Jeff Bridges opens about getting COVID while receiving cancer treatment: “I was pretty close to death”

Obtaining a COVID was a particularly horrifying experience for Jeff Bridges.

In a new interview with peopleThe 72-year-old actor became open about becoming infected with COVID in early 2021 while receiving chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Read more: Jeff Bridges says the cancer is in remission and reveals that he also had COVID-19

“I had no defense. That’s what chemotherapy does — it removes all your immune system. I had nothing to fight it,” he says. “COVID made my cancer look like nothing.”

Bridges remembers being in the hospital for nearly five months, suffering from extreme pain, and unable to even turn over without helping the nurse supply oxygen.

“I was dying. The doctor kept telling me,” Jeff, you have to fight. You are not fighting. “I was in surrender mode. I was ready to go. I was dancing to death, “the actor admits.

Thankfully, Bridges managed to improve after receiving convalescent plasma treatment. Convalescent plasma treatment uses blood from people who have previously recovered from the disease.

“I took a step forward with my baby,” he said, reminding him that he eventually started physiotherapy to get in shape.

Read more: Jeff Bridges feels “great” after the fight for lymphoma

After all, Bridges has a positive view of his horrifying experience, including spending time with his wife, daughter and grandchildren.

“Who would say,’I love some cancers and want to give me a dose of COVID’? But my ability to receive and give it all love has just been enhanced.” He says. “Everything came out in the most beautiful way.”