Mark Pope sends Dick Vitale heartfelt message after latest cancer surgery

Mark Pope wants Dick Vitale to know that he has the Big Blue Nation by his side in his latest battle with cancer.

This afternoon, the legendary college basketball announcer shared a video that Pope sent him following his most recent cancer diagnosis and surgery. Last week, the 85-year-old announced that doctors had discovered a cancerous lymph node in his neck. Today, surgeons removed the lymph node and those around it. According to Vitale, his surgeon was “pleased” with the procedure.

“Just received a video message from @KentuckyMBB @CoachMarkPope about my recent cancer surgery,” Vitale wrote on Twitter. “I have received many prayers from BBN fans & they are truly appreciated.”

“Coach Vitale, it’s Coach Pope at the University of Kentucky,” Pope says in the video. “Listen, I heard that you’re back engaged in the midst of this struggle and I just want you to know this, man. You know this, but you have so many people around this world that love you, including me, that are cheering for you and praying for you and giving you all the love we possibly can.”

Pope also gave Vitale some incentive to get well soon: an open invitation to a Kentucky Basketball practice and/or game.

“Get better soon because you’ve got to make a trip here to the University of Kentucky. Come join us for a practice, man. Come to a game. Let’s go, baby.”

Just received a video message from @KentuckyMBB @CoachMarkPope about my recent cancer surgery . I have received many prayers from BBN fans & they are truly appreciated . pic.twitter.com/NWHbKaHCoL

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) July 2, 2024

This is Vitale’s fourth battle with cancer. He was first treated for melanoma and lymphoma in 2021 and vocal cord cancer last year. This diagnosis come just weeks after Vitale’s doctor cleared him to return to broadcasting this fall. Now, he and his doctors will wait for the pathology report on the lymph nodes to determine how far the cancer may have spread and what the treatment will be.

“Dr. Voslar my surgeon said he was pleased with how surgery went in removing cancerous Lymph Node in my neck,” Vitale tweeted. “Now we must wait for the Pathology report on the lymph nodes he removed in the area of the cancerous one & waiting for the report is filled with anxiety.”

Dr Voslar my surgeon said he was pleased with how surgery went in removing cancerous Lymph Node in my neck Now we must wait for Pathology report on the lymph nodes he removed in the area of the cancerous one & waiting for the report is filled with anxiety . pic.twitter.com/OGz9WCsYdC

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) July 2, 2024

Good vibes coming to you from the Bluegrass, Dickie V.