Dick Vitale gives critical health update following surgery

As ESPN color commentator and college basketball icon Dick Vitale continues cancer treatment, he provided fans with an update on his latest surgery. He also thanked fans once again for their continued support as he battled for the second time in recent years.

“Sorry, due to discomfort from surgery, I’ll be limited on social media,” Vitale tweeted with pictures from the hospital. “Love all of you that have sent me (prayers) and (love). It was a three-hour surgery. Dr. Zeitels said (it) was tough but got what he needed vs Dysplasia and ulcerated lesions. Must do four-week voice rest.”

Sorry due to discomfort from surgery I I’ll be limited on social media . Love ALL of u that have sent me 🙏🙏🙏 & ❤️❤️❤️ It was a 3 hr surgery Dr Zeitels said was tough but got what he needed vs Dysplasia & ulcerated lesions / must do 4 week voice rest .@ESPNPR pic.twitter.com/uDjfbGXmzU

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) February 16, 2022

This comes almost a month after the beloved ESPN figure announced that he would take a break from calling games and making television appearances for the remainder of the 2021-22 college basketball season.

“So, while I’m heartbroken that I won’t appear on ESPN for the rest of this season, I’m encouraged by the progress,” Vitale said in his statement. “In fact, it appears that by resting my voice for the past three weeks, I’ve reduced the inflammation by 60 percent. Let’s hope the added rest will help it heal some more, and things will look even better when I go for my next follow-up visit on Feb. 16. Once the inflammation heals, we will set a date for surgery.”

Vitale did say his ultimate goal is to be back courtside, calling games during the 2022-2023 season. He closed out his statement by saying the updates will continue and he will be watching the rest of this season at home.

He started the season with rounds of treatment between television appearances, but the travel and vocal exercise proved to be too much as he used strength to power through.

More about Dick Vitale

Dick Vitale has been reached out to by fans, colleagues and coaches alike since announcing his battle with cancer to give him well wishes. He announced publicly that Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes sent Vitale a text in the form of a prayer ahead of their Big 12/SEC Challenge game against Texas over a week ago.

“Lord, we know that Dick has been through a lot. Praying father for you to give him rest for his mind, body and spirit from the fatigue he is facing,” the text to Vitale reads, in part. “Give Dick wisdom so he is able to take the right next step forward. … Love you Dick.”

Be sure to follow Vitale on Twitter, as he typically provides updates on his health throughout the week as well as providing his one-of-a-kind commentary on the current landscape of college basketball in 2022.