Interesting questions and answers on his "medical situation":
His voice still weak, Vitale, 85, wants to finish his radiation and put this latest cancer battle behind him before focusing on return to ESPN.
www.heraldtribune.com
Exclusive: Dick Vitale details road ahead as he prepares to battle cancer for the fourth time
Cancer once again has put a full-court press on Dick Vitale.
The 85-year-old ESPN college basketball analyst and Lakewood Ranch resident recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous lymph node from his neck. Doctors also removed 26 surrounding lymph nodes. Once Vitale recovers from the surgery, he will undergo six weeks of radiation. In June 2023, Vitale finished 35 radiation treatments for vocal cord cancer.
His voice still weak, Vitale texted his responses in a brief Q&A with Herald-Tribune sportswriter Doug Fernandes.
Question: What was the procedure you underwent?
Vitale: I am currently recovering from surgery on July 1 to remove a cancerous lymph node in my neck, and also the removal of 26 surrounding lymph nodes. The pathology report was that one of the 26 had cancer potential, thus Dr. Peter Vosler, the surgeon, and Dr. Rick Brown, the oncologist, feel I need six weeks of radiation treatments daily to wipe out any potential cancerous lymph nodes to avoid any spreading. I must totally heal from the recent surgery before radiation can start. The feeling is I should be cleared to start in the middle of August. I am trying to stay active as it really helps me emotionally and mentally.
Can your doctors make any projections or predictions after you finish your radiation? Should you be in the clear?
Vitale: My oncologist and surgeon feel that if I have a successful six weeks of radiation that we would be very optimistic that we would be moving in a positive direction. Before I can start the radiation, I must be healed from the recent surgery. At the moment I am in recovery and I am dealing with some numbness and no feeling on the right side of my neck, which was expected. Hoping that the recovery in time gets me to where we can get started with the radiation.
You have had quite a few medical issues the last two or three years. How tough has it been maintaining a positive outlook?
Vitale: It really has been an emotional and mental challenge as I am now going through my fourth cancer battle. It started with melanoma followed by lymphoma, then vocal cord cancer and now the lymph node cancer surgery. However, through it all, I have stayed active and been so inspired and motivated by all the prayers and messages I have received from so many. I always try to reflect and think about all the courageous youngsters who have been at my Galas and what they have gone through. They have been so helpful in sharing their feelings with me. My family support has been vital in my various cancer battles and that is a major plus
.
.
.
continued