Vivian Campbell’s Cancer Returns, Def Leppard Guitarist Continues His Fight Against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Vivian Campbell’s cancer return was the announcement made shortly before Def Leppard was set to kick off their next tour. Campbell, the Def Leppard guitarist, has stated that his two-year battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma is going to keep him from touring while he and his doctor come up with a treatment plan. Campbell took to Facebook in order to apologize to his fans.
“I’m saddened by the fact that my cancer has returned. However, I’m beyond consolation that its return will prevent me from being able to do my job for a while. I’m still working on a schedule of treatment with my doctors, but I will see you all very soon. My apologies.”
Vivian Campbell’s cancer was diagnosed as Hodgkin’s lymphoma in June, 2013. Five months later, Campbell’s cancer went into remission. In September of the following year, Campbell underwent a stem cell transplant after his cancer returned. The stem cell treatment appeared to be successful since Campbell’s health improved.
Now that Vivian Campbell’s cancer has returned again, doctors will need to figure out another plan of attack.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the lymph system in the body. This type of cancer is common in people who range in age from 15 to 30-years-old and for people who are older than 55-years-old. Vivian Campbell was 50-years-old when he was diagnosed with this cancer.
Fans of Def Leppard have taken to Twitter to give well wishes to the rock guitarist.
Wishing Vivian Campbell from Def Leppard all the best as he begins another cancer fight.
— Melanie Usher (@mjgal) June 20, 2015
Best wishes to Vivian Campbell of Def Leppard whose cancer has returned hopefully he can overcome it once again
— Darren Helliwell (@DarrenHelliwel1) June 20, 2015
I’m deeply saddened by the news of my hero Vivian Campbell… I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery ??@DefLeppard
— Frida (@carrjam94) June 20, 2015
Def Leppard is getting ready to spend the summer touring with Tesla and Styx. The band has not announced yet who will be taking the place of Vivian Campbell while he is getting treatment for his cancer. When Campbell had the stem cell replacement therapy, Trixter guitarist Steve Brown took over for him in Def Leppard. It is being speculated that Brown will once again take over for Campbell during the current tour.
Vivian Campbell’s cancer returning is horrible news. There is a silver lining though. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is becoming more treatable as doctors learn more about it. Campbell has another fight ahead of him, but he has had this fight before. He knows what it takes.
[Image via David Becker/Stringer]
