157 replies to this topic

[PortlandSoxFan]

Jesus...when it rains, it pours:

OAKLAND, Calif. - Not long after the Red Sox sent 22-year-old left-hander Jon Lester back to Boston to be evaluated by club medical officials, sources indicated that one of the club’s most promising players is dealing with more than just a bad back.

    Among the possibilities: Lester has cancer.

    Although Red Sox officials are being extremely tight-lipped about the matter, Lester has been undergoing an array of exams in Boston for internal medical issues, including cancer.

http://redsox.boston...rticleid=155250


edit:title (nip)

Edited by Sille Skrub, 01 September 2006 - 05:32 PM.

[Dave Stapleton]

Jesus...when it rains, it pours:
http://redsox.boston...rticleid=155250

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Am I the only one who thinks it is irresponsible to write this story? I know these are public people but c'mon now.

[PortlandSoxFan]

Am I the only one who thinks it is irresponsible to write this story?  I know these are public people but c'mon now.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree with you...I'd think it would be less important to get the scoop rather than worry a bunch of friends and family.

Not to mention the huge hipaa violation here..

[Crazy Puppy]

Not only the privacy issue, but the tabloid need to highlight the possibility of cancer. To me, this is the only noteworthy paragraph:

...Lester was diagnosed with enlarged lymph nodes, according to sources. Such a symptom can be caused by an array of issues, from infections to cancer.

So he has enlarged lymph nodes and they're doing a variety of tests to find out why. Meanwhile, the word cancer is in the headline and three times within the first five paragraphs.

Edited by Crazy Puppy, 30 August 2006 - 10:34 PM.

[PedroKsBambino]

Agreed; I just read the story and the "C" word is overplayed.

The thing that's particularly bad is running that possibility without any information of the likelihood of the worst-case scenario. It took me thirty seconds to run a google search and find this information:

By far, the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection.

Medline

Now, I don't know how close that description is to what Lester has, but then again I am pretty confident Tony Mazz doesn't either. I wish he had taken the thirty seconds to give some context to his story, though.

[fletcherpost]

MedlinePlus - Medical Encyclopedia

I got this from the above website: (I inserted the bold type)
Lymph nodes are glands that play an important part in the body's defense against infection. They produce lymph, which travels throughout the body in the lymph system, and filters impurities from the body. Lymph nodes can become swollen from infection, inflammatory conditions, an abscess, or cancer. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are rare. By far, the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection.

It's a bit dry but a lot less incendiary and they seem to favour the word 'infection'. Wasn't there some sort of team infection recently? This may well be a follow on from that. Tawdry journalism all the same.

Edited by fletcherpost, 30 August 2006 - 11:13 PM.

[The Burn Factor]

It's journalism. Of course they're going to overplay the word cancer. And it's definitely a possibility. They need to be a little more "yellow journalese" to battle the Boston Globe.

What matters the most is that Jon Lester does NOT have cancer, both from a personal and professional standpoint.

[Harry Hooper]

Here's hoping he's got a bad case of the flu that's been running through the club.

[smnookin]

If you or I or anyone else had swollen lymph nodes, we wouldn't be tested for cancer. We likely wouldn't be tested for anything, unless it remained a problem for a while; even then, the most likely outcome is having your PCP feel around your neck and then prescribing some antibiotics. If Lester is being tested for cancer -- and the Herald story is, at least, unequivocal on that count -- then there's something else going on. This isn't a case where someone threw something into Google and discovered that swollen lymph nodes could cause cancer; it's a case where a journalist was told a player was specifically being tested for cancer. If someone gets scratched because of a migraine or a stomach ache, the papers don't report that it's a possible brain tumor or stomach cancer, just as when someone's late to a game the papers don't report it's possible he died in a fiery crash on the Pike...even though those are, after all, worst case scenarios. Debate whether the Herald should or shouldn't have run with this all you want, but it's silly to think TM is just plain pulling crap out of his ass. (And not to start another tangential debate here, but imagine if, say, the Globe knew Lester was being tested and didn't report it. There'd be an outcry about how the cartel is protecting the brand and on and on.)

And frankly, it doesn't really matter if Lester does or doesn't have cancer at all from a professional standpoint. The only thing that matters is from a personal -- familiar, life-threatening, etc -- standpoint.

[8]

I had swollen lymph nodes for my entire childhood.  Not once was the C-word ever used.  They just caused me ear infections practically every other week, so they decided to remove them along with my tonsils and we got the show on the road.

