Comments on: Victor Davis Hanson health update

By: Another Mike

Another Mike — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:07:24 +0000

It sounds like VDH has run the same path that I did, culminating with surgery back in 2024. It started with a persistent cough for no apparent reason, and then a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. Unidentified lung spots showed up there, which led to a CT scan and a “hot-spot” in a place the surgeon would not go for a biopsy due to potential for serious collateral damage. Another year or so in CTs until one showed significant growth in one of the spots. The surgery removed a section of the right lower lobe (a better deal than VDH got, but I have seniority on him). The lesion was definitely CA, but clear margins and lymph nodes, so no radiation or chemo. I’m due for the next semi-annual CT this month and hope to remain clear. The doc admonished me that the cancer is lurking in my system and will eventually come back. Due to my age, I may head it off….

I wish VDH the best, or at least something along the lines of my outcome.

By: neo

neo — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:56:08 +0000

CICERO: It does seem to have changed. Here's a description of the protocol in 2025.

By: CICERO

CICERO — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:13:40 +0000

physicsguy-
Protocol for prostate ca therapy may have changed since I retired, but probably not much. Used to be that three successive rises in PSA were deemed evidence of recurrence after treament of curative intent [surgery or irradiation].Rises, not numeric values. So PSA = 0., then 0.1, next 0.2, then 0.4 was sufficient for systemic therapy when I retired 20 yrs ago.

By: Csimon621

Csimon621 — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:25:09 +0000

Best wishes to Victor David Hanson and family and friends. As Neo said, sounds like he’s been through the mill, and is not done yet. Miss him. Love his wisdom. Look forward to when he will share again with us.

By: physicsguy

physicsguy — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:21:18 +0000

Cicero,

I think my team is being overly cautious and following protocol. The PSA level is just barely above detectable level. It did cause me concern, but with the new measurement, I’m not concerned with prostate cancer. I’m am concerned about the bladder cancer, and the fact that my body seems prone to cancer I assume it will show up somewhere else at some later time.

By: CICERO

CICERO — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:25:59 +0000

physics guy, pain from prostate cancer is bone pain. This cancer has a curious affinity for bone, typically lumbar spine. These metastases are readily palliated with rather low dose irradiation, often rather durable. So, in the event, don’t be too resigned to narcotics and enjoy normal bowel function instead of narco-induced constipation.
VDH’s strength is not in medicine.

By: neo

neo — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:22:15 +0000

physicsguy:

Hope the PSA stays way down there.

By: physicsguy

physicsguy — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:32:38 +0000

I understand where VDH’s thought processes are at this point. After going through 10 months of medical hell, but with a good result so far, it does leave a mental scar. My 6 month evaluation had a PSA of 0.07 with no prostate. My PA expected zero so set up a second at 3 months…this week. I’ve been sweating it for 3 months. Came back 0.07 again. So at the detection limit and no change. Once the big CA is there, even with successful procedures, it never leaves your mind. If it comes back, so be it. I’m not doing anything else. Give me pain killers and I’ll just go on out.

By: Steve (retired/recovering lawyer)

Steve (retired/recovering lawyer) — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:25:25 +0000

In a perfectly just universe, Dr. Hanson would be living a vigorous and productive life and Billy Eilish would be standing on some anonymous street corner looking to get $5.00 for some random sex act. I usually tend toward accepting things I can not change, but if there was only some way….

By: Cornhead

Cornhead — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:19:47 +0000

I posted elsewhere here that I learned this week that VDH is a regular reader of Power Line blog. I was thrilled to find that out given all my posts at Power Line.