Def Leppard Guitarist Vivian Campbell, 62, Is ‘100% Clean & Completely In Remission’ Since Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosis More Than a Decade Ago

“It was the first time in having to deal with it that I was seriously concerned … and the doctors told me really my only chance for of cure was to do a donor transplant. and that’s exactly what I did.”

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He explained, “Starting last summer during our tour, I started doing more chemo in preparation for it. And then right after the tour, they started giving me very hardcore chemo leading up to the transplant.”

However, after losing his transplant donor in November 2024, Campbell considers himself lucky to have been found another donor and been able to undergo a “really successful transplant” at the start of this year.

He explained, “I did a PET scan in the middle of April, and I’m 100 percent clean … completely in remission for the first time in 12 or 13 years. And I’m obviously overjoyed. You couldn’t ask for more than that.”

Referring to his donor, Campbell continued, “There are 10 genetic markers, and this donor was 10 out of 10. A young man, actually. I don’t get to know who he is for a couple of years, but a 21-year-old man.

“They always prefer a youthful donor. Obviously, I’m gonna buy him a beer, or two or three!”

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Earlier this week Campbell shared a recent photo of himself, offering fans additional insight into how he’s doing.

He captioned the post, “Spent the last week up in the mountains testing out my new rally car and learning from the legend, @antoinelestage. Back home now and gearing up for the summer shows. See you out there!

One fan commented, “So love having you dropping posts like this again Vivy. You look amazing and very happy my friend. You deserve this and so much more. See you boys in July, first meet and greet, hope to see you.”

Another wrote, “How fun! Do what you love. So happy to see you healthy.”

“Wow! I just heard your interview with Eddie Trunk! Thank God! I’m so happy for you. Congratulations! We love you! I always knew you were a fighter,” commented a third fan.

It’s great to see Campbell ready to play more concerts, especially after he told fans at a May 15 concert in San Juan, Puerto Rico that he is feeling “Great to be back in the game.”

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Campbell’s return to performing comes after he took time off earlier this year to recover from cancer treatment and he had Phil Collen’s guitar technician John Zocco take his place for the time being.

Vivian Campbell’s Hodgkin Lymphoma Battle

When Campbell, who has been playing with Def Leppard since 1992, first learned he had Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, it followed months of suffering with a persistent cough. He ultimately went public with his diagnosis on social media in 2013.

He said in a statement shared on his band’s Facebook page that year, “I feel fortunate that my cancer sent me an alarm call in the form of ‘the cough that wouldn’t quit.’

“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.”

Campbell underwent chemotherapy for six months. Although one year after his diagnosis he revealed he was in remission from the disease, his cancer returned in 2015. Prior to his relapse, he said in a followup Facebook post, “I’m trying not to get too excited about it as I heard that same phrase late last year only to be disappointed again a few months after when it returned. The plan is to do a stem cell transplant as soon as the tour is finished.”

Then in a September 2017 Instagram post, he explained, “Back at City Of Hope today for mo’ ‘mab and scans. Happy to report that all is progressing nicely on the health front.”

In a 2019 interview with City of Hope, Campbell admitted to feeling very fortunate that he was able to find a drug that worked so well on his cancer, and insisted he has no plans to slow down when it comes to his career.

Campbell also spoke about the drug he’s taking called Keytruda — a type of immunotherapy that has shown incredible results when it comes to treating several cancers. Keytruda works by helping the immune system to attack and destroy cancer. The drug has brought hope to cancer survivors all over the world — but unfortunately, it doesn’t work for everyone.

He said at the time, “I consider myself very, very fortunate that I’ve been able to find this treatment that I’ve responded to so well.” Keytruda (or pembrolizumab) was approved as a treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in March 2017. However, Campbell participated in a clinical trial — so he actually began treatments in 2015. He was also receiving infusions about once a month.

“Being able to continue my life and continue my work I think has been a big part of being able to come through all of this. My work is what keeps me alive. My bandmates initially wanted me to stay home and convalesce,” Campbell said. “I’m stubborn and I’m Irish and I never wanted to do that. I’ve always refused to capitulate to the cancer. I just wanted to give cancer the big middle finger and go on.”

By January 23 of this year, Campbell offered another health update, saying “Thank you for all the recent messages and support. As you all may know, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma several years ago.

“I recently had a bone marrow transplant as part of my treatment plan, and it’s safe to say that thus far it’s been a very successful transplant! I just have to keep my head down and my spirits up for the next 100 days of primary recovery.”

Learning About Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system. There are more than 40 different types of lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma are two sub-categories with the latter being more common.

The type of white blood cells linked to the disease determines the distinction. If doctors are unable to detect the Reed-Sternberg cell a giant cell derived from B lymphocytes then it is categorized as Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Hodgkin Lymphoma “most frequently presents in lymph node groups above the diaphragm and/or in mediastinal lymph nodes.”

Lymphoma Biopsy: What to Expect

In a previous interview, Dr. Elise Chong, a medical oncologist at Penn Medicine, explained that Hodgkin lymphoma is most often seen in younger adults. And although less common, it is generally easier to cure than Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Dr. Chong also said lymphoma symptoms can be difficult to detect. “The symptoms of lymphoma, especially if you have a low-grade lymphoma, often are no symptoms. People say, but I feel completely fine, and that’s very normal,” she explains.

