Putting Her Health First
- Heart singer Ann Wilson, 74, shared some difficult news on Tuesday, announcing that she was diagnosed with cancer and must begin preventative chemotherapy.
- Adding to the challenge, the rock legend has been instructed to postpone her long-awaited tour dates after finally reuniting with her sister Nancy Wilson, 70, after several years.
- The added pressure of Ann’s health news for her as an artist is tough to think about, but health must always come first — and thankfully her dedicated fans support that. After all, she has made it clear that this is just a postponing of dates, not a cancellation.
- Some people battling cancer are open to sharing their experiences as much as they can, while others prefer to keep it to themselves or close to loved ones only.
- SurvivorNet experts say both approaches, and everything in between, are valid, and you must do whatever is best for you in that moment.
- It’s normal to feel many different emotions after learning that you have cancer. In addition to making a treatment plan with your doctors, it’s important to make sure you have the mental health support you need as well.
“Dear friends,” Ann began in a letter posted to her Instagram account. “I recently underwent an operation to remove something that, as it turns out, was cancerous. The operation was successful & I’m feeling great but my doctors are now advising me to undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy & I’ve decided to do it.”
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“Thank you for all the support. This is merely a pause. I’ve much more to sing.”
Signing off with, “Love, Ann Wilson,” she added, “Respectfully, this is the last public statement I’d like to make on the matter.”
On the site, it appears a total of 48 dates have been postponed, all listed with “NEW DATE TBD.” They had gigs lined up through December, culminating in Las Vegas at the Fontainebleau.
“I’m a little disappointed, but that means nothing to me. What means everything to me is that you’re healthy,” one fan wrote on Ann’s post. “Concerts and this and that can definitely wait. Take care of yourself. We’re all right behind you no matter what. Sending love and support.”
Another commented, “Wishing you a speedy recovery, greatest singer on Earth!”
A third supporter and countless others voiced similar sentiment. “You matter most. I love you so damn much. You will be in my daily prayers. I look forward to seeing you back on stage where you belong soon my queen. You got this.”
The Legendary Sisters Reunite
Essentially, Ann and Nancy Wilson launched the first female-fronted mega-rock band with Heart in 1973. They released top hits such as “Crazy on You” (1975), “Magic Man” (1976), and later, “Alone” (1987), which are still as popular as ever with younger generations today.
Up until they joined forces again, Nancy had been on a solo tour with her band Trip Sitter.
In October, Nancy and Ann reunited for the first time onstage since 2019, as a complete surprise to fans who went wild when Nancy took the stage at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, Calif., for a rendition of one of Heart’s other top early hits, “Barracuda” (1977).
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have the answer to a question with us tonight,” Ann said. “A very, very good friend, more than a friend. Let’s bring her out. Come on.”
Later on, the legendary siblings gave press interviews together, even addressing their private issues, and much to fans’ delight, announced they’re finally going back on tour together.
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Ann’s manager Dave Frey, in a statement with the Washington Post, summed it up perfectly. “Nancy singing with Ann is like Keith [Richards] singing with Mick [Jagger],” Frey said, comparing their energy to the fellow legendary Rolling Stones duo. “It’s the secret sauce. I didn’t realize that until I heard it.”
Therefore, the added pressure of Ann’s health news for her as an artist is tough to think about, but health must always come first — and thankfully her dedicated fans support that. After all, she has made it clear that this is just a postponing of dates, not a cancellation.
Sharing a Cancer Diagnosis
So far, Ann has not disclosed what type of cancer she was diagnosed with and that is up to her to share if and when she chooses to.
Some people battling a disease or cancer are open to sharing their experiences as much as they can, while others prefer to keep it to themselves or close to loved ones only. SurvivorNet experts say both approaches, and everything in between, are valid.
“Patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer sometimes wonder how they are going to handle the diagnosis of the cancer in social situations,” psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik explained in a previous interview with SurvivorNet.
Questions like, “How much information should they share and with whom should they share the information?” are things Plutchik says patients should take into consideration.
“There is no one right way to handle this diagnosis. People should do what feels right to them.”
Respecting a person’s wishes on when and how to share a cancer diagnosis
A cancer journey can last months to years, which means people going through it may be experiencing a lot of uncertainty until they fully understand where their health stands. This uncertainty can influence when a patient is ready to share their diagnosis, Dr. Plutchik explained.
She also stressed that those close to a person going through cancer should be respectful of their wishes when it comes to disclosing their diagnosis. Let that person know that you are there to support in any way they may need.
How to Ask for Support
It’s normal to feel a slew of different emotions — from fear to anger to uncertainty — after learning that you have cancer. In addition to making a treatment plan with your doctors, it’s important to make sure you have the mental health support you need as well. This is a challenging time and many people find they need a little extra support to get through it.
Dr. Plutchik suggested the following steps following a cancer diagnosis:
- Step #1: Seek additional support if you need it (or consider speaking with a mental health professional or seeking out a support group)
- Step #2: Make sure to look for a mental health professional who has experience helping people in your situation.
- Step #3: Keep your care team connected. This may include your friends and loved ones, your therapist, and the doctors who are treating your cancer.
“Some people don’t need to go outside of their family and friends circle. They feel like they have enough support there,” psychiatrist Dr. Plutchik said. “But for people who feel like they need a little bit more, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional.”
Dr. Plutchik suggests trying to find a mental health professional who has experience helping people as they navigate cancer treatment and keeping your care team connected, so they can stay focused on a common goal.
“Make sure that the mental health professional that you work it is reaching out, with your consent, to the rest of your team, to the oncologist, to the surgeon … it can also be helpful to reach out to family, friends, and any other caretakers that may be involved in the person’s treatment.”
This kind of connected care ensures that everyone is on the same page when it comes to getting a patient the best possible support.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Where can I seek additional support if I am struggling mentally?
- Are there any support groups in the area for people like me?
- Can you recommend a mental health professional for my situation?
- Does my situation warrant medication for my mental health and how might that affect my cancer treatment plan?
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