I hate to say it, but I think something else is afoot here..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My Moms cancer started in her Lymph Nodes 2 years ago, she died May 5th.
I'm not saying it is but these things have to be checked out,and the sooner the better.God bless Jon and Good luck

[Jinhocho]

If you or I or anyone else had swollen lymph nodes, we wouldn't be tested for cancer. We likely wouldn't be tested for anything, unless it remained a problem for a while; even then, the most likely outcome is having your PCP feel around your neck and then prescribing some antibiotics. If Lester is being tested for cancer -- and the Herald story is, at least, unequivocal on that count -- then there's something else going on. This isn't a case where someone threw something into Google and discovered that swollen lymph nodes could cause cancer; it's a case where a journalist was told a player was specifically being tested for cancer. If someone gets scratched because of a migraine or a stomach ache, the papers don't report that it's a possible brain tumor or stomach cancer, just as when someone's late to a game the papers don't report it's possible he died in a fiery crash on the Pike...even though those are, after all, worst case scenarios. Debate whether the Herald should or shouldn't have run with this all you want, but it's silly to think TM is just plain pulling crap out of his ass. (And not to start another tangential debate here, but imagine if, say, the Globe knew Lester was being tested and didn't report it. There'd be an outcry about how the cartel is protecting the brand and on and on.)

And frankly, it doesn't really matter if Lester does or doesn't have cancer at all from a professional standpoint. The only thing that matters is from a personal -- familiar, life-threatening, etc -- standpoint.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I dunno, if you went in to the doctors with swollen lymph nodes as a healthy young man they would likely do some blood work or if it came with some severe back pain do a scan of that area. We dont know the context of it - but its unusual to see the big C mentioned unless you likely have it.

I pray the kid is ok.

[AlNipper49]

Breaking this away from the Lester megathread

[smastroyin]

Debate whether the Herald should or shouldn't have run with this all you want, but it's silly to think TM is just plain pulling crap out of his ass. (And not to start another tangential debate here, but imagine if, say, the Globe knew Lester was being tested and didn't report it. There'd be an outcry about how the cartel is protecting the brand and on and on.)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The problem with this one is not TM, it's the person who reported the testing. I'm sorry but just because a person is an athlete doesn't mean personal information like being tested for cancer should be in the public domain.

Once in a while I have to run clinical trials. When conducting them, if I give away someone's personal medical information I can be arrested because of the hipaa violation. Someone in that hospital needs a lesson in not being a complete douchenozzle. The only way it is acceptable for this information to be out there is if Lester or one of his reps are the ones who gave out the information.

[shaft]

If you or I or anyone else had swollen lymph nodes, we wouldn't be tested for cancer. We likely wouldn't be tested for anything, unless it remained a problem for a while; even then, the most likely outcome is having your PCP feel around your neck and then prescribing some antibiotics.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm sorry Dr. Mnookin, but that ain't totally accurate. When I was 24, I had a swollen lymph node under my right arm. I also had severe fatigue and back pain. They didn't give me antibiotics. They took a biopsy of the node, gave me a CT scan, and diagnosed me with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

It's worthwhile to note that swollen lymph nodes are not the cause of any malady, they're a symptom.

[Section15Box113]

The problem with this one is not TM, it's the person who reported the testing.  I'm sorry but just because a person is an athlete doesn't mean personal information like being tested for cancer should be in the public domain. 

Once in a while I have to run clinical trials.  When conducting them, if I give away someone's personal medical information I can be arrested because of the hipaa violation.  Someone in that hospital needs a lesson in not being a complete douchenozzle.  The only way it is acceptable for this information to be out there is if Lester or one of his reps are the ones who gave out the information.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Two questions in my mind. First, where was the source? From TM's article, I infer that it was NOT the team. It sounds like the Red Sox are doing all they can to respect Jon's privacy. Certainly something you should not be sharing with anyone, never mind taking it to the media. Couldn't agree more with smastroyin's point in the second paragraph above.

Second, though, does TM have an obligation to report the reason for the tests? I don't think so. There are some stories that you sit on, and this feels like one of them. In my book, responsible reporting here draws the line at "undergoing an extensive battery of tests at a Boston hospital." I think that would convey that it's potentially something serious without sharing personal business.

Of course, in sports, we're conditioned to want the story - and frankly speculate a bit. Exactly why is this pitcher going to Dr. James Andrews? What is the prognosis? How long will that players leg injury take to heal? When can he get back on the field? And the media does a good job of getting those stories. To Seth's point above, if the Herald reported a trip to Dr. Andrews and the Globe did not, we'd wonder about the relationship between the Globe, the Times, and the Sox.

