Wayman Tisdale's lengthy battle with cancer has taken another turn.
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The Oklahoma basketball legend had the lower part of his right leg amputated Monday.
Diagnosed early last year with cancer, he has been fighting it for the past 18 months. The surgery to remove the lower part of his leg is expected to eradicate the disease.
"I have complete faith that, with the Lord's blessings, this surgery will eliminate the cancer from my body,” Tisdale said in a statement.
In February 2007, Tisdale suffered a broken right leg when he fell down a flight of stairs at his Los Angeles home. While examining that injury, doctors discovered a cancerous cyst just below his knee.
After more than a month of inconclusive biopsies, tests finally determined the mass was malignant. Tisdale was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the most common type of malignant bone cancer.
Tisdale had the cyst removed, had knee replacement surgery, then began chemotherapy.
"The hardest thing for me ... was when the doctor told me that I was going to have to take it easy for a while,” Tisdale said in an interview earlier this year. "I was like, ‘I don't know how to take it easy.' ”
Tisdale rose to stardom at Tulsa Washington High School, then became a three-time All-American at Oklahoma. A member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic team that won gold, the versatile big man spent 12 years in the NBA.
He never suffered a major injury during his basketball career.
After retiring from the NBA in 1997, Tisdale turned his attention from basketball to music. The smooth jazz guitarist composed and recorded music and toured around the world.
His cancer forced him to cancel 40 or 50 tour dates last year, but around Christmas, Tisdale returned to the stage.
Now, he must take off time to recover again. He hopes to start playing shows again later this fall and plans to host the "Smooth Jazz Cruise” next January.
Tisdale's latest album, "Rebound,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's contemporary jazz chart, and his current single, "Throwin' It Down,” is No. 6.
According to his publicist Earl Cole, Tisdale is resting now at his home in Tulsa.
"There's a lot more music inside me,” Tisdale said, "and once I am back on my feet, I look forward to sharing my joy with my fans, friends and fellow musicians.”
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I was sitting down listening to one of your albums and downloading the Daily Okie and the first article I see on the sports page is this one. Best of everything to you Wayman, and thanks so much for the memories. You should be every little boys roll model.
We love you man.
Wayman, God chose a great spokesman in you to carry forth his message of hope, love and humbleness. You are a credit to your Parents and your family. Your smile shines on all of us and in it you project love, faith, hope and optimism. May God shower you with His Blessings and His healing powers. May He hold your family in the palm of His hand as you adjust to the latest challenge.
THANK YOU for all of the joy you have brought to our lives with your play on the court and off as well with your creative music. I wish you a long, happy life!!!!
Prayers & best wishes for a speedy & "complete" recovery. Caught the Alameda County, CA concert in June. One of the best ever. Kids, as well as great-grandparents, were rockin' it to the beats.
I also remember going to the All College with my Dad one year and he scored like 55 points. I was in the 'Myriad' just last week...I walked into that arena and that's the first thing I remember - then I remember the Styx concert, the Kansas concert, the Cars concert...but Wayman was something else!
Wayman Tisdale is OU basketball to me. I remember listening on the radio to the first game he played as a Sooner - I remember it was in Las Vegas. I've been a Wayman fan ever since. I used to play ball at the Tulsa Y - and he'd come in there every now and then and play. He didn't like to lose at the Y, either! Anyway, good luck Wayman. I wish you all the best!
My prayers are with you and your family Wayman! I was just in junior high when you played for OU but remember those fabulous turn around jumpers!! May God bless you richly and your health be returned to you now!!!
Wayman was the most dominant college basketball player I've ever seen. I can still see his turnaround jump shot in my mind's eye. He is also such a great individual.
May the Lord continue to bless you Wayman and may He grant you many years of good health.
Mr. Tisdale,I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.You have been one of my heroes since I was 11,not just because of your skills on the court but in life also.I have every belief you will continue to be an example on how to live life the right way.God bless you,Wayman Tisdale.
Horrible news!! I remember playing against you in the Muskogee Shriner Tournament, way back when. You guys had Nolan Jr., Arthur White, and of course you. You had 39 points and 5 dunks in that game against us. The Lord has always had a plan for you Wayman, and I'm sure you'll handle this like you have everything else.
Get better quick!!!
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Wayman Tisdale was diagnosed with cancer last year in his right knee when he broke his leg in a fall at his Los Angeles home. associated press
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We love you man.
THANK YOU for all of the joy you have brought to our lives with your play on the court and off as well with your creative music. I wish you a long, happy life!!!!
May the Lord continue to bless you Wayman and may He grant you many years of good health.
Get better quick!!!
God bless from a Jayhawk fan.