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Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh battling bladder cancer

Lesh will eventually have surgery to remove tumors.
Grateful Dead bass player Phil Lesh performs at the 5th Annual Jammy Awards in New York City on Tuesday, April 26, 2005. The Jammys celebrate artists overlooked by other music awards, especially those with strong live performances . (AP Photo/John Smock)

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (AP) - Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh says he has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and is being treated in Arizona.

The 75-year-old bassist announced his illness Friday on the Facebook page of his San Rafael restaurant and concert hall, Terrapin Crossroads.

Lesh says he was diagnosed in early October and has been undergoing tests at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale and will eventually have surgery to remove the tumors. He says he's "very fortunate" to have the pathology reports show the tumors are all non-aggressive and that there is no indication that they have spread.

He canceled Phil Lesh and Friends shows scheduled for Oct. 24 and 25 at the Terrapin Crossroads.

Lesh says he will be able to return to normal activities two weeks after surgery and will reschedule the canceled dates.

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