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The Wrens’ Charles Bissell Shares Update On Cancer Treatment

SPAIN – MAY 31: PRIMAVERA SOUND Photo of OKKERVIL RIVER and Charles BISSELL, Charles Bissell performing on stage (Photo by Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns)

|Gary Wolstenholme/Getty

Back in March, the Wrens' Charles Bissell began treatment for multiple myeloma, "a white blood cell cancer sorta thing" that affects plasma cells in bone marrow. And today, he's shared a lengthy update on his health via the Wrens' Facebook page, which includes some very good news. He's on cycle seven of "a clinical trial testing one of the new breed of near-miracle drugs" and "as of the start of this current cycle," he writes, "my m-spike, which is basically a measure of the plasma cell (white blood cell type) that's gone bonkers, officially hit zero. So unofficially, I'm in remission. Remission. Even I can see what a weird fucking word that is to use casually."

Over a year ago, the Wrens announced that the follow-up to The Meadowlands was finished and being mastered, but obviously, Bissell's health issues put things on hold for a while. While there's still no official news on the album, Bissell does conclude his note with this: "Anyway, thanks again for all the messages & kind words, it honestly means a great deal, and forewarned, I vow to see more of you in-person this year..." Read the whole thing below.

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