The Boston Herald just broke the story that Jon Lester is being tested for cancer.
Although Red Sox officials are being extremely tight-lipped about the matter, Lester has been undergoing an array of exams in Boston for internal medical issues, including cancer.
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However, during the team??s nine-game road trip that ended today with a 7-2 loss to the Oakland A??s, Lester was diagnosed with enlarged lymph nodes, according to sources. Such a symptom can be caused by an array of issues, from infections to cancer.
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Said Schilling on Tuesday: ?®There are a lot of personal things going on here that weigh on us a lot more than the losses and wins.?∆
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Epstein and Francona were vague and circumspect when asked about the pitcher??s absence, saying that Lester had been spending some time with his family. Lester resides in Puyallup, Wash.
Clearly, the fact that he’s with his family and not back in Boston with tests/rehabilitation is not a good sign.
Obviously, losing Lester for an extended time (chemotherapy, etc.) would be a huge blow, and certainly the possibility exists we would lose him for the rest of his career.
His health is first and foremost, and I hope that Jon Lester is okay. I would rather he be alive and never pitch again, so my thoughts are with him.
However, it can’t go without saying that August 2006 has clearly been one of the worsts months in Red Sox history.