Jeff Bridges shares update after lymphoma diagnosis: 'This cancer is making me appreciate my mortality'

Watch: Jeff Bridges gives health update after revealing cancer diagnosis

Jeff Bridges is one of the most beloved, most highly respected actors working today, so his announcement earlier this month that he’d been diagnosed with lymphoma hit many fans and colleagues like a ton of bricks.

“As the Dude would say.. New S**T has come to light,” the Oscar-winning performer best known for the 1998 favourite The Big Lebowksi began his social media reveal on Oct. 19.

The outpouring of support for Bridges, 70, has been so strong that he’s now returned to social media to acknowledge it – and he’s launched an online journal to share updates as he battles the deadly disease.

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“This cancer thing is bringing on feelings of precociousness & gratitude & good old fashion [sic] love & lots of it, big time,” Bridges writes in a cursive font that appears to be scanned on his official site. “I’m feeling so much of it comin’ my way, & man I appreciate it. It’s contagious, all this love, like some kind of positive virus. I want to acknowledge & thank you guys for reaching out during this time. It feels good, getting all the well wishes & love!

“This cancer is making me appreciate my mortality, appreciate impermanence. I’m realizing if I have s*** to share, now’s the time.”

Bridges’ heartfelt words and emotional response – both inspiring in terms of the actor witnessing how deeply revered he is and worrying in his acknowledgment that “now’s the time” – are followed by a series of hand-drawn pictures that link to things he’d like “to shine a light on.”

They include an image with the words “We Need You” scrawled over that links to a video called “My Welcome Mat” by the actor’s band Jeff Bridges & the Abiders that encourages viewers to vote.

Another drawing asking “Don’t you love where we live?” links to the official site of an environmental documentary Bridges produced called Living in the Future’s Past.

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And finally, the last etching with the message “Trees, man gotta take care of our trees they’re us” that directs to a short video promoting forest-friendly guitars.

Bridges promises more updates to come.

“I’m lookin’ to be in a partnership with you guys in creating a beautiful life & world for all of us,” he writes.

We abide.

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