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General Hospital star John York, 65, shares an emotional update about his health after undergoing aggressive treatment for TWO cancers: 'One day at a time'
General Hospital star John J. York is set to make an exciting return to the silver screen this week after undergoing aggressive treatment for multiple cancers.
York, who plays Malcolm 'Mac' Scorpio on the long-running-series, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and smoldering multiple myeloma in December 2022.
Both cancers impact both the blood and bone marrow and required blood stem cell transplant treatment.
York, 65, was emotional as he talked about his journey, particularly the months he spent waiting for a bone marrow match - and his recent return to work.
'Everyone has been very welcoming, very supportive,' he told Zohreen Shah on Good Morning America.
John J. York is back to work, set to return to the silver screen this week, after undergoing aggressive treatments for multiple cancers
York, who plays Malcolm 'Mac' Scorpio on General Hospital, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and smoldering multiple myeloma in December 2022
According to his doctors, the soap star would have had between 'three to five years' if he didn't seek treatment, but opted for the most aggressive cancer treatment.
After months of waiting, a bone marrow donor was found in November 2023, a moment that left York overwhelmed with emotion.
'I couldn't talk,' he recalled, tearing up.
He underwent a blood stem cell transplant and chemotherapy - still managing to work around his treatments during this time.
'I went through seven days of chemo in Tennessee,' the veteran actor explained. 'And then I was available to work for two, three weeks in California.'
'My philosophy was always one day at a time [and] let's just get through today,' he continued.
York also had the support of his wife Vicki Manners and daughter Schyler, with his son-in-law and grandson even shaving their heads in solidarity of his treatment.
After month of waiting, a donor was found in November 2023 after months of waiting
York also had the support of his wife Vicki Manners (pictured in 1991)
He also had the support of his daughter Schyler, with his son-in-law and grandson even shaving their heads in solidarity of his treatment (pictured)
He also credited the public for their support, admitting that going public did help - including inspiring people to join the bone marrow registry.
'I made the announcement and it has helped. And so many people have joined the registry, just to help to save someone's life,' the soap star said emotionally.
York, who has also battled ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease since he was 17, said his cancer was caught during periodic checkups for those pre-existing conditions, with his doctor keeping a closer look on a spot that just didn't want to heal.
After his diagnosis, he was put on mild chemotherapy in a pill form.
In October 2022 his hematologist — a doctor specializing in blood conditions — suggested a bone marrow biopsy.
He first revealed his diagnoses on social media late last year, posting a clip saying: 'Hey there, everyone. It's me and I'm checking in.
York, who has played Mac on the ABC soap for 32 years, was thrilled to be back at work
York, who started filming again several weeks ago, said he was always in close contact with his castmates
'I know what you're thinking - you're thinking, "Why did Mac shave his beard?"' he said.
'I didn't shave my beard. I actually shaved the little bits of hair that were still left there.'
According to York, who has played Mac on the show for 32 years, thanks to the support from his family and castmates, he doesn't feel like he's been away at all - been though his character hasn't been seen on the show since November 2023.
'I just felt so attached that I didn't feel like I missed anything,' he gushed. 'I feel like I just had a little break, a little vacation I guess, [and] now we're on the other side of it.'
York added he would one day love the meet his 20-year-old bone barrow donor who saved his life.