The Cure keyboardist Roger O'Donnell revealed in a series of Twitter posts on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma.
The famous singer shared the shocking news in honor of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, leaving his fans and followers in shock as it was the first time he had spoken about the diagnosis.
“Last September, I was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of lymphoma,” O'Donnell wrote. “After ignoring the symptoms for months, I finally went to the hospital and after surgery the biopsy results were devastating.”
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, so it's a good time to discuss these diseases. Last September, I was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of lymphoma. I ignored the symptoms for months, but finally… pic.twitter.com/8Xftcd5nPL
— Roger O'Donnell (@RogerODonnellX) September 1, 2024
Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system responsible for fighting disease.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 4: Simon Gallup and Roger O'Donnell of The Cure perform at the Mediolanum Forum in Assago on November 4, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images)
O'Donnell said she announced the news after 11 months of treatment, which included immunotherapy, medication and radiation therapy.
The star explained what it was like personally going through the frightening diagnosis.
The results of the biopsy after surgery were dire. I have now completed 11 months of treatment under the guidance of some of the best specialists in the world, with second opinions and advice from the team who developed the drugs I was being given.
— Roger O'Donnell (@RogerODonnellX) September 1, 2024
I have benefited from the latest sci-fi immunotherapy and some drugs first used 100 years ago. The final stage of treatment was radiation therapy, which was also one of the first treatments for cancer. I am doing well and my prognosis is excellent.
— Roger O'Donnell (@RogerODonnellX) September 1, 2024
“I benefited from the latest sci-fi immunotherapy and some drugs first used 100 years ago. The final stage of treatment was radiation therapy, which was also one of the first treatments for cancer,” he said. “I am doing well and my prognosis is excellent.”
LONDON, UK – DECEMBER 12: Roger O'Donnell of The Cure performs at the OVO Arena Wembley on December 12, 2022 in London, UK. (Photo by Shlomi Pinto/Getty Images)
“A crazy axe killer knocked on our door and we didn't answer. Cancer is beatable but the chances are much better if it's diagnosed early. So what I would say is go get tested, if you even think you might have symptoms, get tested,” he urged his fans.
“If you know anyone who is sick or suffering, please talk to them. Every word helps. Trust me, I know that. I also want to thank my doctors, all of them rock stars. I also want to thank all the nurses and technicians, my friends, family and Mimi. It can be tough sometimes being on the other side of this.”(RELATED: Famous rapper Don Omar reveals cancer diagnosis)
O'Donnell joined The Cure in 1987 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the group in 2019.