It seems it might be a little different when it's something that's not baseball-related. And it's definitely different when you're talking about tests to rule, admittedly big, things in or out. Once the test results come back one way, then I guess there's a story. Until then, I think speculating steps over the line.

Prayers are with Jon and his family. We all hope he gets the all-clear and they all can look back on this as a scary period from a health perspective - which turned out perfectly fine.

[Delicious Sponge]

if I give away someone's personal medical information I can be arrested because of the hipaa violation. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Of course there really isn't any such thing as a HIPAA "violation," and there most certainly aren't criminal penalties that follow from these kinds of disclosures. But who knows what the real story is here.

I would imagine that the Red Sox require all of their players to sign a consent permitting the club to be aware of all of their medical treatment, and also to discuss it publicly for PR or other purposes. From a legal standpoint, there is no difference between cancer and a torn rotator cuff, and ballclubs talk about those kinds of medical problems all the time.

To be sure, things like cancer are more sensationalistic, but it doesn't change the nature of the issue. Would those complaining here be pissed if TM had written speculation about testing being done on Lester to rule out a bulging disc, or the possibility that he might have spinal stenosis? I doubt it.

[Section15Box113]

I would imagine that the Red Sox require all of their players to sign a consent permitting the club to be aware of all of their medical treatment, and also to discuss it publicly for PR or other purposes.  From a legal standpoint, there is no difference between cancer and a torn rotator cuff, and ballclubs talk about those kinds of medical problems all the time.

To be sure, things like cancer are more sensationalistic, but it doesn't change the nature of the issue.  Would those complaining here be pissed if TM had written speculation about testing being done on Lester to rule out a bulging disc, or the possibility that he might have spinal stenosis?  I doubt it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From a legal perspective for the club, you're probably right. And yes, the media does report all the time on things like bulging discs.

I just believe there's a line.

Edited by Section15Box113, 31 August 2006 - 07:36 AM.

[Rocco Graziosa]

This site can be UNBELIEVABLE sometimes. Lester is in the hospital, getting tested for, among other things, CANCER, and this site spins the discussion into a media rant. I'm sure thats what I didn't know that Jon Lester's name does not contain an H is focusing on right now.

But nevermind me. Continue with another chant thread........THE MEDIA SUCKS THE MEDIA SUCKS!!

Edited by Rocco Graziosa, 31 August 2006 - 07:38 AM.

[smastroyin]

Of course there really isn't any such thing as a HIPAA "violation," and there most certainly aren't criminal penalties that follow from these kinds of disclosures.  But who knows what the real story is here. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From what this person did, maybe not. When I take someone's medical history and disclose, there are. Trust me guy I had to sit in a classroom for 6 hours with a lawyer explaining to me the company's and my own liability under 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, the latest version of which was put into law in February. My company has an entire business unit dedicated to selling IT solutions to go along with our products that make it easier to comply with HIPAA.

From the statute itself:

The
statute establishes civil money penalties
and criminal penalties for violations.
Act, sections 1176 (42 U.S.C. 1320d–5),
1177 (42 U.S.C. 1320d–6). HHS enforces
the civil money penalties, while the
U.S. Department of Justice enforces the
criminal penalties.

I'm no lawyer and if you are and want to get into technicalities, then fine although I'm not sure anyone cares. It would behoove you to read my post carefully though since I specifically stated that my actions could result in criminal charges, not the actions of the staff of the hospital or in the Lester case. My intent is to show that the will of the people, as evidenced by law, is to have privacy protected. I think that applies to baseball players as well as it applies to everyone.

TM's story implies that the Sox aren't the ones who told him. In the case that they did, then of course any waiver he signed would likely take precendent, however I still think it is irresponsible of the team and the reporter to report something as potential devastating as cancer. It is not the same fucking thing as soft tissue trauma.

[gcapalbo]

There's a short globe article on this, referring to the Herald report, which is very clear to say in the sub-headline Among the things he will be tested for is cancer

The circumstantial evidence abounds that a substantial number of players from the Red Sox and Yankees picked up some kind of nasty flu during that 5 game series.

Sounds like they are being very, very careful, and the newspaper war is alive and well in Boston.

The media business is all about selling more newspapers. Controversy and panic sell more papers. Bad news is good business.

