Monday, June 10, 2013

Vivian Campbell is battling cancer

Def Leppard is my favorite band. It's hittin' hard.

I woke up to the news this morning, on Facebook, naturally. I found out while reading Jeff Scott Soto's status. My first reaction: "Wait... WHAT?????" I then went directly to Vivian's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/officialviviancampbell) and soon became numb. My second reaction: "WHAT?!?!?! Omg. Wow. NO!!!!!" Fuck.

This:
"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"

I knew about the coughing problem but I had no idea it was cancer related. It appears that he's doing alright and is in good spirits, as well as keeping his humor. That is a very good thing. 
Even though the cure rate is incredibly high for this particular cancer, Viv needs all the good vibes, good thoughts, prayers, and well wishes that he could possibly get!


I wish Viv a full and speedy recovery! He's Irish... he's a fighter... he's got this! 
 (This picture is NOT mine. I don't know who the owner is, but I love you... and please don't sue me!)




Peace, Love, & Music,
~Lizzy Lepp 

*P.S. - I wanted to post the video for Dio's "Rainbow In the Dark", but apparently, it isn't on Youtube? 

No comments:

Post a Comment