Black Sabbath Legend Iommi Credits Ozzy With Being Persistent

In an exclusive interview with the Birmingham Mail, legendary Black Sabbath guitarist and lymphoma patient Toni Iommi says that, despite his differences with lead singer Ozzy Osbourne over the years, it was Ozzy who was on top of him about his cancer treatment.

"Ozzy was the one who kept on at me to go to the doctors because he was concerned about me, and he has been very supportive since I was diagnosed," Iommi told the paper. "In fact, all the guys in the band have been great. Even now, when we arrive at the studio they ask how I’m feeling, if I’m up to it, making sure that I’m OK."

It had been Ozzy in the first place who urged his friend and longtime guitarist to see a doctor after Iommi mentioned he was having pains in his groin.

Preparing to die after being diagnosed

Ultimately, he learned he had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and began treatment soon after. Last year he told the Sunday Mercury:

Cancer meant death to me. I started writing myself off. I would lie awake at night, thinking about selling this, getting rid of that, and preparing everything: who should speak at my funeral and where I’d want to be buried. But I also kept thinking 'I’m not ready to go yet. I’ve got too much to do, and I like being here.'

Trying new treatment and staying motivated

After induction therapy, Iommi is currently on antibody maintenance, telling the Birmingham Mail: "I have to have an antibody administered by drip every six weeks or so to keep the lymphoma in check ... these infusions are part of the chemotherapy regime. It’s relatively new treatment and they don’t know what all the side-effects might be yet, but I wanted to try it."

While he admits to feeling sick and tired for a good 10 days following infusions, it's something he says he can put up with if this is what it takes to beat his cancer. He further credits the recording sessions with Black Sabbath and the tour in support of the album as motivational tools to keep his spirits up when they've gotten low.

"Medics say that the condition is manageable with treatment," he added. "I enjoy where I’m at now ... I’ve got a good home life and a good family, great friends and support. And I’m fortunate because I’m still able to go out and play music."

Source: Birmingham Mail