Clearly, the media in Boston has not enjoyed the Sox recent good times over the past few years, and long for a return to pain and suffering, so they're going to play up the collapse of the 2006 Sox as much as possible.

If you were the editor working on that story (and it was the Herald), what word from that report would you put in big block letters to entice someone to pick up a paper on the way to the train in the morning?

[smastroyin]

This site can be UNBELIEVABLE sometimes.  Lester is in the hospital, getting tested for, among other things, CANCER, and this site spins the discussion into a media rant.  I'm sure thats what John Lester is focusing on right now.

But nevermind me.  Continue with another chant thread........THE MEDIA SUCKS THE MEDIA SUCKS!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What should we say, Rocco? Hey, Jon, thoughts and prayers. That's so much more useful. How about we sing kum-ba-ya and all tell our stories of friends and family who survived cancer. Then Lester can come here and read this site and feel better.

Give me a break. The relevant medical information *that we know* is already out there. Until Lester and the team are ready to tell us more, there is nothing to discuss about the medical aspect. I'm sorry, but there just isn't.

[Rudy Pemberton]

Holy crap, I pray that Lester is ok. Things like this certainly change your perspective on everything. Suddenly, the team's struggles aren't nearly as important.

I disagree that the papers had to report this (the imagine if they knew and didn't report? comment). The Yankees never publicly commented on Giambi's "illness" citing privacy concerns. Now, I guess that is different since the papers don't employ Lester, but still.

Edited by Rudy Pemberton, 31 August 2006 - 07:56 AM.

[Section15Box113]

This site can be UNBELIEVABLE sometimes.  Lester is in the hospital, getting tested for, among other things, CANCER, and this site spins the discussion into a media rant.  I'm sure thats what I didn't know that Jon Lester's name does not contain an H is focusing on right now.

But nevermind me.  Continue with another chant thread........THE MEDIA SUCKS THE MEDIA SUCKS!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No, I will hear your comment and respond.


The leak, whatever the source, is the problem. And even with the leak, the media had a choice of what to run and when to run it.

We should not know a thing about the cancer scare. It's not our business. And quite frankly, the last thing the Lesters should be dealing with is a media circus.

What we can do is question whether the leaker and the writer made the right decisions. Maybe it will make a difference the next time.

Edited by Section15Box113, 31 August 2006 - 07:47 AM.

[Rocco Graziosa]

Clearly, the media in Boston has not enjoyed the Sox recent good times over the past few years, and long for a return to pain and suffering, so they're going to play up the collapse of the 2006 Sox as much as possible.

Play it up? Two of the teams players are in the frickin hospital for christ sake. Half the roster is on the DL. They went from first place to seven games back in about 35 days. They had their worst month since 1985!!!!!!!!! How could you play THAT up?

[drtooth]

What could be interesting in both Lester's and Ortiz's situations is how the Globe's reporting of their medical conditions plays out. We all know that the Globe's parent company has an ownership stake in the team and as it stands now, the reporting of their medical info (and the obtaining of said info) is straddling the line of HIPAA if not violating the statutes. If the Globe leaks any info of this type, this could pottentially lead to some legal issues for the Globe, the Sox and Sox's medical staff. I would be curious to also hear from DaveRobertsShoes and Cpt Neuron (our resident MD's) on this issue.

[Delicious Sponge]

From what this person did, maybe not.  ....  My company has an entire business unit dedicated to selling IT solutions to go along with our products that make it easier to comply with HIPAA.

I'm no lawyer and if you are and want to get into technicalities, then fine although I'm not sure anyone cares.  It would behoove you to read my post carefully though since I specifically stated that my actions could result in criminal charges, not the actions of the staff of the hospital or in the Lester case.  My intent is to show that the will of the people, as evidenced by law, is to have privacy protected.  I think that applies to baseball players as well as it applies to everyone.

TM's story implies that the Sox aren't the ones who told him.  In the case that they did, then of course any waiver he signed would likely take precendent, however I still think it is irresponsible of the team and the reporter to report something as potential devastating as cancer.  It is not the same fucking thing as soft tissue trauma.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Take it easy, friend. Yes, I'm a lawyer and the President of a good-sized healthcare company and so know these issues reasonably well from a practical and legal perspective, but that really doesn't matter. It's ok to discuss these topics as subjects, and to agree or disagree, without getting so snitty.

So I agree with your final point there that the wiser judgment for the reporter would be to avoid reporting the cancer topic, for the reasons you state. But that is different than saying there is a legal issue.

