Another veteran artist is fighting the scourge of cancer. Viv Campbell of Def Leppard has written on his Facebook page about his diagnosis and treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Campbell has a long resume with time in groups such as Dio, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and twenty-one years as guitarist for Def Leppard.
Viv writes that he was diagnosed after seeking help for “the cough that wouldn’t quit.” His sense of humor has stayed intact as he said he wanted to announce his condition and new bald headed look because “I don’t want anyone to be so shocked by my new look that they ask for a refund. Simple economics, really.”
The full announcement:
I feel fortunate that my cancer sent me an alarm call in the form of ‘the cough that wouldn’t quit’. Otherwise, how would I have known? After several months of trying every inhaler known to man, my doctor finally had me X-rayed. A further CAT scan revealed that enlarged lymph nodes were doing wrestling manoeuvres on my windpipe – hence the cough. What was causing the enlarged lymph nodes, however, was yet to be determined, so I underwent a surgical biopsy on March 11th, the first day of Leppard rehearsals for our Viva Las Vegas shows. Obviously, I didn’t make it to rehearsal that day, but it’s okay; I know the songs by now…
My diagnosis was Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and 6 months of chemotherapy is the prescribed treatment. I’m about 2 months in and feeling rather spiffy, all things considered. Hodgkin’s has an over 80% cure rate, so by my reckoning, if you’re going to have a cancer, Hodgie’s is the one to have!
The reason I’m sharing this with you is because, despite cancer and chemo, me and my new aerodynamic hairstyle (read: no hair) are going on tour this summer with the band and I don’t want anyone to be so shocked by my new look that they ask for a refund. Simple economics, really.
My family, friends and bandmates have all been extremely supportive through this and I look forward to a summer full of shows with both Def Leppard in June/July and the debut of Last In Line this August.
Viv
