Patti Scialfa, the wife and bandmate of Bruce Springsteen, is opening up for the first time about a six-year battle with a type of cancer.
Scialfa, 71, says in the new documentary, “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,” that she was diagnosed in 2018 with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer.
The condition has made it difficult for her to perform with the band, she says in the film, which premiered Sunday at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa take a bow during reopening night of “Springsteen on Broadway,” June 26, 2021, in New York City.
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“This affects my immune system, so I have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go,” Scialfa said, according to Variety. “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, a mom of three, has been part of the E Street Band since 1984 and has been married to Springsteen since 1991, according to her band biography.
According to Variety, Scialfa did not attend the film’s premiere on Sunday alongside her husband, who has faced his own health issues over the past several years.
Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen attend the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., Jan. 7, 2024.
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What to know about multiple myeloma
The type of cancer Scialfa said she was diagnosed with, multiple myeloma, does not have a cure.
The cause of multiple myeloma is also unknown, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The condition, a cancer of the plasma cell, starts in the bone marrow, where it crowds out the production of normal blood-forming cells. It can go on to spread throughout the body, according to the CDC.
An estimated 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2024, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Risk factors for multiple myeloma, according to the CDC, include obesity as well as being older than 45-years-old. Myeloma is more than twice as common in Black people than White people, and it is more common in men than women.
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In some cases, multiple myeloma does not present with any symptoms and is only found through a blood or urine test.
In other cases, according to the CDC, multiple myeloma can cause symptoms ranging from difficulty breathing to fatigue, bone pain, fever, broken bones and bruising or bleeding easily.
The condition may be diagnosed through lab tests, imaging tests and a bone marrow biopsy, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Treatments for multiple myeloma include chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, radiation, and targeted therapy.
Patti Scialfa, best known as a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, has recently revealed her six-year battle with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. In a candid interview, the 68-year-old singer-songwriter opened up about her diagnosis, treatment, and journey to recovery.
Scialfa first learned of her diagnosis in 2015 after experiencing persistent back pain and fatigue. She underwent a series of tests and was ultimately diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable form of cancer that affects around 30,000 Americans each year. Despite the grim prognosis, Scialfa remained optimistic and determined to fight the disease head-on.
Over the past six years, Scialfa has undergone a variety of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and a stem cell transplant. She credits her medical team, family, and friends for their unwavering support throughout her journey. Scialfa also turned to music as a form of therapy, writing and recording new songs that reflected her experiences and emotions during this challenging time.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of her battle with multiple myeloma, Scialfa remains positive and hopeful for the future. She continues to perform with the E Street Band and pursue her passion for music, using her platform to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment for cancer.
Scialfa’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Her openness and honesty about her struggles with cancer have inspired fans and fellow survivors alike to stay strong and never give up hope. As she continues to share her journey with the world, Scialfa remains a beacon of courage and inspiration for all those affected by cancer.
In conclusion, Patti Scialfa’s battle with multiple myeloma is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, treatment, and support for those facing cancer. Her story serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in overcoming life’s greatest challenges. Through her music and advocacy, Scialfa continues to inspire others to stay strong and never lose hope in the face of adversity.