[PedroKsBambino]

We should not know a thing about the cancer scare. It's not our business. And quite frankly, the last thing the Lesters should be dealing with is a media circus.

This is the concern I have, and it's amplified by the way the Herald ran the item.

Seth assumes that TMazz has a legit source; that may well be true, but remember we are talking about a writer who took off-the-record material from this site and ran it, then threatened to withhold publicity from player's charities if they didn't give him the information he wanted in the future, so I see little reason to assume ethical behavior here. Others, of course, may be more generous towards him than I am!

And for me, while the source of the info certainly has violated ethical, if not technically legal, standards that doesn't mean the Herald had to run the story amplified as they did on the "C" word. Many reporters get information of a personal nature on players and don't run it, and when they run the possibility of a major illness they do so in a manner which transmits adequate context fo the possibility. I think discretion was the better course here as well.

Beyond all that, of course, we have to hope for the best for Jon Lester.

[WinRemmerswaal]

Couple of quick points as a general internist who evaluates people for enlarged lymph nodes quite often:

Just saying that someone has enlarged lymph nodes tells you very little, is the equivalent of saying there is inflammation somewhere in the body, it all depends on where, how large, for how long, pattern of change, other symptoms, what they feel like on exam, etc. These things give you a better sense of how suspicious to be.

One other note: Most times when a healthy young person has enlarged lymph nodes, assuming all the other factors mentioned above did not set off alarms, I'll just re-examine them in a couple of weeks since they usually resolve spontaneously, maybe send a simple blood test or two. If, however, the patient is incredibly anxious or has done a bit of internet searching and is very concerned about cancer, I might do a couple of extra tests to rule that out, mostly to reassure the patient and/or their family. This can happen in particular when the patient has been referred by someone prominent, like a local celebrity or (just for example) a prominent sports team.

So I would not leap to any conclusions about the testing for cancer report, agree with all those who said that people should absolutely not be divulging any details of their patient's care and condition without very explicit instructions from the patient to do so, that really bothers me.

[BlueStateRedSox]

Of course there really isn't any such thing as a HIPAA "violation," and there most certainly aren't criminal penalties that follow from these kinds of disclosures.  But who knows what the real story is here. 

I would imagine that the Red Sox require all of their players to sign a consent permitting the club to be aware of all of their medical treatment, and also to discuss it publicly for PR or other purposes.  From a legal standpoint, there is no difference between cancer and a torn rotator cuff, and ballclubs talk about those kinds of medical problems all the time.

To be sure, things like cancer are more sensationalistic, but it doesn't change the nature of the issue.  Would those complaining here be pissed if TM had written speculation about testing being done on Lester to rule out a bulging disc, or the possibility that he might have spinal stenosis?  I doubt it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

actually, i'm 99 percent sure that violating HIPAA privacy protections -- i.e., releasing medical information about a person -- can indeed incur criminal penalties, though i imagine they are not commonly enforced.

and while it's theoretically possible that the red sox have some blanket release from players, i doubt it, since they've frequently cited HIPAA as a reason they cannot divulge more details about a player's condition. (it would likely apply to the red sox because they provide the medical care through their staff -- and, most likely, are what is known as a "self-insured" corporation when it comes to health benefits.)

in any event, all of this is besides the point. i hope the media report is wrong and, if it's not, i hope lester turns out to be fine, for reasons that have nothing whatsoever to do with baseball.

[8slim]

FWIW, I'm going through the exact same thing Lester is right now. Swollen lymph nodes in my chest, discovered via a random chest X-ray. They've done CT scans all over and taken a lot of blood. Nothing's turning up. So I'll go back for X-rays soon and check their status. Sounds like Lester's getting the standard approach for this type of situation.

Cancer is a possibility, along with a lot of other things. I'm glad I don't have to read about in the Herald and Globe though, that's for sure!

[HighHeat]

One other note: Most times when a healthy young person has enlarged lymph nodes, assuming all the other factors mentioned above did not set off alarms, I'll just re-examine them in a couple of weeks since they usually resolve spontaneously, maybe send a simple blood test or two.  If, however, the patient is incredibly anxious or has done a bit of internet searching and is very concerned about cancer, I might do a couple of extra tests to rule that out, mostly to reassure the patient and/or their family.  This can happen in particular when the patient has been referred by someone prominent, like a local celebrity or (just for example) a prominent sports team.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was wondering when someone would make this point as I was reading through this thread.

