Spinner

Recovering Adam Yauch Writes Open Letter to Fans

The Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch is now in recovery after undergoing surgery to address the cancerous tumor in his left parotid gland that he announced last month. Yauch -- aka MCA -- provided an optimistic and appreciative post-op update to fans in an e-mail blast early Wednesday.

"So I'm about a week and a half out of surgery now and rapidly recovering from it," Yauch wrote. "I haven't taken any of the pain meds, which supposedly speeds along the healing process, or should I say, taking them slows it down. Anyway, I spent one night at the hospital after the surgery. The hospital was too crazy to get any rest so I headed home to relax, have home cooked food and hang out with the family.

"I'm pretty well detoxed from the anesthesia that they pumped me up with to keep me under for all that time," he continues. "That took several days to get out of my system. My neck and jaw are still pretty stiff from the surgery, but it gets better everyday. Had the stitches out this past Monday ... so things are moving along."

Next up for Yauch is radiation, which starts in a few weeks. Describing it as "torture," he said it "involves blasting you with some kind of beam for a few minutes a day, five days a week, for about seven weeks."

Unfortunately, the letter offers no hints to when fans can expect 'Hot Sauce Committee,' the group's upcoming album that was delayed by the news of his illness. However, Yauch did express his appreciation of the tributes paid to him by other acts at last weekend's All Points West festival after the Beasties were forced to cancel their headlining spot.

"Saw the Jay-Z cover of 'No Sleep,' and the Coldplay one of 'Fight for Your Right' from APW on YouTube. Good s---. And I heard Karen O wore a 'get well MCA' armband, and that Q-Tip gave a shout out too ... very kind of them," Yauch wrote. "Just wanted to thank them and everyone else who sent positive thoughts my way. I do think that all of the well wishes have contributed to the fact that my treatment and recovery are going well. Much love back at all of you!"

All the AOL Music info you want to know

50 Cent, Street King: Rapper Visits…

The Boombox

AP Photo/World Food Programme, Rose Ogola NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Rapper 50 Cent…

Grammy Acceptance Speeches: Watch 30…

AOL Music Blog

FilmMagic, Getty, WireImage It's been a busy week for God. Besides helping…

Earl Sweatshirt Returns, Releases New…

The Boombox

YouTube.com Ironically, Earl Sweatshirt was one of the most visible members…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

53 Comments

Filter by:
shirl

my husband had small bowel cancer turned out to be cariniod tumor they said
he is not taking anything since he had the operation, that will be 2 years in January
he has back to the oncologist 8 times for test and scans, now they say he has it on his liver and not growing fast that was about 6 months ago, he went back 2 months ago ,now they say they found more on his liver, but could have been there before they say,but he had scan and only then one showed up now they say he has more, he is on no treatment ,but the trouble he is passing a lot of wind and has a terrible smell on him,does any one else with cariniod have this smell

November 15 2010 at 8:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
g ruhlig

Hey Adam I am a dentist. I have found 3 parotid tumors in 15 years. Im glad you are doing well. You will be fine for many decades. You are an amazing artist and Im glad somebody diagnosed you in time!!!!!

August 15 2009 at 1:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Barbara

How horrible it is of you to say such a thing! You obviously have not had to watch a loved one die of this HORRIBLE disease!! Shame on you!

Good luck Adam! Stay strong!!

August 07 2009 at 10:45 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
aol is a ripoff

Check out the cancer drug TARCEVA. It has done miracles for many including my mother.

August 06 2009 at 1:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Stephanie

For all of you who criticize Obama's attempt at reforming the health care system, I ask if you have any better suggestions. Many, many people not only do not have HMO's but are WITHOUT insurance of any kind. Really. Is that humane in this "land of opportunity?" It may not be perfect, but at least someone is trying.

August 06 2009 at 9:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chene

Judi Schinke - That poster's observation regarding "President Obama" as you would prefer we relate to him, is point on. I am not for or against the President (although I didn't vote for him for religious reasons) but all the average American needs to do is some research on how the health care system functions in Canada or Europe. Unfortunately, if the President's health care plan pushes through, the people who have the medical expertise to decide on our care (the surgeons and specialists) will not be the largest factor. It will be a socialist panel set up by our government and we will be forced to wait on a panel's decision regarding what they will or will not allow regarding certain procedures and courses of treatment. We do not want this as a nation. Also, research has shown that a large majority of people that don't have insurance are young adults who opt out of paying for it through their employer (I remember that feeling of invincibility when I was young and stupid) and illegal aliens. I support helping those in need always, but socialized medicine is not the answer.

August 06 2009 at 8:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
audrea s lambert

JANICE,

Its the " CANCER CENTERS FOR AMERICA" k?
Audrea:)

August 06 2009 at 4:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
audrea s lambert

Im Really suprised to hear that Adam was sick.I hope he can read these comment because My hope for his full recovery are in my prayers.We need at least one more hip hop record produced by Rick Rubin .I would offer to even help them write it,just as long as its got simmilar beats like "liscenced To Ill:
well thats my wish MCA and youve got my prayers:) lambertaudrea@yahoo.com

August 06 2009 at 4:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rosemary

To those who say take your vitamins, and good nutrition to keep your body healthy and cancer free I second that.
A good all around daily vitamin along with a good supply of the B-complex vitamins and following the most nutritious diet your busy schedule allows which includes lots of the B-complex vitamins in whole grains and other foods is just what you need to stay healthier and help you deal with cancer if you do have it.

As we know the B-Complex Vitamins are referred to as the spark plugs of life and that is just what they are.

August 06 2009 at 3:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Larry K.

Hi!! I had a left parotid tumor removed too. Couldn't close my eye for a long time but ok now! Then had 6 weeks of radiation for cancer on my vocal chords. Amazing!! My chords look like new! Best of luck to you!! :)

August 06 2009 at 2:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply