Wendy Dio has issued the following health update about Ronnie
James Dio, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer:
"Since my last update, we have been back and forth to Houston
three times for tests and chemo treatments, an emergency run to St.
Joseph’s for another blood clot, an ultrasound and another cat
scan. We met with Dr. Ajani, Ronnie’s oncologist, on Monday, and he
was very pleased with the treatment so far. Some tumors have gone
and some have shrunk. He says we have a long road to travel, but we
are on the right path. Going back and forth to Houston is getting
old, with all the canceled and delayed flights and some of the rude
Continental staff, the same boring food at the hotel (I think we
have eaten everything on their horrible menu!), but…when we get a
good report from the doctor, it is all worth it. The only food
Ronnie says he can taste is Indian curry; everything tastes like
metal (HEAVY metal?) because of the chemo. We did, however, have a
nice breakfast with Carmen and his mother on Friday. He is still
waiting for his bone marrow transplant.
"I am so sorry if I have upset any of our friends for not
returning calls or emails, but please understand that it is so
draining for me to go over and over to everyone about Ronnie’s
progress. This is why I thought that if I wrote an update once a
month, everyone can know of Ronnie’s progress at the same time. The
Fan Club just delivered a huge sack of mail, and we have been
reading all the wonderful cards and letters you have all sent.
Thank you all so much – it keeps our spirits up knowing you all
love Ronnie so much and wish him well. Ronnie and I have a great
support system: Simon, who does so much; Geezer and Gloria (she has
been my strength, everyday she listens to me, whether I am happy or
not); Sheila and Jacqui, friends for 25 years who would go anywhere
or do anything for Ronnie or I; Mike Carden, a cancer survivor who
is always available to talk to; Rudy, Vinny, Doug, Scott, Big
Scott, Lois and Wyn; my colleagues at work – Marchele, Lynne,
Carmen, Anthony and Diana; Dr. Mena, Dr. Chu and our wonderful Dr.
Kapoor, who is available 24/7 for us and spent his whole Sunday day
off with us at the emergency room, and of course Dr. Ajani, who
mixes his magic cocktail of chemo and gives us hope.
"Ronnie takes a walk everyday in the park and keeps busy with
his music and watching sports. He was really mad that he missed the
Super Bowl because we had to fly back to Houston on that Sunday, as
his chemo started at 8:00am on Monday. He is in real good spirits
and will be going to the studio next week to listen to the mix of
the Heaven and Hell DVD that will be released later this year. He
is itching to get back on tour, and with the good reports and all
of your prayers and good energy, I think he is going to make it.
Bless you all."