
“So now the cancer is completely gone. I am cancer-free, which is an enormous blessing because you don’t want to have to go through endless chemotherapy afterward.”
Sullivan was back up and walking just five days after her procedure, and immediately returned to exercise to regain her strength, admitting to People, “I didn’t want to fade out like that. So I got stronger.”
What Is Lymphoma?
Now, Sullivan is battling lymphoma, however, she hasn’t publicly revealed what type she’s dealing with. When it comes to understanding lymphoma, it’s a type a cancer of the immune system that affects infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. And there are more than 40 different types of the disease.
“Lymphoma is split up into a number of different categories,” Dr. Elise Chong, a medical oncologist at Penn Medicine, previously explained to SurvivorNet.
“The first distinguishing breakpoint, if you will, is non-Hodgkin lymphoma versus Hodgkin lymphoma,” Dr. Chong said, “and those sound like two different categories. But non-Hodgkin lymphoma comprises the majority of lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma is a single specific type of lymphoma.”
Dr. Elise Chong explains why your type of lymphoma matters
Hodgkin lymphoma has distinctive, giant cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. The presence of these cells, which can be seen under a microscope, will help your doctor determine which of the two lymphoma types you have.
There are a few other important differences between non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma to note. For one thing, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common. And you’re more likely to be diagnosed with it after age 55. People usually develop Hodgkin lymphoma at a younger age.
It should be noted that another difference between these two types of lymphoma is that non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more likely to spread in a random fashion and be found in different groups of lymph nodes in the body, while Hodgkin lymphoma is more likely to grow in a uniform way from one group of lymph nodes directly to another.
Expert Resources On Lymphomas
- Bispecific Antibodies: An Off-the-Shelf Approach to Treating Lymphoma
- How Effective is Radiation Treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment: Finding the Right Fit for You
- Making Treatment Choices: Deciding Between Therapy Types for Follicular Lymphoma
- What’s the Treatment for Mantle Cell Lymphoma?
- Keytruda Extends Life for Those Fighting Hodgkin Lymphoma & It’s Now FDA-Approved as Treatment
- Double-Hit and Triple-Hit Lymphomas May Need More Aggressive Treatment
- New Drug Combo Approved for Hard-to-Treat Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
These two different types of lymphoma behave, spread and respond to treatment differently, so it’s important for you to know which type you have.
Your doctor will tailor your treatment to the stage of your cancer, as well as other factors, such as how aggressive it is. Chemotherapy is generally part of the treatment at every stage. But in the early stages, radiation may be added, because stage I and II lymphomas tend to respond well to radiation.
Additional Hope for Treating Lymphoma
New findings presented in June at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, a major annual conference where professionals share their latest research in cancer, has revealed that “less” intensive treatment actually results in more progress when it comes to Hodgkin lymphoma (along with ovarian and esophageal cancers).
Researchers from recent studies on those three types of cancers have discovered that less surgery, less chemotherapy or less radiation can lead to more progress for people diagnosed with either of those cancers, the Associated Press reported in a compilation of research.
The uplifting news comes about 30 years after one study looked into whether high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow or stem cell transplantation was better than conventional chemotherapy for those battling metastatic breast cancer. The study found that intensive treatment didn’t work better than the normal amount.
What Does It Mean to Have Advanced-Stage Lymphoma?
Dr. Tatjana Kolevska, medical director for the Kaiser Permanente National Cancer Excellence Program who has no involvement in the new research, told AP news, the question of whether all the treatment used in the past is actually needed “should be asked over and over again.”
Additionally, Dr. William G. Nelson of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, who was also not involved in the studies, told AP News, “The good news is that cancer treatment is not only becoming more effective, it’s becoming easier to tolerate and associated with less short-term and long-term complications.”
For advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, research funded by Takeda Oncology and presented during the ACSO’s recent conference, looked into two types of chemotherapy regimens for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma.
The findings ultimately revealed the less intensive treatment to be more effective for the blood cancer, as well as resulting in fewer side effects.
“After four years, the less harsh chemo kept the disease in check in 94% of people, compared to 91% of those who had the more intense treatment,” AP News explains. “The trial included 1,482 people in nine countries — Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Australia and New Zealand.”
If you are experiencing lingering swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin, have lost weight and are experiencing night sweats, make sure to log your symptoms and get in right away to see a doctor.
Focusing on the Positive Amid Cancer
Sullivan’s resilience and bravery to keep focusing on things that bring her joy throughout adversity is truly an admirable trait.
“This is something,” says Dr. Zuri Murrell of Cedars-Sinai. “It helps a cancer patient’s prognosis.”
Dr. Murrell previously told SurvivorNet, “A positive attitude is really important. My patients who thrive, even with stage 4 cancer, from the time that they, about a month after they’re diagnosed, I kind of am pretty good at seeing who is going to be OK. Now doesn’t that mean I’m good at saying that the cancer won’t grow.”
WATCH: Dr. Zuri Murrell discusses the power of positivity.
Other experts SurvivorNet have spoken to recommend that anyone facing cancer make sure they continue to prioritize their overall well-being and do the things that they love just like Sullivan is doing.
Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecological oncologist at Arizona Center for Cancer Care, says people with cancer should be making time to do things that make them happy.
“We know from good studies that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes,” Chase said.
Dr. Dana Chase discusses the importance of patients finding joy during treatment.
“So working on your emotional health, your physical well-being, your social environment [and] your emotional well-being are important and can impact your survival. If that’s related to what activities you do that bring you joy, then you should try to do more of those activities,” Dr. Chase explained.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you’re battling cancer or on the other side of it, and you’re struggling with your outlook on life, here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor to get the conversation started:
- What can I do if I’m struggling to be thankful for what I have in my life?
- Are there local resources for people wishing to improve their mental health?
- What else can I do to help reduce my stress level during my cancer journey?
- It’s difficult for me to find happiness and joy. How can I find help?
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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