Ethan Zohn's Cancer Returns: 'I Have Never Been So Scared'

By PopEater Staff Posted Sep 14th 2009 11:50AM

After three months of chemotherapy to treat a rare form of Hodgkin's disease, 'Survivor: Africa' winner Ethan Zohn was feeling pretty good. He was active, preparing for a marathon and "feeling great." But then came a call from his doctor on Aug 26, throwing cold water on his success.

"My cancer is back," he tells PEOPLE, in discussing post-chemo tests that showed re-growth of tumors in his chest. "I have never been so scared in my life, for my life." (Pictured, Zohn, left, poses with 'Pitchman' star Anthony Sullivan in August.)

The original mango-sized mass has actually shrunk in size, but now he says there are two small nodules in a different location. "It's quite rare that not only is there re-growth, but that there's re-growth so quickly. I was obviously resistant to the first form of chemotherapy."

He was first diagnosed in April and the treatment he endured robbed him of his strength and of course his trademark shaggy locks.

Now, doctors have prescribed him a stem cell transplant aimed at "hitting the reset button" on his body.

The treatment will take place in three stages:

He's already spent three days receiving a combo of chemo called ICE.
In a couple weeks, he'll return for a four-day ICE session. At that time, doctors will be harvesting and freezing healthy stem cells from his body.
"In the final and most difficult stage, I will be admitted to the hospital for 30 days (yes a whole f'ing month), to get my final chemotherapy session to start my stem cell transplant."

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Telling his parents about his dire condition was of course not easy for the upbeat Zohn.

"My mom was obviously upset," Zohn says. "My brothers -- everyone's upset. They can't believe it's what's happening. But on the flip side, everyone's positive and supportive."

But he adds, "You have to think positive. And you have to find the strength, which I will. And you have to rely on other people, which I will."

Tags: ethan zohn, EthanZohn

Comments

(10)

Monday 14 September

By Rich

Vote down Vote up Report this

I have gone through the same thing. Being in shape like he is, is the key sailing through this. There will some tough times, but the whole thing can be done and he will be up and running again within two months of the transplant. I went back to work as a firefighter within 2 1/2 of transplant.

By Liverpool Fan

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Ethan, you were my all time favorite "Survivor" and that is what you are. Stay strong, keep a sense of humour and surround yourself with loving family and friends. You will come through this. You will survive!

Tuesday 15 September

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By Len

Ethan:

Earlier this year I lost my pancreas to cancer and I know what you are going through.

The "emotional roller coaster ride sucks but you have to maintain that positive attitude (and smile)!

Don't listen to ANYONE that talks negative & rely on family and friends for support.

Keep the Lord in your prayers every night and day and just be thankful for the next one you get to enjoy!

You can do it...hang in there & God bless.

By Ohno

You can't lose your pancreas to cancer. You can't live without it, and you can't do a transplant. What?????

By the way....for all you "self-practicing physicians" out there...according to my surgeon I had a modified Whipple performed. My medical records indicate the surgeon performed a pencreadectomy (making me a total Type One Diabetic.

I give myself 4 shots of insulin a day and I also have to take pancreatic enzymes to assist in the digestion of all my food!

I will be more than happy to forward copies of the surgical records but the most important issue here is the health and well-being of Ethan.

Hang in there brother...I'll be pulling for you on my end.

By clair

Get the book, Cancer Free. It is written by,Bill Henderson. You only have to read half the book to know what to do. We dont have to get cancer.

By Jayne

Ethan,
I have hope for you with cancers such as yours. If you are interested, somehow get an email to me. Many people have beat serious illnesses and many have gotten better, even with Hodkins when told there was nothing further to be done. I too, have had results. I can connect you with those people. Patented nutrition, the body is the miracle when fed the fighting fuel. World known scientists and doctors with this. Works from crohns to diabetes to ADHD and Autism. Proven. Safe. Contact me, anyone looking for this kind of effective hope.
Jayne We also give hope to starving babies, check out www.relivkalogrisfoundation.org

Monday 16 November

By Doug

Ethan,
I was diagnosed in April as well and went through Chemo in my body as well as my central nervous system, so I had two ports one in my chest and one in my noggin. Then the radiation, well I am finished for now and waiting for the results of my Brain MRI. But, I want to say that I got through it all with a good attitude and a sense of humor, mostly the sense of humor!!! keep on keepin on!!
I am praying for you......You are a survivor

Wednesday 16 December

By James T Dawson

Never,Never,Never give up. I lost my bride of 33 years to T-cell Lymphoma last January. We put up a 2 year battle and drew closer and closer by the minute.Traveled from Florida to Cedars Sinai in la.Were treated by Dr M Lill. A good man with his own cancer to deal with.We fought the fight and lost the battle but not the war.Our hope 1Sam2:6,for starters.This life is not all there is!

Jim

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