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Message from Remy

Posted by Chad Finn, Globe Staff  May 7, 2009 10:48 AM
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Popular Red Sox commentator Jerry Remy, who is taking an indefinite leave of absence to recover from complications of lung cancer surgery, posted a detailed "personal message" last night on the website Sawxheads.com.

In November I had a very small, low-grade cancerous area removed from my lung. I was fortunate that it was discovered at an early stage. Except for the surgery, I required no additional treatments. I left the hospital with a clean bill of health.

Unfortunately, following the surgery, I developed a bad infection further compounded by a case of pneumonia. It was the pneumonia and the infection that set me back. This all happened just as I was leaving for spring training.

In hindsight, it was a mistake to go and I am paying the price for it now . . .

First of all, I would like to thank all of you for the outpouring of concern you have given me recently. I honestly appreciate it. Secondly, I want to emphasize that I am in good shape now.

While physically I have no issues, the past few months have been emotionally draining, and exhausting for both my family and I. Along those lines, I would like to thank NESN and the Red Sox for allowing me to take as much time as I need. I am not certain exactly when I will return, but I will keep you posted.

To read Remy's entire message, click here.

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103 comments so far...

  1. Get well soon, RemDawg!

    Posted by Daniel May 7, 09 11:07 AM

  1. Best of Luck Remmy! Get well soon! RSN misses you! Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

    Posted by James May 7, 09 11:13 AM

  1. GET WELL SOON REM DOG! WE MISS YOU

    Posted by BRANDON513 May 7, 09 11:54 AM

  1. Get well soon Rem Dawg you are certainly missed during the broadcasts

    Posted by Sean May 7, 09 11:59 AM

  1. Jerry - you are dearly loved by Red Sox fans all around the world. We wish you nothing but the best and know you'll return soon after a quick recovery. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. God speed you - Our prayers are with you RemDawg.

    Posted by jingle_ballz May 7, 09 12:03 PM

  1. Relieved to hear he's on the mend! Get well, Remy! It's not the same Sox without you calling it!

    Posted by Noel May 7, 09 12:06 PM

  1. Jerry get well soon...... I can't take Eck any more!!

    Posted by Rich S. May 7, 09 12:10 PM

  1. I am a die hard Yankee fan from Worcester and can speak for the most of Evil Empire when I say get well soon Jerry. We want you back in the booth.

    Posted by RSL May 7, 09 12:11 PM

  1. Remdawg,
    God Bless You. I am so very happy that your surgery was successful and you are recovering from your surgery. I enjoy listening to you and what you have to say. I miss you on TV but more importantly take your time recovering fully. Looking forward to your return. God Bless to you and your family.

    Posted by Ronald May 7, 09 12:23 PM

  1. RemDawg,
    Hang in there and fight hard I know you'll back very soon.
    GO SOX!!!!!!!!

    Posted by Kevin May 7, 09 12:28 PM

  1. We love you Rem Dog! Watch for air guitars at Fenway. You hear that everybody? If a TV camera catches you at Fenway (or in the rest of Red Sox nation) do an Air Guitar for Remy. Get well soon Jerry and all the best to your family.

    Posted by JohnEK-1 May 7, 09 12:28 PM

  1. He forgot to say. You can get your signed RemDawg score cards at RemDawg.com.

    Posted by andrew May 7, 09 12:34 PM

  1. We love you Remdawg - we eagerly await your return.

    Posted by Andrea May 7, 09 12:35 PM

  1. i have enjoyed watching the red sox and you for the past 20 years, please get well and come back because you are just as much apart of the game as the red sox themselves.

    Posted by maureen May 7, 09 12:37 PM

  1. As a cancer survivor myself, I know what you're going through. Stay tough, rely on friends & family, and get back soon. We miss you! We need your sense of humor to carry us through this season!
    Dean from Saco Maine

    Posted by Dean Porter May 7, 09 12:41 PM

  1. We'll be praying for you to feel better soon! Best to you and your family.

    Posted by Patricia May 7, 09 12:43 PM

  1. You are the best, Remdawg. Rest up and I hope you have a full recovery. Red Sox Nation needs you!

    Posted by Laurie May 7, 09 12:45 PM

  1. Peace and good health to you Rem.

    Posted by Mark May 7, 09 12:46 PM

  1. We love you Remy! It's not the same without you!!

    Posted by Melissa May 7, 09 12:47 PM

  1. Get well soon Remy! We all miss you so much. I miss your sense of humor and great insight on the game. Mr. President All of us in Red Sox Nation are keeping you in our thoughts. Rest up and get healthy because we need you RemDawg!

