Jan 15, 2008 - 5:29 PM
1 shoutDENVER (Ticker) -- Denver Nuggets forward Nene underwent an operation to remove a testicular tumor, the team announced Tuesday.
The surgery was performed Monday at Denver Health Medical Center and was performed by Dr. Fernando J. Kim, the hospital's chief of urology.
Results of a biopsy to determine the presence of cancer are pending.
"A right testicular mass was found incidentally and it was managed surgically," Kim, said. "Nene is recovering well and in good condition."
On January 11, the Nuggets announced Nene would take an indefinite leave of absence from the team. There is no timeline for his return.
"As a cancer survivor and someone who has watched his son go through two cancer-related surgeries, I know firsthand the emotions and fears that you feel when someone says you might have it," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "Our job now is to support Nene and be there for him as a family.
"Basketball is at the bottom of the totem poll at a time like this. We just want him to get healthy."
The 6-11 Nene has appeared in 12 games this season for the Nuggets, averaging 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds. The 25-year-old missed 22 games after undergoing surgery on his left thumb in early November.
"I want to thank my fans, my teammates, the Nuggets organization and everyone that's been supporting me," Nene said. "My victory will represent their victory as well. Thanks for being with me in this moment. I will remember all the appreciation. I thank God that we could detect this at such an early stage."
Helio Rubens, the coach for Team Brazil until last September, is confident that Nene will rejoin the national team next July in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Greece.
"He has an extraordinary strength and a lot of determination to surpass all this," Rubens said. "Therefore, I have no doubt he will be in Greece."
