Dan Fogelberg with cancer treatments

Dan Fogelberg, the Peoria-born pop singer (so, in Illinois) who has sold more than 20 million albums over the past four decades, is undergoing experimental medical treatment to combat advanced prostate cancer.

"We're all very hopeful," said his mother, Margaret Fogelberg of Peoria. "But we're also a bit leery."

Fogelberg this week canceled a 16-city solo acoustic tour of the East Coast and Florida. His Web site, DanFogelberg.com, has issued a short statement that says in part:
"Dan has been recently diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and has entered treatment. He apologizes for any inconvenience the cancellation of the concerts may cause his fans. Dan is confident he will be able to fight this illness. Your prayers, good wishes and positive thoughts will be very much appreciated."

Dan Fogelberg, who turned 53 last week, was tested for prostate cancer two years ago during a routine checkup, and the results were negative, his mother says. Two months ago, in gearing up for the planned tour, he underwent another checkup, during which the cancer was detected.

Dan Fogelberg, who has lived in Colorado for more than two decades, shared the results with his mother and his wife, Jean - but almost no one else. At the time, he told his mother, "I've had a lot of wonderful fans. I don't want to alarm them until I have more information."

Further testing showed the cancer has spread to his bones, his mother said. So Dan Fogelberg and his wife headed to Harvard Medical School, where doctors have embarked on an experimental regimen.
Margaret Fogelberg said she did not know the technical particulars of his treatment. But she did say he first was put on hormone therapy and a nutrition program.
Recently, he started a new form of chemotherapy: "It's not the kind that tears you up," his mother said.

So far, the results have been positive, and Dan Fogelberg has felt good enough to go sailing with his wife near his second home in Maine, his mother said. However, the stress of the treatment and the uncertainty of his prognosis prompted him to cancel the fall tour.
"The doctors told him he won't be a victim or a survivor. They won't classify people as that," his mother said. "He'll be a patient, and he'll have a good quality of life... He's handling it. He has bad days and good days. I'm sure there are days he's scared half to death."

In the wake of his diagnosis, Dan Fogelberg and his wife hope to raise money for cancer research. As for plans to perform again, Dan Fogelberg has made no decision.
"He has relatives saying he's got to perform one more time, we need to hear him one more time," Margaret Fogelberg said. "So, with that kind of pressure, maybe he will."

The son of Margaret and Lawrence Fogelberg, Dan Fogelberg graduated from Woodruff High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Comments

[tom hampton]

have followed this story intently since learning of this earlier this week...there's a disclaimer on the official site now, refuting many of the points in the original peoria journal-star article, but it's a pretty well-known celebrity tactic to downplay this kind of thing.

i've been a fan of his for most of my life, and i'm finding this to be pretty shattering...i posted some of my own thoughts in my journal here, if anyone is interested...

[Natalie Davis]

massive fogelberg fan here. i too am shattered by the news, but determined to be as positive as i can. we need all the good energy we can get to amass throughout the world to help dan, like the phoenix, rise from the flames.

[mandi]

Dan's music is my constant, the music which defines most moments of my life. He is the musical poet of my generation and I can never be without a Fogelberg song in my mind. I am faced with my own mortality as I carry thoughts of Dan and his battle in my heart. I have a desperate need to play and replay every CD from start to finish until I have memorized every song, every word if I didn't already have it committed to memory - in some hope to send cosmic healing to him.

[Liz]

Sending Prayers from Oregon. Dan Fogelberg has got to be one of the most incredible musicians of our time. His songs are beautiful and I will never get tired of listening to them. They last. Most of the music today you aren't going to remember the words to in 10 years. God Bless You Dan.

[Linda]

I have a box set of Dan Fogelbegs, I love it and listen to it when I feel sad,and happy. I lost my husband to Cancer (brain) in 1990, I will hope and pray for the best that may come, Dan, you've brought magic to my life and others.
I pray for you and your family.
Linda Drake

[Carol buffalo]

I awoke this spring morning and felt the sun rising within. I felt God's loving healing touch in all. I felt the positive connected healing within all of us, as our bodies are capable of renewal and rejuvination. My prayers are with you Dan & Jean and Margaret.

following is some gratitude and thoughts of how Dan's music has touched me ...

Growing up in NM were magical times for me celebrating Nature's Way. Sometimes traveling alone, sometimes with a loved one. Traveling the mountains, desert places, hot springs and sacred cliff dwellings; and the screech of a hawk, cries of the coyotes, pictures on rocks by cliff dwellers, greens and blues, rolling thunder and bright majestic lightening; many memories all etched inside turning words into poetry and songs for me. I remember, as if in a dream, the dancing of buffalo on cloud, four directions, and the chant, 'to thine ownself be true'.