    Posted by Samantha Farrell May 7, 09 12:51 PM

  1. Get well soon RemDawg!

    Posted by Chris Stewart May 7, 09 12:53 PM

  1. Get Well and come back to us soon as you are back to your old self.....How about some phone calls to the booth during games, we really miss your wit and humor....... Red Sox Nation,,,,,,, Texas Style

    Posted by salty444 May 7, 09 12:55 PM

  1. Sending positive thoughts out to you, Jerry!! Get well!

    Posted by Brenda May 7, 09 12:55 PM

  1. It's definitely not the same without you! Wishing you the speediest of recoveries. God Bless!

    Posted by Crispy Waffles May 7, 09 12:55 PM

  1. Your are the face and voice of Red Sox nation get well soon!

    Posted by Jeff (Portland Maine) May 7, 09 12:56 PM

  1. remy! get well soon!

    Posted by BJRay May 7, 09 12:58 PM

  1. Jerry - Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery from all your fans in Kennebnukport, ME. You and Don are the best in the business!!

    Posted by R. McDonald May 7, 09 12:59 PM

  1. Remdog, please get well soon. You are the best!

    Posted by Joe B May 7, 09 01:05 PM

  1. Get well Jerry. Family and health first.

    Posted by John May 7, 09 01:06 PM

  1. from milan, italy, get well soon RemDawg. Now that mlb.tv gives me the choice of home or away broadcast, I never miss a game on Nesn and have gotten used to staying up very late with your voice keeping me awake. Hang in there!

    Posted by massimo May 7, 09 01:07 PM

  1. So glad that you're doing well. You are definitely missed. Take care of yourself. It's not the same without you.

    Posted by no1grammy May 7, 09 01:08 PM

  1. You have to come back soon. We're all eager to hear your comments about Don's goatee!! The Nation awaits your return, Mr. President.

    Posted by Tony from Newbury May 7, 09 01:09 PM

  1. Glad to know you're on the road to recovery. Looking forward to hearing you and Don snickering in the booth :o)
    Get well soon, we miss you!

    Posted by Fan of Remy & Don May 7, 09 01:10 PM

  1. Jerry,
    I don't usually send msgs, but I certainly want to send one to you to wish you a very speedy recovery and to tell you how much I have enjoyed you and Don. You have provided me with many a laugh, which as you know is much needed in the world today. So get well and know that you are being thought of. Our prayers are with you.
    Rich

    Posted by Richard Hatch May 7, 09 01:13 PM

  1. miss you big guy its not the same without you being on the show
    wish you speedy recoverer y a fan of our beloved sox team
    Bob

    Posted by Robert Morris May 7, 09 01:29 PM

  1. god bless the rem dawg! go sox!

    Posted by frank the waterboy May 7, 09 01:30 PM

  1. So glad you caught it early, Jerry. Take time to heal, our prayers are with you and your family. GET WELL SOON!!!

    I agree -- waiting to hear your comments on Don's new "facial hairstyling"!

    Posted by Remy-fan May 7, 09 01:36 PM

  1. Jerry,
    Get well soon. We miss you in the booth.
    How about we replace "Sweet Caroline" with "Brandy" in the 8th?
    Would that bring you back any sooner?
    JD (Guitar Player @ Tommy Bahamas)

    Posted by JD Ingalls May 7, 09 01:37 PM

  1. Baseball in New England is great and part of what makes it so great is Jerry Remy. He teaches us the fundamentals of the game while keeping us totally entertained. Remdawg is the best along with his sidekick. Thank you..

