EXODUS drummer Tom Hunting has begun his chemotherapy treatment for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the stomach.
Yesterday, the official EXODUS Instagram shared a photo of the drummer and included the following mssage from him: “Getting my 1st Chemikill Concocted Cancer Killing Cocktail!! Thank You ALL for your support!! —Tom #fansrule #family #thrashmetal #goingtobeatthis #fuckcancer”.
The 56-year-old musician revealed the diagnosis in a statement released on Tuesday (April 13). He said: “Today I will be starting treatment for a squamous cell carcinoma. It’s a gastric tumor that was diagnosed in my upper stomach in February.
“I’m making this public to raise awareness for people to pay attention to symptoms of stomach and esophageal issues. If they persist, please go get it checked out.
“I’m not gonna be sheepish talking about it. I feel that if I can help someone with what I’ve learned, or someone out there has information to share with me, it’s a win-win! When you can name the enemy, it’s empowering, and you’re 1 step closer to killing it!
“Ok, you’ve heard the bad news. The good news is he feels great physically! I’m gonna beat this like a fucking snare drum that owes me money!!! I’ve had great doctors and a great support system that is an army in itself. I’m ready for the fight!”
EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt said that the band will “delay” the release of their recently completed new album, “Persona Non Grata”, “so that when Tom has defeated this, he will be back to full strength to hit the road and pummel his drums like only he can! When he has kicked cancer’s ass like we know he will, we will resume kicking YOUR asses with the sickest record yet!” he said.
“Persona Non Grata” was recorded at a studio in Lake Almanor, California and was engineered by Steve Lagudi and EXODUS. It was produced by EXODUS and was mixed by Andy Sneap.
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