Denver Nuggets coach George Karl informed his team today that he once again has a battle ahead of him with cancer. Karl who beat prostate cancer in 2005, found a lump in his throat a few weeks back that turns out to be a treatable form of throat cancer. Karl’s son Coby who was playing in the NBA himself as recently as this season with the Cavaliers and then a 10-day contract with the Golden State Warriors, is also a cancer survivor who beat a form of thyroid cancer in his senior year of college.
ESPN had these comments from Coach Karl today:
Karl, who had been cancer-free since prostate surgery in July 2005, discovered a worrisome lump on his neck about six weeks ago. A biopsy determined that it was “very treatable and curable” form of throat cancer, Karl said, but it will still require an intense program of radiation and chemotherapy that will probably force him to miss some regular-season games.
“Cancer is a vicious opponent,” he said. “Even the ones that are treatable, you never get a 100-percent guaranteed contract.”
Treatment will consist of 35 sessions over the next six weeks. The sessions are expected to leave his throat extremely raw, requiring him to be fed through his stomach in the final weeks. “Keeping up your nutrition is a big part of the challenge,” he said.
But not the biggest part. “I don’t know that I’ve come to terms with this yet,” he said of the cancer’s return. “I have friends and family praying for me and the whole spiritual aspect is keeping me strong. But I’m not Superman.”
The Denver Nuggets are currently one of the league’s top teams and this news may be a big blow to the team’s spirits. Karl is a coaches coach, and is one of the most respected coaches in the entire league.
Nuggets fans will be sending Karl thousands of well wishes, but maybe his upcoming battle with cancer will be the motivational spark needed for the Nuggets to stay focused on getting over the hump this year and winning it all for their coach.
he Hoop Doctors want to give our best to Coach Karl for a speedy and healthy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
