JOE Biden has been seen in public for the first time since he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that’s spread to his bones.
Biden put on a brave face and smiled at fans despite his health battle raising questions about his fitness to serve as Commander in Chief.
The former president seemed in good spirits at the airport after traveling to see his grandson, Hunter, graduate.
TikTok user Leah Juliett caught a video of Biden shaking people’s hands as they applauded and gave their well-wishes.
“Random moment of humanity,” wrote the TikToker on the viral video that showed Biden grimacing as he tried to speed through the crowd.
Jill Biden reposted the video on her Instagram and wrote, “Thank you for the warm welcome!”
She also shared a family picture featuring Biden as they celebrated his grandson Robert Hunter Biden II, who appeared to be graduating.
Hunter is the son of Beau, who died of cancer in 2015, and is named after his uncle.
Biden got his diagnosis after he went to the doctor for urinary issues, and they discovered a prostate nodule.
His cancer was ranked nine under the Gleason grading system, which means it is one of the most aggressive kinds.
However, his team said the cancer appears to be hormone sensitive, which means that it could be “effectively managed.”
When Biden announced his diagnosis, many people sent prayers for his quick recovery. However, some were surprised because he had been declared healthy while he was president.
His longtime doctor, Kevin O’Connor, stated that the 82-year-old president was in good enough condition to continue serving for another four years. Nonetheless, there were reports from insiders suggesting that Biden was displaying signs of cognitive decline.
After CNN anchor Jake Tapper released a controversial book alleging that Biden failed to recognize George Clooney and appeared disoriented during a crucial meeting, the former president faced a wave of criticism.
Donald Trump, who wished for a quick recovery, said he was “shocked” the public didn’t know the news sooner.
He spoke of Dr. O’Connor on Monday evening saying, “I think that if you take a look, it’s the same doctor that said that Joe was cognitively fine.
“And that’s proven to be a sad situation.”
‘CANCER TOUCHES EVERYONE’
Biden hadn’t been seen since Monday, when he posted a smiling selfie of himself sitting with his wife Jill.
In an emotional statement, he wrote, “Cancer touches us all.
“Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.
“Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
Presidents aren’t required to share any of their health details with the public, but the White House often chooses to publish physical exams proving they’re in fighting shape.
A long line of presidents kept health battles hidden from the public, including Grover Cleveland, who had a tumor removed on his friend’s yacht to dodge speculation.
What are the symptoms every man needs to know?
In most cases, prostate cancer doesn’t have any symptoms until the growth is big enough to put pressure on the urethra – that tube you pee through.
Symptoms include:
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Needing to rush to the toilet
- Difficulty in starting to pee
- Weak flow
- Straining and taking a long time while peeing
- Feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied fully
Many men’s prostates get larger as they age because of the non-cancerous conditions, prostate enlargement, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
In fact, these two conditions are more common than prostate cancer – but that doesn’t mean the symptoms should be ignored.
The signs that cancer has SPREAD include bone, back, or testicular pain, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.