Olivia Newton-John Reveals New Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Postpones Tour Dates
Olivia Newton-John shared some sad news with her Facebook fans on Tuesday afternoon. The “Physical” singer let everyone know that her upcoming U.S. and Canadian tour would be put on hold indefinitely and revealed her recent cancer diagnosis. According to People, Olivia Newton-John, who is 68-years-old, was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she said has metastasized and spread to her sacrum, the triangular bone in her lower back. Despite the scary news, the singer sounds hopeful and said she plans to be back, celebrating her shows again with her fans later in the year.
It was just weeks ago that Newton-John announced that she was postponing the first half of her tour. The initial postponement was due to back pain, and it was reported to fans that Olivia had been suffering from sciatica pain. It turns out that the real prognosis is much more worrisome. Regardless of the diagnosis, Olivia Newton-John has always been very forthcoming with her fans, sharing her health struggles via Facebook. Just weeks ago, when she believed the issue was related to her sciatica issues, she wrote the following entry.
“Hi everyone! I was so sad to have to postpone some shows this month, and to my fans who planned on coming to my concerts please know I am disappointed too! We are rescheduling as soon as possible. I have had a long running issue with sciatica and I need to take this time to rest and deal with this very painful condition. My husband John is taking great care of me and I want to thank all my family, friends and fans for their concern, love, support and good wishes. I look forward to returning to performing soon!”
https://www.facebook.com/olivianewtonjohn/posts/1577533138926054
Please join me in praying affirmatively for Olivia Newton-John, seen with me here at Red Cross event. pic.twitter.com/YmP2CHAIW3
— Dr. John B. Charnay (@jbcharnay) May 30, 2017
Olivia Newton-John was very forthcoming in the Facebook post about her diagnosis as well as her plans for healing and recovery. The press release noted that the singer is not taking any interviews at this time because she wants to focus on recovering from her current cancer battle and getting enough rest.
The report indicates that Newton-John is opting for a more natural approach in her cancer battle, using natural wellness therapies as well as photon radiation. Olivia will be getting treatment at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia, that she founded back in 2008. She and those around her are optimistic that the treatment will be successful and that Olivia will be able to return to her touring plans later in the year.
Olivia Newton-John has been touring to promote her LIV ON album. The collection of songs are regarded as inspirational and many of them are about overcoming trauma.
This is not Newton John’s first battle with cancer. The Grease star battled breast cancer previously back in 1992. She underwent chemotherapy after having a modified radical mastectomy with reconstruction. Some of the natural therapies Olivia used during treatment were acupuncture for nausea as well as yoga, meditation, and massage. Her initial diagnosis came the same week that Olivia lost her father to cancer. She also lost her sister, Rona, to brain cancer in 2013.
Those who have purchased tickets to the now-postponed Olivia Newton-John shows are being instructed to contact the venue where they were purchased for a refund. Once the tour dates have been rescheduled, they will be posted on Olivia Newton John’s website and tickets will be able to be repurchased.
[Featured Image by Scott Barbour/Getty Images]
