Phil Leadbetter, bluegrass music’s beloved Uncle Phil, shared this wonderful news with us tonight.
“After nearly a 4 year battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I got a all clear sign today from my oncologist following a PET scan.
I was diagnosed in March 2011, and after a year 18 months of chemo, I received a stem cell transplant on Sept 10, 2012. After nearly 2 years of being well, my cancer came back in June 2014. Even with the stem cell transplant, my cancer had never totally left, but had became inactive. There was noted activity on my June 2014 scan that put me right back into 6 rounds of chemo.
After todays scan, there was nothing. The first TOTALLY CLEAR scan I have had since being diagnosed in 2011. My oncologist suggested I follow up with Vanderbilt to discuss an ongoing path of staying cancer free. Not sure right now what that will consist of, but for right now it feels great to know this is no longer part of my body. Totally gone…….
Hoping I’ve seen the last of it. Ready to pick back up with living again. Looking forward to seeing all my friend in 2015. Thanks for all the support, love and prayers that have been sent for me and my family.”
I can’t begin to imagine the joy and relief that Phil, and his family and friends, are feeling right now.
Phil will celebrate his cancer free status later this month with a CD release concert in Maryville, TN for his latest solo project, The Next Move. Guest artists on the show include Steve Wariner, JD Crowe, Paul Brewster, Dale Ann Bradley, Shawn Camp, Sierra Hull, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Mike Bub, Steve Thomas and many more.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
