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Mac Sinise Death Cause
The 68-year-old actor revealed that his son died on January 5 following a years-long battle with the rare spinal cancer, Chordoma.
Mac Sinise, whose full name was McCanna Anthony Sinise, worked with the Gary Sinise Foundation and supported his father’s Lt. Dan Band on drums until repeated spinal surgeries and the advancement of his cancer forced him to step away.
In a touching tribute, Mac’s father Gary spoke about the twin tragedies his family suffered in the summer of 2018 – his wife, Moira, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in June, only two months before Mac received his chordoma diagnosis that August.
Thankfully, Moira’s cancer went into remission after successful surgery to remove lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
However, Mac was unfortunately overcome by the disease.
The 68-year-old actor revealed that his son died on January 5 following a years-long battle with the rare spinal cancer, ChordomaCredit: Courtesy Gary Sinise Foundation
Gary spoke about his son’s skill as a musician and revealed that his son played drums since he was nine years old and “was an exceptional drummer.”
He sweetly added that he and Mac playing together in the Lt. Dan Band were “great times,” as he reminisced, “father and son rockin’ out together for the troops.”
The famous CSI actor spoke about the rarity of Mac’s cancer, revealing that Chordoma is a “one in a million” type cancer that originates in the sprint and “affects, on average, only 300 people in the U.S. per year.”
Gary spoke about how after numerous spinal surgeries, Mac was still eager to contribute to the Foundation while in recovery at home.
In January 2020, a day before his 4th spinal surgery, Mac showed his fortitude when despite what he was going through medically he joined Gary for a GSF podcast interview.
The interview would complete Mac’s work with the Gary Sinise Foundation as he had to step away to focus on his recovery and rehab full-time.
After losing his battle with the disease, Mac was laid to rest on January 23.
“Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can,” Gary wrote.
“As parents, it is so difficult losing a child. My heart goes out to all who have suffered a similar loss, and to anyone who has lost a loved one, said Gary
“We’ve all experienced it in some way. Over the years I have met so many families of our fallen heroes. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s just damn hard,” he continued.
“While our hearts ache at missing him, we are comforted in knowing that Mac is no longer struggling, and inspired and moved by how he managed it. He fought an uphill battle against a cancer that has no cure, but he never quit trying.”
“I am so blessed, fortunate, and proud to be his dad,” he added.
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What Is Chordoma?
Chordoma is a cancerous rare bone tumor that forms in your spine or skull base.
It affects about 1 person for every 1 million people per year. This means that about 300 people receive a chordoma diagnosis each year in the United States.
All subtypes of chordoma are considered cancerous (malignant). Surgical removal of the tumor is the first-line treatment, but it can be difficult to completely remove chordomas due to their location near your spinal cord or brainstem.
They also tend to reoccur after treatment usually in the same place.
If an advanced chordoma does metastasize, it most commonly spreads to the lungs, nearby lymph nodes, other bones, the liver, or the skin.
Researchers don’t know exactly why chordomas form or what causes chordomas.
There’s nothing one can do to prevent developing it. Most cases happen randomly.
If one has a family history of chordoma or tuberous sclerosis, be sure to see your healthcare team regularly so they can monitor signs of chordoma. The earlier they can catch it, the better.
Symptoms Of Chordoma
Its general symptoms include pain, weakness, and numbness in your back, arms, or legs.
Symptoms of a chordoma at the base of one skull include:
- Double vision (diplopia).
- Blurry vision.
- Headaches.
- Facial numbness/pain.
Symptoms of a chordoma in the tailbone may include:
- A lump that you can feel through your skin.
- Issues with bladder or bowel function.
- Low back or tailbone pain.
