Thrash Metal Drumming Legend Tom Hunting will undergo a total gastrectomy next week, less than five months after he started treatment for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the stomach. Tom shared the news on social media, which was then amplified by his bandmate Gary Holt (Slayer.)
“Hey Y’all, I wanted to check in and thank everyone SOOOOOO much for the love and support! I see all the awesome events and things people are putting together out there to help me in this fight. I really am overwhelmed with gratitude and feel so blessed to be a part of this community we all share in. I really believe that angels are out there walking around that don’t even know it, then shit gets rough and crazy, and they answer the call and jump into action. All of you are these!!! You all help me visualize being on the other side of this. FUCK CANCER!!!
“Speaking of fucking cancer, the treatment is working. I’ve had 4 now and the mass has shrunk to less than half the size it was in March.That’s amazing progress! I’ve added the weight back I lost at the start of this. Clinically, these are all good signs. From the start, this could’ve gone in a really bad direction, but everything the doctors at UCSF laid out has all gone according to plan in turning things around. I’m very grateful to these unsung heroes!
“I’m slated for surgery 1 week from today on July 12th. Unfortunately it’ll be a full gastrectomy, but the good news is I’ll get to live which is definitely NOT overated. After recovery, I get 4 more treatments, then I can resume my life cancer-free.
“I can’t wait to travel the world, playing music, enjoying every moment of this crazy journey!! I’ll check in soon again and share how thing’s are going. THANKS AND MUCH LOVE TO EVERYONE!!! CHEERS!!!!”
According to Cancer.org, a total gastrectomy is done if the cancer has spread widely in the stomach. It is also often advised if the cancer is in the upper part of the stomach, near the esophagus.
According to Cancer.org, a total gastrectomy involves the surgeon removing the entire stomach, nearby lymph nodes, and the omentum, and possibly removing the spleen and parts of the esophagus, intestines, pancreas, or other nearby organs if the cancer has reached them. The end of the esophagus is then attached to part of the small intestine. This allows food to move down the intestinal tract. But people who have had their stomach removed can only eat a small amount of food at a time. Because of this, they will need to eat more often.
There will be a benefit held at Holy Diver in Sacramento, CA on July 17th for Tom. The event is sold out, and moved originally from the The Y in Sacramento. Appearing on the bill will be BLIND ILLUSION, BONELESS ONES (featuring former FORBIDDEN guitarist Craig Locicero and ex-MACHINE HEAD drummer Chris Kontos) and JESUS CRISIS. There is also an auction with gear and experiences from bands such as Exodus, Testament, Mike Portnoy, Roy Mayorga and more.