LeDoux undergoes cancer treatment

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Wednesday, November 17, 2004

LeDoux undergoes cancer treatment

By JENNI DILLON

Star-Tribune staff writer

Country music star and former world champion bareback bronc rider

LeDoux has cancelled three tour dates as he undergoes cancer

treatment.

The 56-year-old, who ranches near Kaycee, was diagnosed with

cholangiocarcinoma earlier this month, according to Mark Sissel, his

tour manager and guitar player.

The cancer, which commonly affects the bile ducts, may be related to

the progressive liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC),

for which LeDoux received a liver transplant in 2000.

Three winter tour dates, including an appearance at the National

Finals Rodeo, have been cancelled to allow LeDoux an opportunity to

receive treatment for the cancer, Sissel said. However, the manager

added, LeDoux's prognosis is positive.

" He said it was very promising, " Sissel said. " Any cancer is

serious ... but we're all positive about it -- as positive as you can

be and still be respectful and thoughtful. "

Sissel declined to schedule an interview with LeDoux, who is

reportedly resting at his Kaycee-area ranch and traveling to Casper

for 12 weeks of outpatient radiation therapy.

" I'm not having him do any interviews, " Sissel said. " Just allow him

that time. "

LeDoux's form of cancer affects about 3,000 Americans each year,

according to the e-Medicine.com Web site. While a cause for the

disease is not known, research indicates that long-term inflammation,

such as that caused by PSC, can lead to malignant growths, the Web

site said. Radiation therapy has proven effective in increasing

survival rates for those with the disease.

Born in Mississippi and raised in Texas, LeDoux attended high school

in Cheyenne, where he won the state's bareback title three times and

went on to become the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's world

champion in bareback riding in 1976.

LeDoux also began playing and recording country music as a teen and

has sold more than 5 million albums to date. His most recent

album, " 20 Originals: The Early Years, " was released in June.

Sissel said LeDoux is hoping to return to his normal ranching and

touring schedule soon.

" His intent is that he just had to get this done and move on, " Sissel

said. " He fully intends on taking these treatments and getting it

done and getting back to business. "

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Source: http://www.casperstartribune.net