Vivian Campbell diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphonia

Lisburn guitarslinger Vivian Campbell has been diagnosed as suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphonia but, trooper that he is, will continue to tour over the summer with Def Leppard.
“If you're going to have a cancer, Hodgie's is the one to have!” the 50-year-old jokes. “It has an over-80% cure rate. Six months of chemotherapy is the prescribed treatment. I’m about two months in and feeling rather spiffy, all things considered.
“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 11, 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.”
As for the timing of his statement, Campbell, whose CV also includes Norn Iron rockers Sweet Savage, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and Dio, explains: “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!”
A top bloke as well as one of the finest hard rock players around, we wish Vivian all the best in his recovery.