Dick Vitale provides update on battle with vocal chord cancer

On Friday, the beloved Dick Vitale provided an update on his battle with vocal chord cancer.

Over the summer, Vitale — who just last year beat lymphoma — was undergoing treatment for more vocal cord issues when the doctor discovered it was a form of cancer. The legendary commentator is now undergoing radiation to treat it. Still, he maintains that his goal is to be ready for college basketball to start in November.

Taking to Twitter, Vitale explained what the latest is regarding his fight, and revealed that he’s in the process of working with doctors to regain his voice.

“Let me share with those asking about my status with vocal cord cancer,” Vitale tweeted. It’s been tough ‘mentally’ each day stressing as to what is going to be the report after being scoped by Dr. Zeitels in Boston Oct 16. (Praying) that the 35 radiation treatments wiped out the cancer.

“I have not been able to speak since early June & to be honest it is so frustrating. 1st step to regaining my voice is being cancer free on vocal cords & than the next step is Dr. Zeitels working to get vocal cords to function effectively. (Praying) that happens. I’ve stayed active to keep my mind from worrying about the exams.”

Alas, Vitale has been fighting vocal chord cancer since announcing the news over the summer, and it’s obvious he’s still fighting the good battle.

“I’m sorry to share that I received tough news today from Dr. Zeitels about my throat,” Vitale wrote, earlier in July. “The tests on the tissues they removed showed that I have vocal cord cancer and will need 6 weeks of radiation to treat it. Dr. Z tells me that it has an extremely high cure rate, and that radiation, not more surgery, is the best path.

“I plan to fight like hell to be ready to call games when the hoops season tips off in the fall. Dr. Z feels that scenario is entirely possible. I want to say that I have been so touched by the tweets, texts, notes, and prayers, and will ask all of you to continue to send positive vibes.”

Moreover, Vitale has been a staple at ESPN since joining the network 42 years ago. He coached at the college level as an assistant at Rutgers and served as Detroit Mercy’s head coach from 1973-77. Vitale served as the Detroit Pistons head coach from 1978-79 before he got a microphone in his hand, eventually becoming one of the most beloved figures in college basketball.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this article.