Vivian Campbell, the guitarist for Def Leppard, was first revealed more than ten years ago after being informed that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He recently revealed details about his life.
A musician has opened up about being diagnosed with cancer, saying that he decided to “just live his life” after receiving the news over a decade ago. Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell also said that he’s “not afraid to die”.
Vivian, 63, who has been in the rock band since 1992, announced that he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2013. The NHS describes it as an “uncommon” cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system.
He has since spoken for more than ten years about receiving chemotherapy. Vivian revealed earlier this year that he is now “completely in remission” following additional treatment.
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Vivian reflected on his experience whilst on the Fueled with Chris Cyr podcast. After his health was brought up, he said: “It made me spend more money because, y’know, as Jerry Seinfeld said, ‘you can’t drive money.’ So as soon as I got … not as soon as, but within a year of having my cancer diagnosis … I went and bought a very expensive Porsche.”
He recalls recollecting his initial impressions as being “a lot of money,” but adding that he also “could be dead next week” at the time. He continued, “Well, actually there is a saying in Ireland that says “you’re a long time dead.” So I kind of take it seriously. That’s a little careless of me.
Vivian continued, “I have a lot of faith in the universe, y’know, that things will work out.” He said, “I thought, okay, this is the hand I’ve been dealt,” when referring to his cancer. You have two options, as I see it: to capitulate or to simply live your life. And I made the decision to proceed.
He claimed that because he was diagnosed with cancer “early,” he was claiming that stage two of his illness was at the time of his diagnosis. He added that as a result, his health has been “very closely monitored for years.”
Before saying, “Mentally, I’m not afraid to die,” he described himself as “strong,” both physically and mentally. Because of my family and children, I don’t want to pass away. Although I have many kin in my life, I never felt afraid of it and just kept pushing and putting back. And most importantly, I simply continue to live my life, you see?
Earlier this year, whilst speaking on SiriusXM, in an interview later shared on the Eddie Trunk podcast in June, Vivian shared an update on his health. He said that he is “completely in remission” for the first time in more than ten years.
Since receiving his cancer diagnosis, Vivian has been “through the mill,” receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy. He continued, “That didn’t work,” adding that he also received stem cells from his own cells.
He continued, “The cancer kept coming back, and then it really got worse a few years ago.” I was seriously concerned about it for the first time when I had to deal with it. And y’know, the doctors actually told me that a donor transplant was the only way to find a cure, which I did exactly.
Vivian claimed that after a tour, he started receiving more chemotherapy “in preparation” for it. He added that he had “very hardcore chemo” prior to the transplant. On New Year’s Eve, he claimed, he then went to the hospital.
He continued, “I did what turned out to be a really, really successful transplant after being in for about three and a half weeks.” He continued, “Then, in the middle of April, I had a PET scan and am now completely recovered for the first time in 12 or 13 years. And I must admit that I’m thrilled. You couldn’t ask for more, y’know, than that.
People living with cancer and their loved ones can receive private support from The Macmillan Support Line. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
Source: Mirror
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