Doctors diagnose Chiefs' Eric Berry with cancer Logan Ryan Patriots Jersey
Chiefs safety Eric Berry has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease and will begin chemotherapy for what doctors called a "very treatable and potentially curable" form of cancer.Hodgkin's disease, also called Hodgkin's lymphoma, is a cancer of the immune system that only represents about 8 percent of all diagnosed lymphomas. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 9,000 people will be diagnosed with it in the United States this year.The survival rate in 1960 was about 40 percent, but advancements in medicine combined with earlier detections have increased the survival rate to more than 80 percent.Berry had been undergoing tests since an MRI exam nearly two weeks ago showed a mass on the right side of his chest that was suspected to be lymphoma."The goal of Mr. Berry's treatment is to cure his lymphoma and we are beginning that treatment now," said Dr. Christopher R. Flowers, director of the Emory Lymphoma Program at Emory's Winship Cancer Institute.Berry said he and his family are grateful for the amount of support they have received over the last couple of weeks."I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate all the words of encouragement, the blessings and well wishes. I want to thank the Emory University School of Medicine, along with Dr. Flowers and his team, for all of their hard work and effort in diagnosing and creating a plan for me to battle this thing. I will embrace this process and attack it the same way I do everything else in life. God has more than prepared me for it. For everyone sharing similar struggles, I'm praying for you and keep fighting."The former All Pro safety has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season.Berry first began feeling discomfort in his chest during a loss in Oakland on Nov. 20. The pain persisted when he showed up at the team's training facility the following day, and he immediately went through a battery of tests that included an MRI exam and CT scan. The mass was discovered that night, and Berry informed his teammates a few days later before heading to Atlanta.The Chiefs have lost both of their games since Berry was placed on the season ending non injury list, putting them in peril of missing the playoffs. Kansas City (7 6) has games remaining against the Raiders, Pittsburgh and San Diego, the latter two teams also in the playoff hunt.Berry has received widespread support since the news of his plight became public.The New York Jets tweeted Monday, "Our thoughts are with Eric Berry, his family Chiefs Nation," while berrystrong has been trending on Twitter.Berry's alma mater, Tennessee, wore helmet stickers honoring him in a recent game, and the Chiefs designed a shirt that reads, "Be Bold Be Brave Be Berry." Arizona coach Bruce Arians wore one of the shirts before the Cardinals' game against the Chiefs, and they are being sold online and at Arrowhead Stadium with proceeds going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Hall of Fame hockey player Mario Lemieux was diagnosed with the same disease in 1993, at the height of his career. He underwent radiation and other treatment and missed about two months, and later took a leave of absence. But he ultimately returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins to finish his career.Lemieux also founded the Mario Lemiuex Foundation, which funds medical research projects while supporting numerous organizations, including the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo was also diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2008 and was successfully treated with chemotherapy. He was voted to his first All Star game this past season.Doctors diagnose Chiefs' Eric Berry with cancerMore>>Chiefs: Eric Berry has mass in chest, possibly lymphomaChiefs: Eric Berry has mass in chest, possibly lymphomaUpdated: Sunday, December 28 2014 8:57 PM EST2014 12 29 01:57:23 GMTChiefs starting safety Eric Berry has a mass in his chest, and it is likely lymphoma, team officials said Monday. Berry's teammates are rallying around him as he undergoes treatment in Atlanta. More >Most Popular StoriesMost Popular StoriesMore>>DEVELOPINGArrest made in robbery outside Oak MallArrest made in robbery outside Oak MallUpdated: Thursday, January 29 2015 1:49 PM EST2015 01 29 18:49:59 GMT Authentic Aldon Smith Jersey