Dan's music - like an old friend or traveling companion seems to validate special times and seasons. Through the years I continue to be grateful to you Dan for crafting of songs and the special connections they make in my own inner spaces. Songs like "The Minstrel", "Magic Every Moment", "Bones In The Sky", "Holy Road" to name a few feel like kindred companions journeying thru life's experiences. Dan you share your truth; proactive for freedom & peace, and your environmental stance. Your musical finess and diversity has meant the most to me! Thank you for the many wonderful unique and diverse albums. Thanks for sharing your stories in song and art. Thanks for supporting the wild places, health and special animals in our lives. Thanks for the concerts and your good sense of humor ~ in light and heart, Carol buffalo (Medford, Oregon)

[Gia Croce]

Our prayers & strong belief are with you. My church in LA, "In His Presence" will be holding you up in prayer & positive affirmation. Love & blessings, Gia Croce

[Jacqueline Lippman]

Any news since August of 2005?

[Wendel Knutson]

My wife and I are such big fans of Dan`s, and we have been for the 25 year`s of our marriage. We hope and pray, that God is looking out for him.
He has meant so much to us with his music. From the "leader of the band" when my father passed , to "Make Love Say", when we went through difficult times.

Always a fan.
God Bless you Dan, and keep you.
Thanks for the memories.

Wendel & Cindy, Knutson
Salem, Oregon

[Jay]

Wow. What Carol wrote was beautiful. Most of those I have met that love Dan Fogelberg's music are beautiful people.

I haven't heard any of the latest. I hope no news is good news. If Dan can hold on a few more years the technology will be there for a cure. He has the strength of many many prayers.

[Dan Fan]

Unfortunately, news of Dan's passing came this morning on his web site. Although this holiday season will be saddened by his passing, his true legacy will live on in our hearts forever.
We'll miss you Dan!!

[Mary]

This is a sad, sad day. My heart is broken to learn that Dan has died. People like Dan are supposed to live forever. He is gone far too soon. His music touched my life when I was a young girl growing up in the midwest, his lyrics, his poetry still run through my heart and mind all the time, more than thirty years since I first heard his voice. His talent was capturing it all in a single line, like "... the snow turned into rain..." and, "... gone like the sand and the foam..." He wrote about ordinary life, he was real, tangible all the while being a major musical talent. People could relate to his songs because they'd lived them. I loved his music, the sound of his soft voice, the memories his songs conjur up of different times and places in my life. For his generosity in sharing his talent, I am most grateful. For his passing, I am deeply sad. Forever, his music lives, his legacy survives. Dan Fogelberg's spirit transcends this world as his voice and words reside forever in the hearts of all who love his music. Thanks, Dan, for all the great music. God bless you and your family.

[Mary Bell]

I was stunned to hear of Dans passing. Out of all the music I listened to in the 70s and 80s I always come back to his songs. The words ring true over time, many thanks for the GIFT.

[Mary Bell]

I was stunned to hear of Dans passing. Out of all the music I listened to in the 70s and 80s I always come back to his songs. The words ring true over time, many thanks for the GIFT.

[George Siecko]

I was deeply sadened by the news of his passing. I was introduced to his music by a girlfriend in the early 70's. She was such a fan and she saw my love for his music, she hand wrote out most of the lyrics for me. I still have them. In the late 70's I married (another girl) and her brother also was a big fan. I had hoped at some point I would have seen him in concert. Several years ago at some event, there was a performer, I had to look closely when he sang because I thougth it was Dan.
Thank you for all your wonderful words and God Bless. You will be missed, but your words and memories will live on.

[Barb Urlaub]

My heart is saddened by the passing of such a wonderful man. Dan you lit up my life, in good times and in the bad. Your words sang around my home. I'm so sorry for all the pain that you, Jean, and the family endured. Now God has you safe in his arms. Thank you so much for the memories the wonderful concerts, and the pure love that your music and songs gave. I will miss the fact that your not here with us, but your music will live on forever. Barb Urlaub

[Wayne Carter]

I was a fan and wondering why I hadn't heard any new music in a while. "Netherlands" had great significance in my life, facing the crossroads as I and everyone else does ....
"One road was simple
Acceptance of life
The other road offered sweet peace
When I made my decision
My vision became my release"

Peace be with you Dan Fogelberg, and to all the fans who shared your legacy of gentle, heartfelt poetry. You can tell just by the posts on this site they are the best of souls this world has to offer. Your songs live on. Thanks!

[Jeffrey Stark]

As if God didn't already have enough great musicians......Well, now he's got the "Leader of the Band".........I just pray that I can score front row seats if I'm ever lucky enough to get there. Until then, I'm sure gonna miss ya.....You were the best.....You KNOW what I'll be listening to this New Year's Eve.....God Bless Ya, Man.....You were the "Real Deal".

[Christie Du Bord]

Dearest Jean & Margret;

I was deeply saddened to hear of Dan's passing. I wasn't even aware that he wasn't well. His music and sweet voice will live on in our hearts and our minds for ever! My children listen as if for the first time to the songs that I enjoyed growing up with in California. We will all miss him very much please know that we feel blessed to have know him through his songs and will miss him. God Bless.

In Our Deepest Sympathy,
Christie Du Bord & Family

[Cindy Schultz]

Thank you, Dan, for all you have given me and other fans and listeners. You brought to life the feelings, sentiments and passion that no one had the guts to express - and for that, I am thankful. You brought me to this place, your love of the mountains and of nature. I hoped to hear you play live once again, maybe someday in heaven, if I am so lucky. . .