Sheryl Crow has made public the news that she has been diagnosed as having a benign brain tumor. She tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal about making this discovery after becoming concerned about her recent memory loss.
“I worried about my memory so much that I went and got an MRI. And I found out I have a brain tumor,” Crow told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “And I was, like, ‘See? I knew there was something wrong.’ ”
“I haven’t really talked about it,” she said. “In November, I found out I have a brain tumor. But it’s benign, so I don’t have to worry about it. But it gives me a fit.”
Crow got the news in November, but was reluctant to make an announcement. She admits to having some of those “fits” in public. At a concert in Florida she forgot the lyrics to “Soak Up the Sun”. At first she thought it wasn’t a problem. She had forgotten lyrics before, on rare occasions, and laughed about it with her bandmates: “I’m 50, what can I say? My brain’s gone to (expletive).”
A doctor’s MRI revealed a meningioma, which actually forms on the lining around the brain and spinal chord. They are usually benign, but can cause complications when they grow large enough to press on the brain.
Sheryl Crow is currently working on a stage musical of the 1982 “Diner”, with film director Barry Levinson. She is currently working on an album, but does not have a record deal, although she has said that it would be fun to get back on the radio.
Sheryl Crow beat breast cancer in 2006, having undergone minimally invasive surgery and radiation therapy after catching it at an early stage. She has not stated whether or not she will have surgery to have the tumor removed.
Yesterday she posted a comment on her Facebook fan page letting everyone know that she feels happy and healthy, and is unconcerned about the “non-cancerous growth”.
“Hey everyone – please don’t worry about my ‘brain tumor’, it’s a non-cancerous growth. I know some folks can have problems with this kind of thing, but I want to assure everyone I’m OK. I’m feeling very healthy and happy, and having a great time on the road playing with my new band. I’m busy working on my next record too, which ‘m very excited about…and I’ll be on The Tony Awards this Sunday. Really appreciate everyone’s love and concern, I feel so blessed to have the support of all my fans, but I’m good – really! Love, Sheryl”