There’s some good news on the Pretty Maids front. Singer Ronnie Atkins has announced that he’s been declared cancer-free.
Atkins made the announcement via the Pretty Maids social media accounts on Friday, writing:
“Some good news ! A couple of days ago I had the fantastic message that there are no more signs of cancer to be seen/tracked based on the scans that I had taken recently. That’s the best news I have had in a long time, thank god.”
Back in October, Atkins had been diagnosed with lung cancer. In an open letter posted to the band’s Facebook, he told fans at the time that:
“this has by all means been a shock to me, my family and those close to me since it came totally unexpected without any typical symptoms and everything just happened and developed so fast lately.”
The diagnosis effectively halted Pretty Maids’ touring schedule behind their new album while Atkins underwent treatment. Since the announcement, he has had approximately 33 radiation treatments and four rounds of chemotherapy.
Despite the good news, Atkins wants fans to know that he’s not quite out of the woods just yet:
“As for everyone who’s encountered cancer, I’m fully aware that it doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m ‘homesafe’ and the next 5 years are so to speak crucial, but nevertheless it’s a big step in the right direction and a great relief for me and my family.”
He continues:
“To avoid or lower the chances of reoccurrences the doctors have recommended me to undergo immunotherapy for the next year, which I’ve naturally agreed to and already started up. Now it’s time to recuperate, regain some strength and knock myself back into shape, witch I’m eager to do. There will/might be some sequelae that I have to deal with, but so be it. That’s life.”
Atkins finished by thanking his fans for all the well wishes:
“With the risk of being accused of repeating myself I once again wanna express my sincere thanx to all of you out there (my army of beautiful souls) who’s been supporting me through out this with sweet greetings, messages, advice and prayers. It’s been heart warming and I’m forever grateful.”
Pretty Maids released their latest album, Undress Your Madness, back in November. The band’s 16th studio album, it’s the follow-up to 2016’s ‘Kingmaker.’
