Dick Vitale gives update on health and scheduled treatments

ESPN’s college basketball color commentator Dick Vitale shared an update on how his week looks in terms of his health after being diagnosed with cancer last year. Now, he may need surgery if his condition does not improve.

“Going to Boston Monday so Dr. Zeitels can see if the inflammation of vocal cords has improved. He said if he feels it, he’ll do surgery Tuesday. Today I’ve been getting EKG – Chest X-ray, etc. all needed to qualify for anesthesia. This will be tough week as I have chemo Thursday,” Vitale wrote on Twitter Thursday afternoon.

This comes a little more than two weeks since the beloved ESPN analyst announced that he would be taking 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.

“I will continue to provide updates as I go along, and I am firm in my belief that I will win this battle and be back doing what I love – calling games at courtside next season,” Vitale said. “In the meantime, I will enjoy all the great games from my living room and savor the love of my marvelous family. Thank you all.”

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.