The Mavericks lead singer and guitarist Raul Malo who was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago shared an inspiring update with fans.
On Wednesday, the Grammy-winning artist took to Instagram to share that his fourth round is done, and he was feeling great. He also shared a poignant message to others fighting this devastating disease.
The 58-year-old frontman, who started chemotherapy in July, said: Its important to remember that its not the end, Its a chance for a new beginning. We got this.
In late June, he shared the news that cancerous spots were found in his digestive system after he had a catscan and a colonscopy. At the time, he told Billboard Magazine: Obviously, this isnt the news I was hoping to get, or to share with you all, he said.
However, he also shared that he felt confident with the medical team caring for him in Nashville. Theyve reassured me this is a very common form of cancer, and my odds are good.
Raul Malo, 58, lead vocalist and guitarist of The Mavericks was diagnosed with cancer in June
The band is currently on their Moon & Stars tour and are pictured rehearsing on July 3rd at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston
Malo, who has been transparent with his health journey, shared that he will continue to be as active as possible through his treatments but some shows may be affected.
So far, only two concerts in July were canceled, and a third was rescheduled, as per Rolling Stone.
In his Instagram post, he wrote he had a MRI scheduled for Friday and was open about how he hate[s] those ... uggh, but used humor as a way to deal with it all.
Theres a lovely nurse there who understands my irrational fears and gives me a chew toy and a treat and tells me Im a big boy and I get through it, he wrote.
He also reflected on where he is emotionally writing that this process has allowed me the time to relax, heal, think, reminisce, remember, and recall special memories.
And, how he handled an incident when a dear friend shared their cancer battle with him and spoke candidly about how it took him to an unfamiliar place.
I remember the first time a close friend disclosed to me that they had cancer. As you can imagine emotions start running wild and you try to keep cool. I didnt know what to say. I didnt know how to act, he said.
They showed me their port. I was uncomfortable. This was all new to me and to my friend. What do I say? What can I say? The more we spoke about it the less uncomfortable I became.
Through the years as more and more friends have taken on this battle Ive learned a thing or two about humans. We are tough. We are resilient. And we want to live.
The Mavericks formed in Miami in 1989 - the band is pictured in February 1996 at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles
Raul Malo of The Mavericks performs at the 20th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at Ryman Auditorium on September 22, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee
Ralos fans have been supporting and showing their love on social media along with their own stories of survival.
Thank you for sharing, one fan wrote. Your courage and determination are a gift to so many who are fighting! Youve got this.
Another said: You are amazing! Keep the positive attitude, my husband survived stage 3 bladder cancer in 2009 with that attitude, they wrote.
Youve got this primo! Love you! ❤️ your music! ❤️ your band! Many prayers going your way!
Ralo plays along with bandmates Paul Deakin on drum, Jerry Dale McFadden on keyboard and vocals and Eddie Perez, lead guitar and vocals.
The trio are currently on their Moon & Stars tour that has a jam-packed schedule that runs through mid-December.
On Monday, they are set to play at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa with two more shows in Texas on Friday and Saturday before they head to Las Vegas, Nevada, Oregon, California, Mi