Def Leppard Guitarist Vivian Campbell Reveals Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Battle

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has revealed that he's been diagnosed and is being treated for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The rocker says in a newly posted statement on the matter at his Facebook page that he discovered the cancer after visiting the doctor for "the cough that wouldn't quit."

In his posting via Facebook, Campbell writes, "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 ... 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 percent cure rate, so by my reckoning, if you're going to have a cancer, Hodgie's is the one to have!"

Keeping his spirits high and his sense of humor intact, Campbell added, "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."

The guitarist says his family, friends and bandmates have been extremely supportive throughout his ordeal and he's looking forward to returning to the stage in June and July as well as debuting his other band, Last in Line, in August.

In addition to Def Leppard, Campbell has performed with Dio, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy among others. Noisecreep sends our best wishes to Campbell as he continues his cancer battle.