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On 8 July 2003, at the age of 18, Delta was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer which attacks the body’s immune system. She was forced to put all working commitments on hold while undertaking treatment for the disease. In an exclusive interview with the Australian Women’s Weekly, Delta revealed that her body had been giving warning signs since 2002. Symptoms included a head to toe rash, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and the appearance of a lump on her neck. “I was doing sit-ups when I felt something pop in my neck. I reached down and I felt a small lump at the base of my throat. It wasn’t sore, it wasn’t visible, but I could feel it.” As part of her treatment, Delta undertook chemotherapy, which resulted in the loss of her hair, and radiation therapy.
The news of her diagnosis made newspaper and television headlines and an outpouring of support was shown by fans and the general public alike, Delta thanking them during The Visualise Tour for all the letters and well wishes she received. Much of Delta’s 2004 album Mistaken Identity, in particular “Extraordinary Day”, is inspired by her battle. Reflecting on that period of her life, Delta says, “It’s weird to see pictures of that time. In some ways the fact that I was so sick was so out there, and yet I kept it really private. No-one saw me on the days I was really sick…I was 18 when I was diagnosed and I had a number one album and single in the country. And in the UK, I was number two. It was such a bipolar year.”
Extraordinary Day Lyrics
Listen to Extraordinary Day below:
Change, like secrets in the wind
I hear the whispers madame butterfly
Spread your precious wings
I watch you fly awayI know, I can’t change fate of that July the 8th and it was never the same
I know, this stage is frightening but its oh so enlightening is this how karma goes? OhChorus
Who would have thought when chance came calling that this would be my defining story
And who could have guessed on my life’s journey
I could find my way through this extraordinary dayWhy? Had my universe gone mad?
Was there no compassion? I was wrong
So many loving hands reaching out to hold meI know, I can’t change fate of that July the 8th and it was never the same
I know, this stage is frightening but its oh so enlightening is this how karma goes? OhChorus
Who would have thought when chance came calling that this would be my defining story
And who could have guessed on my life’s journey
I could find my way through this extraordinary dayNothing is isolated
I know, I can’t change fate of that July the 8th and it was never the same
I know, this stage is frightening but its oh so enlightening is this how karma goes? ohOh oh oh oh
Extraordinary day
This would be my defining story
And who could have guessed on my life’s journey I could find my way through this extraordinary dayOh ohhhhhhhhh
(extraordinary day)
Thinking of you,
Artin & Katie
