*Last night on TV One’s “Unsung,” fans of hip hop /R&B group Full Force learned that Paul Anthony George is battling lymphoma. Paul is the most herculean member of the buffed band of brothers and cousins who recorded hits like “Alice Be My Girl,” “Please Stay” and “Let’s Dance Against The World.” They also had memorable roles in the movies House Party, House 2 and Krush Groove, among others.
Paul Anthony explains how he found out:
“I was in the gym training and my training partner saw a small lump. He said, you need to go and get that checked out. I didn’t feel nothing, but with that type you don’t feel anything. I went and had a FNA (a fine needle aspiration) where they inject and pull the fluid out, and the diagnosis was that it seemed to be consistent with mantle cell lymphoma.”
The biopsy was conclusive and to date the disease is incurable. Paul told EURweb’s Lee Bailey exclusively about his immediate reaction and strategy:
Out of this experience has grown a family quest for the right plan of attack, which included canvassing cancer treatment centers and interviewing world renowned physicians. Making the right choice for Paul Anthony came easy, because it all boiled down to a name. Somewhere out there was a Dr. Paul Anthony Hamlin and when the two Paul Anthony’s met, the irony served as a confirmation. Full Force’s Paul Anthony comments on the coincidence:
“He said, I’ve never met another Paul Anthony and the doctor said, neither have I. So I said, ‘ll my life, I’ve bet on Paul Anthony, so I’m going to bet on Paul Anthony.’”
Six months of intense chemotherapy followed for an undaunted Paul, who maintained his fitness regimen despite the treatments. Anthony stresses that most diseases are individual, therefore implementing healthy lifestyle choices, mental focus and spirituality are what is most important in combating illness and maintaining health. Paul Anthony is currently in remission although, his brother Bow Legged Lou is a direct match for him should there be a need for a blood donor. The success rate for such an operation is now 98-99%.
True to the Full Force persona that we know, Paul Anthony is living life and not missing a beat. He also never paused to wonder why this diagnosis has come upon him.
“I never asked myself why me? I was too preoccupied with let’s dance, let’s do this. The only thought is let me take care of this, let me dance with this, let me get control of this because I’ve got things to do!”
Paul Anthony decided to go public with his fight, so that it might encourage others, especially those who are entertainers, to be vocal about their predicament in the hope that they can help and inspire others. Be on the lookout for concerts, fundraiser’s and various events as part of the Paul Anthony Foundation and its mission to find a cure for lymphoma and other diseases.
If you missed it, watch the “Unsung” clip below of Paul Anthony’s reveal of his lymphoma cancer:
I’m with you, brother. 9 years living with a diagnosis of CLL and surviving. Everyday is a blessing!
Good job SisterB! Props to you and Paul Anthony! Keep on truckin’.
He reminds me of my childhood friend that has dealt with lupus for nearly 20 yrs. She will not smoke weed even though we are in Cali and she does take alternative meds (i.e. Fish Oil/Omega 3 and other vitamin supplements) along with prescribed meds.
Sometimes, the best medicine is a positive state of mind and not indulging in the vices (drinking, smoking).
I saw the Full Force Unsung episode which was very good. I was surprised to learn Paul Anthony is battling cancer. However, I never once felt sorry for him because he has such a great attitude AND, most importantly, he doesn’t feel sorry for himself. Old boy was working out while undergoing chemo treatments. He and his family vowed to beat cancer. I truly think he will. I also admire his courage to publicly announce his illness and become an inspiration for other cancer patients.
Continued grace and mercy to Paul Anthony. Wishing you continued blessings as well SisterB.
I wish Paul Anthony all the best and believe that he can beat this cancer! He still looks amazing and the show last night was wonderful. It’s that West Indies background that keeps them all motivated and working.
SisterB, I wish the best for you as well, I know fighting cancer is not easy and my prayers go out to you both!
Excellent show last night. Full Force has always been one of my favorite groups. I used to say that they were probably the only group that didn’t need body guards. (LOL!) They were some big mofo’s.
Wishing Paul Anthony the best…
I will keep Paul in my prayers. I believe he will be fine. Prayer changes thangs!!!
Stay Strong my brother.
Paul Anthony, you brought tears to my eyes.
Your statement saying I never said why me? I just said lets do this!
And seeing how strong you looked. And how you maintained your
fitness regimen while getting treatment.
Prayers to you for inspiring and blessing me! I will continue to pray for you!
I have always loved Full Force, and of all the members, Paul Anthony was my favorite. I really enjoyed seeing their story on Unsung, and I pray that he continues to do well and is able to fight mind, body, and spirit the way he has been.
Paul your story was to sent me today by a very close friend. I was recently diagnosed with MCL in Oct 2012 and God has been good to me as I continue to live my life without treatment even though was found in a later stage. I am watching and waiting at this point as my disease appears to be in a holding pattern. I am very fortunate and blessed to have seen the very best docs in the country and more important to have great family and friends supporting me. Your story has give me more encouragement if and when the days comes that I have to be treated. We are cut from the same cloth and time period with faith and music. Look forward to hearing more about your success and hope that we can blog together. I also forgot to mention that I just happen to work for one on the best Oncology Companies in the world that makes a great drug that is used to treat MCL. God put my here for a reason. Stay Strong…