mark hoppus
[Photo via YouTube]

Mark Hoppus shares cancer diagnosis, music community shows support

Mark Hoppus shared on social media that he has been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy for three months.

In a statement posted to Twitter June 23, Hoppus explained that he has “months of treatment ahead” but is also “trying to remain hopeful and positive.” 

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“For the past three months I’ve been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer,” he said. “I have cancer. It sucks and I’m scared, and at the same time I’m blessed with incredible doctors and family and friends to get me through this. I still have months of treatment ahead of me, but I’m trying to remain hopeful and positive. Can’t wait to be cancer free and see you all at a concert in the near future. Love to you all.”

Hoppus didn’t mention the exact cancer diagnosis or at what stage it was diagnosed.

The 49-year-old musician is known for his work as the bassist and vocalist in blink-182 and for being a part of +44 and Simple Creatures, along with collaborating with other musicians.

Hoppus spoke more about how he’s feeling while hosting a Twitch stream June 27, where he played Blinko, his version of Bingo, and answered questions from viewers. 

“I feel much better than yesterday,” he said at the start of the stream. “Yesterday was hellish for me, and I woke up today feeling better, and I went for a walk, and I had a decent breakfast, and I haven’t felt like I was going to throw up today, so we’ll take it as a win.”

He also thanked fans for their well-wishes while he detailed his treatment, how he’s been feeling lately and more. “Thank you very much. I appreciate all the well-wishes I can get.”

“It’s going good, I hope,” he said when a viewer asked how his chemotherapy treatment was going. “I mean, it’s making me sick. And I will say though that this round of chemo, I feel better than I have before. The only thing is that this round, I’ve been more nauseous, which I don’t like.”

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During the stream, Hoppus also went into detail about what he’s been doing on days when he’s feeling better. “Thank you for your kind wish of a speedy recovery,” he said, responding to a comment. “We’re doing this. On the good days, I go do stuff. I went out on a walk outside today, and it was the first time I’d left my house in like… five days pretty much. But this round of chemo, I wasn’t totally stuck on the couch, miserable. I’ve actually watched movies and walked around and cleaned the house and hung out with my dogs. And I didn’t just feel like a poisoned, electrified zombie leaned up against an electric fence like I did the past couple rounds.”

However, he explained that for his health, he needs to stay at home. “I can’t go anywhere right now,” he said. “I wanted to go to the Dodgers game last night—I can’t. I want to go hang out with friends and go to a restaurant—I can’t. My white blood cell count is way too low for me to go out, so I am stuck trying to get better.”

“Basically, I’m staying away from people and trying to remain healthy,” he added. “That’s what’s up.”

“My appetite has been pretty good,” he later said in response to a question from a viewer. “I’ve been blessed with a decent appetite. Only recently, only the past five days have I been really nauseous.”

On July 2, he shared on Twitter, “Everything about chemo sucks except the part where it hopefully saves my life.”

He also shared a picture on social media July 4 with the caption, “The Cancer Haver wishes you all a very happy Fourth of July weekend.”

https://twitter.com/markhoppus/status/1411844354814013442

blink bandmate Travis Barker expressed his love and support for Hoppus to E! News, saying, “Mark is my brother, and I love and support him. I will be with him every step of the way onstage and off and can’t wait for us to play together again soon.”

He also posted a photo of him and Hoppus to his Instagram story with the caption, “Love you @markhoppus,” according to BuzzFeed News.

Former blink-182 guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge posted a statement to Twitter expressing his admiration for Hoppus and his strength during this battle. “I too, have been aware of @markhoppus’s cancer diagnosis for awhile now,” DeLonge said. “And to add to his own words that he used today, I would also like to say that he is strong, and a super-human who is pushing through this difficult obstacle with a wide-open heart. #WeHaveHisBack”

The news of Hoppus’ diagnosis has moved fans and musicians in the community to show their love and support. blink fans and artists have continued to express their best wishes and a speedy recovery to Hoppus on Twitter.

“Wishing you the best @markhoppus / fuck cancer,” Taking Back Sunday tweeted.

“We love you Mark!” Papa Roach tweeted.

“You’ve got this Mark! Sending you all the love,” said Sam Carter of Architects.

“Our thoughts are with you Mark,” You Me At Six tweeted. “You’re a true gent & always been nothing but kind & supportive towards us. You’ve got this and your fans have got you.”

“We love ya, we’re sending every morsel of good energy we got. U got this xx” said Hot Milk’s Han Mee.

“You’re on our minds, Mark,” actor B.J. Novak said. “Your attitude is going to be magnified by so many people.”

Best Coast posted, “Stay strong mark.”

“We all love you Mark!” Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills said. “You’re gonna get through this/”

Issues’ Josh Manuel replied, “Sending love.”

Alternative Press sends our best wishes and support to Mark Hoppus for a full recovery.