WizBlog RSS FeedETAN THOMAS UPDATE
The following announcement regarding Etan Thomas was just released. We will have more information for you in the coming days.
WIZARDS’ THOMAS TO UNDERGO AORTIC VALVE SURGERY
Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that after further evaluation it was determined that center Etan Thomas will require surgery to repair a leak of the aortic valve.
Thomas’ surgery will be performed on Thursday, October 11th, and the Wizards will provide an update regarding Thomas’ condition following his surgery tomorrow. Thomas, a six-year veteran, was not cleared to play after a routine physical revealed an abnormality.
October 10th, 2007 at 6:00 PM
Well at least it seems that it’s not life threatening…. I hope it won’t affect his basketball career…. You’re in our hearts and minds Etan and especially tomorrow we’ll all think ’bout you, I hope everything goes the best way possible….
October 10th, 2007 at 6:30 PM
My Prayers are with you Etan stay strong. I know the devil cant keep you down!
October 10th, 2007 at 6:45 PM
man etan doesnt deserve this
October 10th, 2007 at 7:19 PM
i wish him the best. my prayers go out to him.
October 10th, 2007 at 7:40 PM
Hope Everythinng goes well Etan…..cant wait to have you back and healthy you mean so much to this team.
October 10th, 2007 at 7:44 PM
It’s good to have some clarity, and it does seem that this is something which can be repaired surgically. Whether he’ll play NBA basketball again may be in doubt, but that is much less important than his health and his future life.
There is *much* for this smart, strong and committed young man to do in a world that very badly needs more people like him. We’ll all be thinking about him tomorrow and praying for his speedy recovery.
October 10th, 2007 at 7:57 PM
Sounds to me like good news. Surgeons do amazing things these days. Like Tom says, the world needs all the guys like Etan it can get.
As far as basketball, I’ll bet he’ll be ready to play before the season’s over.
October 10th, 2007 at 10:17 PM
I have known Etan since he was 13 years old and coached him in competitive speech/debate for four years while watching him excel on the court. Perhaps I should say “he taught me…..” He is a true gentleman, champion and superb role model for all the world. He will be back in no time. Our prayers go to his wife, young son, Malcolm, brother, Julian and the finest mother of the land. Etan is one athlete that can take on both the sports, political, and human world with equal power and honor. Prayers to all! Those of us in his hometown, Tulsa are awaiting the good news of a speedy recovery!
October 10th, 2007 at 10:26 PM
for now ill just stick to.. hope he gets better… basketball is not the only thing in the world an at the least he got a chance to play on the NBA level and thats something that alot of people will never get close too.
October 10th, 2007 at 10:32 PM
From the kid, “I hope you get well, Etan! You are my favorite player.”
From wizfan, we are all pulling for you, Etan. Hope yours is a speedy and full recovery.
October 11th, 2007 at 8:59 AM
We are all hoping for a quick recovery. Stay healthy man.
October 11th, 2007 at 9:46 AM
waiting on that update after the procedure… open heart surgery doesn’t sound like a day in the park but Etan seemed like a strong dude(mentally, physically, etc) and I think he’ll be someone that’ll make us forget about having surgery by this time next year. Like everyone here, here’s to wishing Etan the best of luck.
October 11th, 2007 at 10:05 AM
I met Etan walking in a shopping mall. Although he was carrying his baby he still had time to speak. My prayers are with him and his family. Is this the same procedure that Ronny Turiaf from the Lakers had or is it a different procedure?
October 11th, 2007 at 10:44 AM
from what I’ve heard(This could be wrong not positive)he will be gone for this year but could possiblly be back next.Have you guys heard anything on a time table for recovery from Etans camp?
October 11th, 2007 at 11:16 AM
Get well little brother our thoughts and hearts our thinking of you for a full recovery!
I believe things happen for a reason and I think God the situation was revealed early and not latter!We wish you a full recovery and stay positive and keep write thoughs beautiful poems for all to see! Semper Fidelis “Always Faithful”
October 11th, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Etan–is all I’ve done today–everywhere I’ve gone, all the meetings, throughout all the tasks–is think about you. You are my favorite Wizard. I will wear your jersey to every home game this season and won’t be complete happy until I see you back on the court. Hoping and praying for you today with all of my heart.
October 11th, 2007 at 1:00 PM
My prayers go out to Etan, his family. Be encouraged for God is with you. May God guide the hands and minds of the doctors who will perform this operation. In Jesus Name. Amen
October 11th, 2007 at 2:04 PM
From the articles it reconfirms what I thought. It’s not life threatening and I think it has been found early enough. He’ll be recovered from the trauma in a few weeks but it may take up to six months to be fully athletic. Then again he could be on the floor in three weeks. I hope he does well, etan is a positive person who gives all his energy on the floor.
October 11th, 2007 at 2:18 PM
As a 28 year old 11 years ago, it was discovered that I had an aneurysm of the aortic valve that needed immediate attention. I was simply on a routine trip to the local health clinic because of flu-like symptoms, and consider myself extremely lucky that it was discovered and I am thankful that we live in an age where this kind of thing can be fixed.
My new artificial valve will last the rest of my life. I am glad to be around to love and appreciate my wonderful wife and two great children.
Best of luck Etan!!
October 11th, 2007 at 2:56 PM
It makes me happy to see so many people sending their wishes to Etan. It is so great to hear from Mr. Bland who has known him since he was a kid. His comments confirm what I think we all feel — that Etan is a special person with a great mission in life. As I said above, the world needs more people like Etan Thomas.
Oh… and, the Wizards need you too, Etan!!
October 11th, 2007 at 8:58 PM
I just wanted to let you know I had the same exact surgery 3 weeks ago, and everything is going fine. My prayers are with him, because the severity of the situation can be grave even if they catch it soon, I just can;t believe they didn’t do the surgery immediately. God is deffinately looking out for him, I’m sorry his season is over but it is better to be alive. It’s good that he is young like myself, and should recover just fine. I had 4 spots where the aortic walls were beginng to separate and the surgery takes about 9.5 hours. Thanks to the amazing doctors at UC Davis Medical Center, I’ll see my 2 daughters graduate from highschool & hopefully college. And always my prayers are with him!!!!!!
Remember God is with yo Etan
October 11th, 2007 at 9:03 PM
I’m praying for you ETAN! God has a plan for you! You’re young and healthy and your recovery time won’t be long as long as you think. I know you are surrounded by family and love so it’ll be just fine.
Stephanie K.
October 11th, 2007 at 11:20 PM
As a huge fan of the NBA and a Kings fan out in Sacramento, I have to say that I was shocked to hear about Etans heart condition. Ironically I also suffered from the same condition at the age of 29. I elected to have aortic valve bypass surgery three years ago at 31 and now at 34 have never felt better in my life. Etan, I wish you all the best and there is no doubt in my mind that you will be back in the game playing at 100% real soon.
I wish you all the best bro and if you ever need some support from someone who has walked in your shoes, drop me a line.
Take care big man!
October 12th, 2007 at 1:40 PM
Hey D-
You are one of the strongest men I know. There have been tons of thoughts and prayers sent your way the past two days from Tulsa. We all know that your strength, determination (and of course, your incredible family) will get you through this with flying colors. You, your wife and son, Julian and Mrs. Thomas are all in our prayers. I can’t wait until I see one of my speech and debate buddies back on the court. -Kevin Gray
October 12th, 2007 at 4:50 PM
I keep checking on you everyday & every hour to find out an update on your surgery, just remember all of our prayers are with you and your family, you’ll be OK my man.