Some games are more important than others, and for Kyla Nelson, a junior basketball player for the University of Pittsburgh’s Division I team, the game against Miami of Ohio on Tuesday might have been the most exciting of her life.
In August, Nelson was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor on her appendix. She had successful surgery in October but by Tuesday night, the athlete, who’s from the U.K., returned to the court she loves. Supporters and fans inspired by her story showed her lots of love at the game, including ESPN sideline reporter and cancer survivor Holly Rowe, who surprised Nelson with an interview.
Read More“The fact that I’m already out on the floor is a blessing to me and I just feel really lucky.” @kylanelson_ on her return to @Pitt_WBB after cancer treatment ???? pic.twitter.com/8YArZzc1Hy
ACC Network (@accnetwork) December 18, 2019
“I think we've all been touched by somebody who has had [cancer]," Pitt coach Lance White told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "For our team, we always talk about basketball being a vehicle for life. This is pretty much it right here beside me. You have to face challenges. You have to hear things you don't want to hear and then you have to go face it and battle it. That's exactly what she's done."
Nelson practiced with her team for two weeks before returning to the court for a game. Moments before it started, she effortlessly shot a basket with one hand from the half-court line.
Beat cancer ✔ï¸
Make a one-handed half-court shot before your first game back with @Pitt_WBB ✔ï¸@kylanelson_‘s night is just getting started ???? pic.twitter.com/igGmPjIRgu
ACC Network (@accnetwork) December 17, 2019
Nelson’s Cancer Journey
According to the Post-Gazette, Nelson had woken up with what she thought was a stomach ache that grew more painful. At the hospital, she was diagnosed with appendicitis. “Weeks after her appendix was removed, however, she was summoned back by doctors, who informed her they had discovered a neuroendocrine tumor on her appendix,” it reported.
“Cancer is a scary word for anyone,” Nelson told a reporter on the Pittsburgh Panthers website at the time of her diagnosis. “I feel very lucky that the discovery was made at this early stage. I am grateful to be surrounded by such an amazing medical institution like Pitt and a team that is loving and supportive. My roommate has been great and I also have a family I can lean heavily on, even with the long distance between us.”
“My focus after surgery is full recovery,” stated Nelson. “I feel physically well and aim to get back on the court to help this team achieve all of our goals for this season as soon as possible.”
Information about Neuroendocrine Cancer
A neroendrocrine tumor is tumor that forms from cells that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the nervous system. They may make higher-than-normal amounts of hormones, which can cause many different symptoms.
The tumors are rare and can occur anywhere in the body. Most neuroendocrine tumors occur in the lungs, appendix, small intestine, rectum and pancreas, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors include pain from a growing tumor, a growing lump you can feel under the skin, feeling unusually tired, and losing weight without trying. In some cases, neuroendocrine tumors produce excess hormones. In these cases, symptoms may also include skin flushing, diarrhea, frequent urination, increased thirst, dizziness, shakiness, and skin rash.
There are a number of different types of neuroendocrine tumors, and some grow more quickly than others.
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