A reader writes:

I think Christopher would like it pointed out that he certainly doesn't believe "God" poisons everything. As he would say, "that would be absurd."

I was trying to make a joke/tease. Not very well, it appears. Another reader:

I'm sorry about your friend. But he's a tough cookie and if nothing else, I believe he could send those cancer cells packing by simply telling them where they are being oh so unreasonable. and frankly stupid. If I were a cancer cell I'd be afraid of Christopher Hitchens.