By Tim Maloney, European Editor
February has not been the greatest month for Sheryl Crow. Nominated for another Grammy for her recent album Wildflower, which she dedicated to Lance Armstrong, Crow and fiance Armstrong announced they would go their separate ways on February 4 rather than marry as planned in April. Then on Wednesday, February 22, Crow's website announced that the 43 year-old singer/songwriter had a successful operation for breast cancer, caught in its early stages.
Sheryl Crow recently spoke to La Gazetta dello Sport's Pier Bergonzi about her fight with cancer and her future plans. "Now I'm doing better and I've decided to be optimistic", Crow told Bergonzi from her Los Angeles home. "It's going to be tough, but I'm ready," explained a determined Crow of her fight to beat breast cancer. "I was getting ready for my North American tour when I felt something wasn't right...my doctors found the problem and we decided that they would operate. Did you know that by the end of the year, there will be two hundred thousand women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer?"
Like fellow songbirds Anastacia and Kylie Minogue, Crow had contracted the number one cancer killer for women, but told Bergonzi she expects to beat the beast. "The doctors have gotten everything and I'm sure they did a good job. So I've decided to be positive about my future. And I've still got a lot of projects..."
Crow has cancelled upcoming concerts in March and April and will now have to undergo two months of preventative radiation therapy. "The doctors told me that the radiation is something I have to do. But I still hope to be in Italy in June for my concert on Firenze. And maybe even go to the Giro d'Italia. I still like cycling very much."
Crow also spoke to Bergonzi of her relationship with Armstrong, saying "I know he is concerned about me...my mom is here with me." Talking of her break-up with Armstrong, Crow explained, "Lance recently retired after an extraordinary career where he was completely at the top. So he still needs to figure out his new life."