If I present to my physician with a sore shoulder, he will perform a physical exam and most likely order an x-ray and prescribe some anti-inflammatories. A couple of days later, he'll tell me that the x-ray was negative and I should go for some physical therapy. If the physical therapy doesn't relieve the problem, maybe then the doctor will order an expensive MRI to look for soft tissue damage.

When an athlete that happens to work for a multi-million dollar sports franschise has an injury, there's none of that bullshit. The team management wants to know what's wrong NOW, so they can fix it and get said athlete back on the field where they can help the team win games, and more importantly, make money.

This could be nothing more than that. Money is no object, the kid is already on the DL and in the hospital for tests, so let's check everything that could be causing this and rule out what we can. Let's face it, sports teams order a lot of tests for their athletes that our insurance companies wouldn't pay for under the same circumstances because they would be considered unnecessary.

There may be more to it or there may not. It's all speculation at this point.

[drtooth]

HIPAA violation penalties

From the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine site

Per section 1177 of HIPAA, a person who knowingly

-uses a unique health identifier, or causes one to be used;

-obtains individually identifiable health information relating to an individual; or

-discloses individually identifiable health information to another person;

is in violation of HIPAA regulations. Such persons are subject to the following penalties:

-a fine of up to $50,000, or up to 1 year in prison, or both;

-if the offense is committed under false pretenses, a fine of up to $100,000, up to 5 years in prison, or both;

-if the offense is committed with intent to sell, transfer, or use individually identifiable health information for commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm, a fine up to $250,000, or up to 10 years in prison, or both.


HIPAA also provide for civil fines to be imposed by the Secretary of DHHS "on any person" who violates a provision of it. The maximum is $100 for each violation, with the total amount not to exceed $25,0000 for all violations of an identical requirement or prohibition during a calendar year.

[shaft]

Sadly, the Sox have some top billing on espn.com's MLB section right now.



Maybe we can trade Boomer for the guy in the picture. I hear he was safe by like a foot.

[SoxScout]

“Jon Lester has ben undergoing testing to determine the cause of the back pain he has been experiencing,” the statement read. “During the course of that process, some enlarged lymph nodes were identified. Jon was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital on Wednesday for further evaluation and testing. Jon is resting comfortably.”

http://www.bostonher...s/redSox/?p=646

[Rudy Pemberton]

They had Mazz on Cold Pizza and he mentioned cancer about 4 times. Skip Bayless said that Lester has symptoms of cancer. This stuff just takes on a life of it's own, and that's the danger of it.

[pedros hairstylist]

From the Sox website, official press release.

BOSTON -- Jon Lester has been undergoing testing to determine the cause of the back pain he has been experiencing. During the course of that process, some enlarged lymph nodes were identified. Jon was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital on Wednesday for further evaluation and testing. Jon is resting comfortably.

Confirms Mazz's basic story but as others have said, swollen lymph nodes can be many things--mono, an infection, etc. Cancer is just one possibility. Count me among those who found that teaser irresponsible and sensational. Bad journalism, period.

[ShaneTrot]

FWIW, I'm going through the exact same thing Lester is right now.  Swollen lymph nodes in my chest, discovered via a random chest X-ray.  They've done CT scans all over and taken a lot of blood.  Nothing's turning up.  So I'll go back for X-rays soon and check their status.  Sounds like Lester's getting the standard approach for this type of situation.

Cancer is a possibility, along with a lot of other things.  I'm glad I don't have to read about in the Herald and Globe though, that's for sure!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A few years ago, I had something similar. I was shaving and noticed this lump at the base of my neck. My doc was pretty sure it was a swollen lymph node. I had a CAT scan then my doc put me on antibiotics for a week and it went away.

Hopefully Lester is OK. This has been a helluva month. September can only be better.

[Return of the Dewey]

I don't want to get into the technicalities of HIPAA, but, to clarify, HIPAA confidentiality obligations apply to "covered entities" which generally mean health plans and health care providers. Obviously, the BoSox are not a traditional "health care" provider, but it does provide heath care services through its trainers (although, in published rules, the Dept. of Heath & Human Services commented that pro sports teams would most likely not be considered covered entities). But, for argument's sake, let's say that it's a "covered entity". The BoSox can comply with the privacy rules by getting the player to sign authorization, and can have such authorization be a condition to employment. I would venture to guess that before a player signs a contract he signs an authorization allowing the team to disclose health information to the public.

Edited by Return of the Dewey, 31 August 2006 - 10:46 AM.

