On Friday, Rockies pitcher Chad Bettis revealed some truly terrible news: The cancer that doctors thought was confined to his testicle has spread to other parts of his body, meaning he will now require chemotherapy.
“I learned this week that my testicular cancer has unexpectedly spread, and I will begin a regimen of chemotherapy in the very near future,” Bettis wrote on Twitter. “I am committed to beating this cancer.”
Here is an update on my current health situation. My family and I thank you for your continued thoughts, prayers and support. pic.twitter.com/oIi4CTE0AK
— Chad Bettis (@cbettis35) March 10, 2017
Back in December, Bettis announced that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer but that after having a testicle removed he was now healthy and would be ready for Opening Day. Friday’s news obviously means that’s no longer the case.
Bettis, 27, has pitched four seasons for the Rockies, posting a 5.01 ERA (4.48 away from Coors Field). He was expected to be part of Colorado’s starting rotation in 2017.
Obviously there’s a whole lot more at stake here than baseball. Chemotherapy is no joke, and Bettis likely has a long road ahead of him. Thankfully, doctors have given Bettis a fairly positive prognosis.
Via the Denver Post:
His prognosis for a healthy recovery is good, in the 90 percent range, he said. Bettis will start chemotherapy treatment in Arizona sometime soon. And he and his wife Kristina are expecting their first child later this month.
But Bettis’ return to baseball this season is in doubt. “Optimistically? This year,” Bettis said. He was given a broad timeline of potential outcomes.
Here’s hoping we see Bettis healthy and back on the mound before too long.
