TNT's Ernie Johnson has cancer
Turner Sports Studio Host Ernie Johnson has revealed that he is dealing with cancer.
Many NBA viewers who saw All-Star weekend noticed that Johnson had an issue of some kind with his face, prompting lots of discussion from InsideHoops.com readers about his health.
Today, Ernie Johnson explained his situation in a statement:
“Two and a half years ago, in August of 2003, I was diagnosed with "follicular" Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This is a low-grade and treatable cancer--not as aggressive as some other forms. The approach that my oncologist recommended was what is called "watchful waiting"--that is, monitoring my condition with checkups every 4 months with the option to begin treatment if and when I began showing symptoms of illness. Through all this time I have had no symptoms...have felt great... and still do to this day.
The only reason I'm bringing my condition to your attention now is because the swelling of a lymph node near my left ear has become noticeable to viewers of TNT and there have been questions asked. My plan is to work the rest of the NBA season and playoffs, go to the beach with my wife, Cheryl, and our 4 kids, and start a treatment regimen in late June, which will likely include chemotherapy. And then I'll go back to work.
I draw much inspiration for what lies ahead from within my own family. My mother, Lois, and my sister, Dawn are both cancer survivors.
And finally, I can't say enough about the care and encouragement I've received from the staff at the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory in Atlanta, and in particular Dr. Leonard Heffner. My family and I have the utmost confidence in their abilities. And we continue, as we always have, in both good times and bad, to place our faith in Jesus Christ, and to trust God...period.”
EJ is in his 16th year with Turner Sports and currently hosts TNT’s NBA and PGA golf coverage, as well as TBS’ Pac-10 and Big-12 college football package. He earned a 2001 Sports Emmy for Best Studio Host/Personality for his work on TNT’s NBA studio show.
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