Rockies’ Bettis tells ESPN of testicular cancer diagnosis, surgery
Dec 13, 2016, 12:04 AM
Colorado Rockies pitcher Chad Bettis is expected to make a full recovery after being diagnosed with testicular cancer and undergoing surgery in late November to a remove a testicle, according to a report from ESPN.com.
In a statement to ESPN through Bettis’ agent Matt Sosnick, the 27-year-old pitcher said his doctor “noticed and abnormality” during an appointment in November, and blood work revealed the testicular cancer. He underwent surgery on Nov. 29, per the statement.
“I was completely caught off-guard by my diagnosis but have subsequently found that the vast majority of cases occur in men 20 to 40 years of age and that the survival rate is 99 percent when contained and caught early,” Bettis said via the statement. “This only reinforces my belief that each of us needs to be totally in tune with our own physical health, and that taking action sooner than later when we feel like something is off can sometimes literally be the difference between life and death.”
Bettis went on to say in the statement that his surgeon was “very confident” that the cancer had not spread and that he believes that he should be physically ready for spring training in February.
“I thank my friends and family for their love and kindness and ask that privacy be shown to both my wife and myself until spring training begins,” Bettis said in the statement, while also thanking Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich for his “care and support.”
Bettis went 14-8 with a 4.79 ERA in 32 starts for the Rockies in 2016. He led the team in innings pitched, 186.0, while also notching the most wins and starts on the club’s staff.
A second-round draft pick by Colorado in 2010 out of Texas Tech, Bettis made his MLB debut in 2013 and worked his way into the starting rotation in 2015, throwing 115.0 innings and going 8-6 in 20 starts.
Several people expressed well-wishes to Bettis after discovering the news of his diagnosis Monday night.
Thoughts and prayers with Chad Bettis. One of the truly good guys. https://t.co/e3bbio9RU1
— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) December 13, 2016
Wishing @cbettis35 well in his recovery. Prayers with you!! https://t.co/9mIBE1bD0M
— Jenny Cavnar (@jennycavnar) December 13, 2016
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