Finding Lymphoma Early: Do you Know the Symptoms and Risks?

What Are Your Risks?

“The patients who are diagnosed with lymphoma early, typically it’s luck,” Dr. Chong says. They may have had a symptom that made their doctor check them, or the cancer showed up on a scan or blood test that was done for another reason.

Until an effective screening test does become available, you can increase your odds of finding lymphoma early by knowing whether you’re at risk, and staying alert for symptoms.

You might be at higher risk for this cancer if you:

• Have been infected with the HIV or Epstein-Barr virus
• Had an organ transplant
• Have a family history of lymphoma
• Have been treated with radiation or chemotherapy drugs for cancer in the past
• Have an autoimmune disease

Let your doctor know about these risks, so he or she can keep a close eye on you. You may need more frequent checkups and tests.

Also watch out for lymphoma symptoms. The most common ones are:

• Swollen glands in your neck, armpit, or groin
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Weight loss without trying
• Feeling tired
• Swelling in your belly

RELATED: 7 Sneaky Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma: Doctor Told One Teen Her Itchy Rash — Later Diagnosed at Stage 4 — Was ‘Nothing to Worry About’

Many different conditions, including infections, cause these same symptoms. So don’t panic if you have them. It’s most likely something more benign, but still worth getting checked out. It’s also a good idea to see your doctor for any unusual symptoms, even if they’re not on this list.

Starting Over After Cancer

It’s important to be aware that starting over after a cancer journey is arduous, but it can be done. Here’s how:

• Examine your thoughts. Take time to reflect on the tragedy or difficulty you are facing. Dr. Scott Irwin tells SurvivorNet that, often, people with cancer and chronic disease are “grieving the change in their life, the future they had imagined is now different.”
• Seek help. Irwin, who directs Supportive Care Services at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, adds that talk therapy can help people significantly: “It’s about meeting the individual patient where they are and their feelings, how they’ve always dealt with their body image, what the body image changes mean now in their lives and their relationships, and how they can move forward given the new reality.
• Realize that you are not the first. Study the lives of other people who have faced similar difficulties. Dr. Samantha Boardman tells SurvivorNet, “Having support we know is really critical in the healing process.” She adds there is also a benefit in “talking to those who’ve, you know, been through this process, who are maybe a couple of steps ahead of you, who can tell you what it’s like to walk in their shoes and the unbelievable wisdom that one can gain from speaking to them.”
• Visualize the future. Imagine what it will look like for you to start over. Many people find it very helpful to create a vision board. Cut out pictures or quotes or mementos that give you a concrete picture of your future. Look to it when you are feeling down or in need of a lift. The good news? It works.

Starting Over After a Life Changing Event

What You Need to Know About Survivorship

Whether you’re beginning your journey into survivorship or are a seasoned survivor, you’ll quickly learn that it’s a term with many layers. At its simplest, ‘survivorship’ signifies the state of living beyond a challenging event or diagnosis, such as cancer. More specifically, it marks the period after treatment where a patient goes from merely surviving to thriving, as they navigate their newfound lease on life.

It’s important to remember that survivorship isn’t just an end state – it’s a continuous journey. It begins the moment a person is diagnosed with a significant health condition and continues throughout their life. You might hear people say things like, “from the moment of diagnosis, you become a survivor.”

It’s a powerful sentiment that reflects the courage and resilience involved in battling a serious illness.

Being a survivor also means redefining your life while coping with the aftermath of disease and its treatment. This phase might include the challenge of dealing with physical and emotional changes, attending regular check-ups, the fear of recurrence, or the need for long-term medication. Despite these hurdles, many survivors find unique strength, growth, and transformation during this time.

Survivorship is much more than just the absence of disease—it’s a new stage of life, a rite of passage. Your journey might not have been one you would have chosen, but through it, you’ll uncover a greater understanding of yourself and what you’re capable of. Each person’s survivorship journey is unique, and how you choose to travel is entirely up to you.

Remember—navigating this new terrain called ‘Survivorship’. It might be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone. There are ample resources and support systems designed to help you along the way.

Continued Medical Care

Don’t lose sight of the importance of continued medical care – always keep your follow-up appointments and adhere to any healthcare recommendations.

Remember, embracing these coping strategies can help you navigate your way into survivorship with greater ease and renewed energy. Just remember – slow and steady wins the race! You’ve overcome huge hurdles, it’s okay to take this new stage of your life at your own pace.

Resilient learning to overcome any obstacle

Additionally, health checkups are an integral part of maintaining wellness and spotting potential health issues early. This holds true for everyone, but even more so for a person who’s in the throes of survivorship.

One of the main reasons you’ll want to maintain routine health checks is to monitor for recurrence. While the hope is always for complete recovery, there’s a possibility of the disease returning—even with successful treatment. Regular checkups allow you to keep a vigilant eye on the situation, leading to early detection and treatment if any problem emerges.

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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