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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Roy Williams’ tumor is non-cancerous

Biopsy will be taken to ensure second tumor is also benign

By The Associated Press

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North Carolina said Roy Williams’ surgically removed kidney tumor was not cancerous, though he will have a biopsy to ensure a second kidney tumor is also benign.

In a news release Tuesday afternoon, the school said tests have determined the tumor removed last week from Williams’ right kidney was an oncocytoma, which is a benign growth often indistinguishable from kidney cancer on X-rays that doesn’t spread like a cancerous tumor would.

Williams also has a tumor on his left kidney, but according to the school, doctors say there is “a good chance” that growth is the same as the one removed Sept. 19. Doctors plan to biopsy that tumor next week and won’t have to perform a second surgery if the tumor is also an oncocytoma.

Dr. Eric Wallen, a UNC professor of urology who led the surgical team during 3 1/2-hour procedure, said last week that Williams should be back in plenty of time for the start of preseason practice on Oct. 13.

“We are pleased with how well Coach Williams is doing,” Wallen said Tuesday in a statement. “If everything continues to progress as expected, he should be back to his normal activities soon.

In a statement, Williams thanked the medical staff who treated him and said he was “overwhelmed” by the messages of support he had received since the surgery.

“I’ve just been blown away by the calls, cards, prayers and well-wishes from people all around the world in and out of the basketball community,” Williams said. “My family and I are thankful to all that have expressed your concerns.”

Williams, 62, has had minor health issues in recent years, including occasional bouts with vertigo and back problems. The Hall of Fame coach had shoulder surgery three years ago to repair a torn labrum, which left him to coach several weeks with his left arm in a sling.

“There is still work to be done,” Williams said, “but we will continue to deal with that over the next few weeks and get through it with the help of first-rate medical care and the continued support of my family and our extended family and friends through Carolina Basketball.”

Comments

patkindle 8 months ago

great news, glad to hear it good luck roy best news lawrence has had for a while

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drgnslayr 8 months ago

Glad to hear positive news!

Go Roy!

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VaJay 8 months ago

Woo Hoo!! Great news coach Roy! That is awesome!

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kansasplains1 8 months ago

Glad to hear it!

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riverdrifter 8 months ago

Good news. Hope the result on the other side is the same.

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iamakufan 8 months ago

Good news!

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gchawk 8 months ago

Fantastic, glad to hear the great news. Like riverdrifter said, I hope the other kidney has the same result.

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mvjayhawk 8 months ago

yes this is good news. We need Coach Roy to be at full strength so he can counteract the Dukies, and Bill Self can whip him again in the NCAA tourney. :) Coach Williams just turned 62.....so you know he's got several good years left...then he, on his own terms, can decide if it's enough.

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notabandwagonfan 8 months ago

Awesome news. If it wasn't for Coach Williams, I wouldn't be the fan I am today. Get well, Coach!

2

MrPilot 8 months ago

Fantastic news! Great to hear!

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jaybate 8 months ago

I knew it! He just pulled this stunt to land some recruiting sympathy!!!!

:-)

Seriously great news.

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jross1972 8 months ago

Thank God! Roy Williams is a good and decent man. Gave his heart to Kansas.

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jayhawkinmullen 8 months ago

"It's not a TUMOR"!!!!!!!!!

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okiedave 8 months ago

I can imagine the sense of tremendous relief and happiness in the Williams family. I am happy for them.

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Alohahawk 8 months ago

A collective sigh of relief from the Jayhawk faithful. As everyone above has said, I concur. Get your game shorts on, Roy. That's one battle fought. Now, let's proceed to another battle on the BB courts.

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nuleafjhawk 8 months ago

Great news !!

Congratulations coach - we wish you a full and speedy recovery.

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AtlJaybird 8 months ago

Great news! Hurry back to the court Coach.

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konkeyDong 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Glad to hear Roy's okay. He's got a few more good years left in him. Godspeed, Roy Williams, godspeed.

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dylans 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Awesome news! Best thing I've heard all month.

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justinryman 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Amen!

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KGphoto 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Big exhale!

Minus one buffoon, this really cleared up how Kansas feels about 'Ol Roy. He's family. And I was so glad to see all the positive comments by KU fans both here and on the Carolina boards. Hopefully this eliminates even the low-level, scattered boos (fingers crossed) when he makes his inevitable trip back to AFH for a brotherly brawl. Classy group of fans... except for you know who.

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jgkojak 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Seriously, I think he needs to lay off the Diet Coke.

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raprichard 7 months, 4 weeks ago

This is great news. As much as I love to hate UNC, Roy is and always will be a Jayhawk, and even if I root against UNC, I still wish him the best. Here's hoping he has a full recovery and the second tumor is also non-cancerous.

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AirCapJay 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Great news.

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mikehawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Great news! All the best, Roy. Now that is out of the way, let's schedule a home and home. It's just a game and it would be really fun for everyone and the sport of college basketball.

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Table_Rock_Jayhawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Good to hear Coach !

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PamB700 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Very good news!

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