Bruce Springsteen's wife Patti Scialfa has revealed that she has been battling multiple myeloma since 2018. It is a rare type of blood cancer and not a lot of awareness has been raised around it. The long-time member of the E Street Band opened up about her diagnosis in the documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2024.
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In the documentary, Patti spoke about the implications of the diagnosis on her life and career. She also said that it has made it difficult for her to take the stage, prompting her to take it easy when it comes to touring:
“This affects my immune system, so I have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go. 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.”
What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells. Said cancerous plasma cells start accumulating in bone marrow, leading to complications. These cancerous cells take over, putting a stop to the healthy blood cells that produce antibodies, which are essential to the body.
While initially there might not be any symptoms, eventually, the following may be seen, per Mayo Clinic:
- Bone pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite.
- Mental fogginess or confusion.
- Tiredness.
- Infections.
- Weight loss.
- Weakness.
- Thirst.
- Frequent Urination
Once diagnosed, treatment for multiple myeloma ranges from chemotherapy and stem cell transplants to medications that will help manage the illness. However, a cure remains elusive, and so far, the cause behind multiple myeloma remains unknown.
Patti Scialfa says she doesn't "feel as needed" when it comes to touring
In relation to the Road Diary documentary, Patti Scialfa also says that performing and going on tour with her husband shows the audience "a side of our relationship that you usually don’t get to see.” She added that being back on stage with Bruce has been a blast. "Every night this tour gives the band a chance to celebrate," she said.
In October 2023, Patti Scialfa told the world that her reduced touring was due to her wanting to focus on recording a solo album. She also said that she wanted to spend time with Lily Harper, her first granddaughter.
"I didn’t feel as needed in a way because there were a lot of musicians on stage. I did the first couple of shows, and as I saw how it was all rolling, I thought, 'This is good. This is completely intact. There’s not much room for me to add anything special.'"
Patti Scialfa has been a part of the rock band E Street Band since 1984. The documentary is the first time Scialfa has shared her diagnosis. It will premiere on Hulu and Disney+ on October 25, 2024.
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