Olivia Newton-John is staying optimistic following her recent cancer diagnosis.
The Australian songstress revealed earlier this month she was battling cancer for the second time, forcing her to postpone her nationwide tour to focus on her health.
Newton-John was first treated for breast cancer in 1992 at the age of 43, undergoing a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction. After canceling shows two weeks ago due to back pain, testing revealed that the cancer had returned and metastasized to her sacrum, a bone in the lower back.
“I am really grateful for and touched by the worldwide outpouring of love and concern. Thank you. I am feeling good and enjoying total support from my family and friends, along with a team of wellness and medical practitioners both here in the U.S. and at my Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia,” the singer told People in an exclusive statement. “I’m totally confident that my new journey will have a positive success story to inspire others! Love and light, Olivia.”
The “Grease” actress is currently laying low in her southern California ranch home with husband John Easterling while she undergoes photon radiation therapy, in addition to pursuing natural wellness therapies. After just a week of treatment, Newton-John’s pain level has already “gone from [level] eight to about a two,” according to her husband.
“We both have the same unshakable belief that she’s going to have a wonderful success story,” Easterling told People. “We’re not trying to be positive. We have an absolute knowingness that we can turn this around.”
“She’s not naive and doesn’t get immobilized,” friend and talk-show host Leeza Gibbons added. “She finds light in the darkest corners and just always has.”
If all goes well, Newton-John reportedly plans to return to the stage later this year and resume touring for her album “LIV,” which was partly inspired by her cancer battle, as well as the death of her sister from brain cancer in 2013.
