Sam Neill opens up about brutal chemotherapy treatment following shock cancer diagnosis

Sam Neill opens up about brutal chemotherapy treatment following shock cancer diagnosis

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for resilience and perseverance, I admire Sam Neill’s courage and fortitude in the face of adversity. His journey through stage-three blood cancer is nothing short of inspiring, and his honesty about the brutal realities of chemotherapy treatment serves as a poignant reminder of the strength that lies within each of us.


Sam Neill has disclosed the intense chemotherapy he underwent following a diagnosis of stage-three blood cancer, which he described as particularly harsh.

As a devoted admirer, I’m excited to share that the legendary actor from Jurassic Park, now 76 years young, candidly discussed his healthcare routine during the premiere of the upcoming ABC series, The Assembly.

He shares with a gathering of journalism students with autism, supervised by Leigh Sales, “Now, I’m on a different path, so at least I don’t resemble someone’s bald thumb.”

For a considerable period, I had that appearance – it was mortifying, and not only did I lose my beard, but also my sense of self-worth along with it, as he further explained.

In 2022, while on his initial visit home to New Zealand following two years of lockdown-induced difficulties, Sam disclosed that he discovered his cancer diagnosis a year prior.

In just over an hour after returning to New Zealand, Tim, his son, received a devastating phone call from a doctor informing him that his father had cancer. (or alternatively) After being back in New Zealand for less than an hour, Tim’s father received the heartbreaking news that he had cancer, as relayed by a doctor over the phone.

After he ended the call and we both sat down, we shared a moment of tears. It was meant to be a joyful occasion, but he wasn’t able to remain, Tim explained.

Sam Neill opens up about brutal chemotherapy treatment following shock cancer diagnosis
Sam Neill opens up about brutal chemotherapy treatment following shock cancer diagnosis

Sam went on to say, “I found myself in a critical situation. Everything seemed unfamiliar and quite unsettling.”

‘I had three or four months of reasonably conventional chemotherapies which are, brutal.’

One day, Tim paid a visit to his father who was going through chemotherapy treatment. The sight of his dad’s frailty left him shocked.

Sam Neill opens up about brutal chemotherapy treatment following shock cancer diagnosis

Initially, I was taken aback and found myself struggling to embrace him. He appeared frail, almost skeletal. Then, he began criticizing me for my emotional response, claiming I was causing him distress, yet I countered with confusion, asking, “What are you talking about, Dad?”

As I held on to hope that Sam’s health might be getting better, I learned something disheartening: his cancer had returned, and this time, the prognosis seemed more grave.

Sam was eventually put on an experimental cancer drug, which thankfully started to work.  

He has been in remission for almost two years now, but admitted he is ‘prepared’ for the fact that it will eventually stop working.

As a committed observer, I possess the knowledge about this issue, yet my personal passion for it is minimal. It seems to be beyond my sphere of influence. My advice, if something lies outside your power to manage, it’s best not to engage with it too deeply.

Sam receives infusions every fortnight from now on, and he’ll continue this routine as long as the medication remains effective.

The sessions are gruelling, ‘very grim and depressing’, he said. 

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2024-08-12 14:37

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