[Steve Dillard]

From the Sox website, official press release.
Confirms Mazz's basic story but as others have said, swollen lymph nodes can be many things--mono, an infection, etc. Cancer is just one possibility. Count me among those who found that teaser irresponsible and sensational. Bad journalism, period.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree. Bad journalism, not by negligence, but through active sensationalism. I imagine that Mazz was discussing Lester with someone in the Sox's front office, along the lines of "will we see him again, or is he shut down because of his back?" Probably got a general response along the lines of "don't know. His back should be ok, but we found some issues that we have to check out some more, so no timeline." With some probing, Mazz probably learned the above elements, but nothing more. Based on that, rather than simply writing that Lester's return was up in the air, he went with the sensational angle.

For Lester's sake I hope this was how it transpired, and Mazz's "source" did nothing more than identify some of the tests they would still have to conduct, none with any reason to fear more than any other.

If so, this is Mazz's saddest moment. Going sensational about Loretta leaving the park at the trade deadline is one thing. Fearmongering about a 22 year old's health is beyong vile.

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

They had Mazz on Cold Pizza and he mentioned cancer about 4 times. Skip Bayless said that Lester has symptoms of cancer. This stuff just takes on a life of it's own, and that's the danger of it.

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Don't suppose anyone asked AssSkip Bayless just what "symptoms of cancer" Lester is exhibiting.

How journalists get to be celebrities is simply beyond me.

[Rocco Graziosa]

With some probing, Mazz probably learned the above elements, but nothing more. Based on that, rather than simply writing that Lester's return was up in the air, he went with the sensational angle.

Sensational angle? Let me tell you something, if I go to my doctor with a swolen neck and he tells me he's going to take a bunch of tests, including CANCER I'm gonna be pretty concerned. In fact I'm gonna be terrified. I don't think its something you can possibly sensationalize. Do you think I didn't know that Jon Lester's name does not contain an H is poo pooing this?

Edited by Rocco Graziosa, 31 August 2006 - 11:49 AM.

[Who is Dana Williams]

(And not to start another tangential debate here, but imagine if, say, the Globe knew Lester was being tested and didn't report it. There'd be an outcry about how the cartel is protecting the brand and on and on.)

Mnookin,
I'm guessing that the Globe did know about the test but decided not to run it out of respect for Lester's privacy or the sox's wished to respect that privacy. The friggin Globe has a front page story today about how more tickets are available for sox games so I think they are plugged into the highest levels of the sox. A 22 year old player getting tested for cancer would make the rounds through the organization pretty quick. Privacy laws be damned.

Hope Lester is just feeling lousy and cancer free.

Edited by Who is Dana Williams, 31 August 2006 - 12:00 PM.

[Steve Dillard]

Sensational angle?  Let me tell you something, if I go to my doctor with a swolen neck and he tells me he's going to take a bunch of tests, including CANCER I'm gonna be pretty concerned.  In fact I'm gonna be terrified.  I don't think its something you can possibly sensationalize.  Do you think I didn't know that Jon Lester's name does not contain an H is poo pooing this?

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I'm assuming the Doctor may have said more than "We're checking you out for cancer".

I assume he said "you have none of the other symptons, and there's lots of other causes, but I'm going to run a standard test for blood count, etc. just for your peace of mind."

Then Lester walks out to the newstand and sees he has cancer*


*let's hope he gets past the headline to see that's its just what the doctor told him.

Yes, he's probably concerned when he hears even the possibility of cancer, but to now have it be on front page of ESPN is a bit "sensational".

[Jinhocho]

I'm assuming the Doctor may have said more than "We're checking you out for cancer".

I assume he said "you have none of the other symptons, and there's lots of other causes, but I'm going to run a standard test for blood count, etc. just for your peace of mind."

Then Lester walks out to the newstand and sees he has cancer*
*let's hope he gets past the headline to see that's its just what the doctor told him.

Yes, he's probably concerned when he hears even the possibility of cancer, but to now have it be on front page of ESPN is a bit "sensational".

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It could also be that he had some other symptom which hasnt hit the papers yet. I just dont get the assumption that the media is always wrong when it comes to the Sox.

[pedros hairstylist]

I believe it's highly unlikely that Mazz got the team physician to say "We're testing Lester for cancer!" More realistic is that he was told about the lymph nodes, then ran to WEB MD and looked up the possible diagnoses, of which cancer was one, and then filed the story.

If he had more sourcing than that, he'd have put it in the story.

[Jinhocho]

Sounds like there might be more going on here that lead Mazz to speculate cancer.

