It was back in September that General Hospital star John J. York revealed his cancer diagnosis. At the time, he explained he would be taking a step back from filming the daytime soap. He, however, wanted to be very clear about something. This was not a goodbye to his fans or to General Hospital.
John J. York was gearing up to battle his cancer. Furthermore, he was approaching his battle with as positive of an attitude as he possibly could.
With it being nearly two months since the General Hospital star shared the sad news with fans, they are wondering if there is an update on his battle or his treatment plan. How is John J. York doing?
Fortunately, the 66-year-old actor just sat down with People Magazine for an exclusive interview. During the interview, he shared the latest on his battle with cancer and some details of the treatment plan moving forward.
Hey gang, here’s the update, Check out @bethematch if you want to support https://t.co/AxA8xTbDcq pic.twitter.com/ZBinOwIrpd
— John J York (@JohnJYork) September 13, 2023
What Type Of Cancer Does He Have?
Tragically, the General Hospital star was diagnosed with two different types of cancer: myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and multiple smoldering myeloma.
The first is a disorder that causes the actor’s blood cells not to function properly. The second is a rare blood and bone marrow disorder that can transform into a blood cancer. Per the National Cancer Institute, John J. York has a 50 percent chance of developing multiple myeloma within the next five years.
After learning of his diagnosis, the search was on to find a donor for a blood stem cell transplant. Thanks to the assistance of BeTheMatch.org, he was able to find a match.
💋♥️ https://t.co/1e4ugl6HwF
— John J York (@JohnJYork) September 18, 2023
General Hospital: John J. York’s Cancer Battle & Treatment Plan
Speaking to People Magazine, the General Hospital star shares he is in the early stages of a blood stem cell transplant. He tells the outlet the next 100 days will be “rocky” for him. Furthermore, he adds that he’s playing a very difficult waiting game.
It’s literally a whole new ballgame from then on. From what I understand — this is kind of how I received the information — has been like pre-game and practice.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of tests ahead of him in this difficult process. He, however, is doing what he can to stay positive while his medical team does their best to assist him in his cancer battle.
He adds: “The first week is an 8-day process of heavy-duty chemo, where I’ll probably lose my hair, and that’s OK.”
Sadly, he admits there are a lot of unknowns as all types of issues can creep up once the heavy-duty chemo is underway. The most extreme being that he could pass away.
Thank you my friend… and to everyone for your positive thoughts and prayers! It’s GAMETIME♥️ https://t.co/BYTtgeeh5Q
— John J York (@JohnJYork) November 7, 2023
John continues to share: “They’re basically wiping my body of what I’ve been living with in terms of my blood and DNA and all this stuff for my entire life. They’re wiping that clean and then they’re gonna put new stuff in me from the donor. And that’s going to be the new me.”
Are you nervous as you learn more about John J. York’s cancer battle and treatment plan? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.