Carnal Forge bassist Lars Lindén was diagnosed with colon cancer with metastases to the liver in April 2023. After roughly two years of treatment through the Swedish healthcare system, Lindén has sadly been informed that there are no treatment options left for him. Lindén has since launched a GoFundMe seeking kr200,000 (roughly $18,000 USD) to potentially get cancer treatments abroad. Donate here if you can and help a great metal vocalist out in his time of need.
"My name is Lars Linden and I live in Västerås, Sweden. On April 13, 2023, I was diagnosed with colon cancer with metastases to the liver," wrote Lindén on his GoFundMe. "Recently I was given weeks to months left to live after the Swedish healthcare system informed me that they have no other viable treatments to offer me. I'm desperately seeking financial support for alternative treatments abroad.
"To be only 53 years old and now suddenly with a palliative diagnosis for terminal cancer has been a complete shock and terrifying experience for me and my family. I have undergone several operations on my colon, which resulted in a stoma, a pouch on my stomach and a catheter, as well as the removal of the main tumor and 25 cm (9.84 inches) of my colon. It has been a big adjustment for me, and I've had to learn to live with these changes, becoming a disabled person. It has severely affected my quality of life and self-confidence. I've had 27 treatments with chemotherapy. With very severe side effects as a result.
"But what Swedish healthcare has to offer is not enough. Unfortunately, the cancer, i.e. the liver metastases, has grown and become more extensive, and is unfortunately not operable at the moment. There are currently no treatment options available in our Swedish hospitals that can give me the help I so desperately need. My doctor said that I 'should come back when I start to turn yellow, because that is when the liver is shutting down'. He said that 'I wouldn't worry about pain in the end because you will go into a coma first anyway'. Truly uplifting coaching.
"Therefore, I am now turning to you to seek financial support so that I can receive care elsewhere, abroad and in other alternative ways in Sweden, where there may be treatments that can help me. Eating right and healthy is expensive. Alternative treatments, dietary supplements and medicines are expensive and nothing you get help with from the Swedish healthcare system.
"Despite my diagnosis, and the psychological terror, I am feeling relatively well today. I am in fairly 'good shape' given the situation and I'm exercising physically and mentally. I have signed up for a race in June to run 10 km (Even though with constant neuropathies in my feet and not considering the doctors view of me being dead already in June). If you saw me on the street you probably wouldn't notice that I carry a terminal illness and that doctors have given me the sentence of 'weeks maybe months left to live'. The mental burden is massive. It's a completely surreal situation. But I refuse to give up.
"I want to continue to be a husband, brother, step father and step grandfather. I want to live and see my children grow up and be there for them. To be something other than a vague memory in a picture for my grandchild. But I also feel guilt for the stress my illness has put on my wife, our family and our finances.
"I can't wait to get back to my job that I miss. I have so much that I am passionate about. Especially all the unreleased music I am working on. Fighting to get these albums out to the world.
"I have been on sick leave since April 2023 and it is weighing heavily on our finances. Even a small donation can make a big difference and give me a chance to get the treatments I need. I am incredibly grateful for all the help and support I can get during this difficult time.
"Thank you for taking the time to read my story."
