Patti Scialfa Reveals Blood Cancer Diagnosis in Documentary
Patti Scialfa, a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and the legendary rocker’s wife, has disclosed in a new documentary that she was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer in 2018.
Scialfa was not present at the premiere of “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,” which took place on Sunday at the Toronto Film Festival. This is the first time she has publicly addressed her health struggles, which she indicated in the film have impacted her ability to tour.
“This affects my immune system, so I have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go,” she shared in the film, according to Variety, which reported from the event. “Every once in a while, I come to a show or two and I can sing a few songs on stage, and that’s been a treat. That’s the new normal for me right now, and I’m OK with that.”
Scialfa specifically referred to her diagnosis as multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer that doesn’t always necessitate immediate treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Mayo Clinic’s website notes, “If the multiple myeloma is slow growing and isn’t causing symptoms, close watching might be the first step. For people with multiple myeloma who need treatment, there are a number of ways to help control the disease.”
A representative for Scialfa did not provide additional information when contacted by CNN for comment.
Meanwhile, Bruce Springsteen has faced his own health challenges recently. Last year, he postponed several tour dates while seeking to “recover steadily from peptic ulcer disease over the past few weeks,” stating he was set to “continue treatment through the rest of the year on doctor’s advice.”
Scialfa has been part of the E Street Band since 1984 and has been married to Springsteen since 1991. Together, they have three children.
“Road Diary” was directed by Thom Zimny, who has worked on other projects for Springsteen, including “Springsteen on Broadway” and “Western Stars.”