“It’s scary. It would scare anyone,” veteran reliever Mike Timlin said. “That’s the whole thing. It’s his life. It’s not about him not being able to get out of the sixth inning. He’s 22. That’s a long future not to have if you come up with an illness you can’t get rid of. We are praying for him.”

Not being able to get out of the 6th inning? Timlin continues to put foot in mouth.

Added Curt Schilling, whose wife, Shonda, is a melanoma survivor: “You pray. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are with Jon and his family. Having been in the situation where cancer was an operative word, it’s an incredibly scary experience. You’re talking about a kid at the beginning of his life. To me, an even bigger deal, you’ve got a father and a mother, and a family that’s worried about their child. There’s a lot of things in play that are very troublesome.”
    Lester, whose parents flew in from Seattle, had been experiencing ongoing back problems. He also hadn’t been feeling particularly well of late. One teammate revealed Lester had also dropped some weight recently

Enlarged lymph nodes can be caused by many factors. Doctors essentially test for and rule out the possibilities one by one. By most indications, that’s the process Lester is undergoing.

http://redsox.boston...rticleid=155440

and

http://www.boston.co...ns_for_weekend/

The club did not have an update on the condition of pitcher Jon Lester, who was admitted to Mass. General Wednesday. During tests on his balky back, doctors discovered enlarged lymph nodes. Gill issued the following statement regarding the rookie lefthander:

``Jon Lester has been undergoing testing to determine the cause of the back pain he has been experiencing. During the course of that process, some enlarged lymph nodes were identified. Jon was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital on Wednesday for further evaluation and testing. Jon is resting comfortably."

Francona visited Lester and his family yesterday morning.

``Other than that statement, we'll probably need to stick to that to respect his privacy," Francona said. ``I think he and his family were thrown a little bit for a loop when they woke up and saw what they saw.

``I think we need to respect their privacy as much as we can."

John Lester, the pitcher's father, was reached yesterday but did not offer an update on his son's condition. Jon Lester originally injured his back during a car accident on Storrow Drive Aug. 18.

``I don't [have time to talk]," said his father. ``We're right in the middle of a whole bunch of things right here. Everything is being handled by the Red Sox people right now. We're really busy. All the press releases are going through Boston. They've requested that we go through them."

Said Hardy Jackson, one of Lester's agents at CSMG Sports, ``I have no comment on the situation. I would just hope you respect the family's wishes right now not to make a statement and give them some room and time."

Tito seems the only person from the Sox indicating some upset wit hthe Mazz article.
I cannot help but get the vibe from the Herald and Globe that there is real concern that this is SERIOUS.

http://www.boston.co...ns_for_weekend/

[Philip Jeff Frye]

I didn't know that Jon Lester's name does not contain an H, the pitcher's father, was reached yesterday but did not offer an update on his son's condition. Jon Lester originally injured his back during a car accident on Storrow Drive Aug. 18.

``I don't [have time to talk]," said his father. ``We're right in the middle of a whole bunch of things right here. Everything is being handled by the Red Sox people right now. We're really busy. All the press releases are going through Boston. They've requested that we go through them."

Said Hardy Jackson, one of Lester's agents at CSMG Sports, ``I have no comment on the situation. I would just hope you respect the family's wishes right now not to make a statement and give them some room and time."

Must be tough enough to go through this sort of situation with having to deal with reporters looking for a scoop, or at least "an update."

Edited by Kevin Mortons Ghost, 01 September 2006 - 08:08 AM.

[Jinhocho]

Must be tough enough to go through this sort of situation with having to deal with reporters looking for a scoop, or at least "an update."

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Well, it seems clear at this point that there is a real scare that its cancer at this point. The responses from his teammates and his family seem to indicate its much more serious than back pain from a minor car accident. I hope the kid is ok and it turns out he doesnt have cancer - but at this point it looks pretty reasonable for Mazz to have reported it.

[Rasputin]

Well, it seems clear at this point that there is a real scare that its cancer at this point.  The responses from his teammates and his family seem to indicate its much more serious than back pain from a minor car accident.  I hope the kid is ok and it turns out he doesnt have cancer - but at this point it looks pretty reasonable for Mazz to have reported it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Horseshit.

Any time there is a wide range of possibilities and one of them is really really bad, everyone is going to have the worst case scenario in the back of their mind and it will color what they say and do. That doesn't mean they know a damn thing, it just means they know it could be bad. How people react doesn't validate sensationalist headlines.