Cancer treatments leave Benny Parsons with lung damage, breathing difficulty
Quote selected text Published December 16th, 2006 in NASCAR News
NASCAR television analyst Benny Parsons has lost the use of his left lung as a result of his battle with cancer earlier this year.
Parsons’ right lung is healthy, however, and doctors believe his body will eventually adjust to having just one healthy lung. Until then, the former Cup champion is usong oxygen to assist his breathing.
“I had some scans done on Tuesday and there was good news and bad news,” Parsons said. “There is still no sign of cancer, but the radiation we used to treat it has burned the lung up.”
Parsons had chemotherapy and radiation on a tumor in that lung that forced him to miss several races for TNT and NBC this season. He also was not able to attend the postseason awards activities earlier this month.
Parsons said doctors tell him he may not regain any use of the damaged lung.
“They say it won’t ever be 100 percent or 50 percent,” he said. “But if we could get 20 percent back, it would be something. We’re going to treat it like that until the doctor says we’re done.”
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Benny’s a strong guy…I have all kinds of faith in him that he will adjust. Lots of fans pulling for him. I think him knowing this is what sustains him. He’s gonna be just fine!
We are praying for you Benny!!!!