    Posted by Ed of NB May 7, 09 01:41 PM

  1. Jerry,
    All of us all over the country wish you well. I do hope that people respect your privacy while you are in your healing process. E-mails definitely help at a time like this.
    I, too, have had cancer and also pneumonia, and the only thing that will help you now that the cancer issue is behind you is R E S T !!!!
    Don't try to rush back too soon!!! My wife, Barbara and I wish you well and rest assured, the Red Sox Nation in Virginia is VERY strong!!
    Frank Deets

    Posted by Frank and Barbara Deets May 7, 09 01:44 PM

  1. Get well soon Remy. My best to you and your family!
    Sylvia

    Posted by Sylvia Williams May 7, 09 01:44 PM

  1. Get well soon Remy. My best to you and your family!
    Sylvia

    Posted by Sylvia Williams May 7, 09 01:46 PM

  1. Get well soon so you can return to the booth with Don. I miss the bantering and teasing between the two of you. In the meantime, Eckersley has done a great job filling in. I hope they keep him there until you come back.

    Posted by JPnMO May 7, 09 01:47 PM

  1. Best to you Remdawg!
    And remember the best time to visit a dentist is... "Toothurty!"
    Take care and come back soon!

    Posted by M. Kurent May 7, 09 01:50 PM

  1. We love you Jerry--may God be with you, your family and friends, and all your medical folks. We'll keep a light in the window for you until you return! *places candle on windowsill* Air Guitar-ing to Sweet Caroline in Virginia for you.... Jasta

    Posted by Sharon May 7, 09 01:53 PM

  1. We miss you. You are in our prayers. Miss the laughter.

    Posted by Doris D. May 7, 09 01:55 PM

  1. Do the Remdawg a favor people......QUIT SMOKING CIGARETTES.
    This is probably the sixth person that has died this year from smoking.
    I smoked for 20 years , up to 2 packs a day. I got on Chantix and got
    off the butts. It's a milliionaires habit and all it does is shorten your life.
    For the Remdawg, for those you love. Kick the habit.

    Posted by Bostonspaz May 7, 09 02:06 PM

  1. Look forward to seeing a rested RemDawg, sooner than later! Look forward to your next air guitar show! Peace....................

    Posted by Hogan May 7, 09 02:09 PM

  1. Jerry get well soon!!

    Posted by Garrett Gilman May 7, 09 02:10 PM

  1. Jerry,
    It was devastating news for sure, especially for a 30 year old guy like you! Anyway, focus on getting healthy. The game is important, and you ARE sorely missed, but as the saying goes "you ain't got nothin' without your family". Take your time, it's a long season, we'll wait.
    Best regards,
    Greg and Christina

    Posted by Greg Spanos May 7, 09 02:13 PM

  1. Jerry,
    I watched you play as a teen. The games now are not the same. Not to take away from Don, but its like trying to run with one leg. It does not work. Get better and get back to your seat as the best sports commentator in M.L.B. We miss you!

    Posted by Arthur "Foxy" Irwin May 7, 09 02:15 PM

  1. I am a die-hard Yankee fan of 50 years but I have to admit you are one of the best baseball anouncers in the game (informative and funny as can be-fantastic-about as much fun to listen to as Rizzuto). I always enjoy listening to you and I hope you're feeling well and back in the booth soon. Till then be well and our prayers are with you.

    Posted by Tony May 7, 09 02:20 PM

  1. Dear Jerry,

    I wish you the best of luck. Take care and get well soon.

    Posted by andrew chiariello May 7, 09 02:21 PM

  1. Get well Jerry. Its not the same without you.

    Posted by Jerel3157 May 7, 09 02:21 PM

  1. Dawg, we miss you. Get well soon!

    Posted by Sox Fan May 7, 09 02:28 PM

  1. Get well soon Jerry-we miss you. Who's taking care of Wally while you're out?

    Posted by Roz May 7, 09 02:33 PM

  1. we met Jerry at the New York Westin last July, and he was kind enough to stop and take a picture with us.........it's up on our refrigerator now............come back soon remdawg!!!!

    Posted by gusburns May 7, 09 02:33 PM

  1. Take your time and get lots of rest.

    Posted by Cathy F. May 7, 09 02:36 PM

  1. Get well soon Remy! Not being able to listen to you in the booth is like missing a family member.

    Posted by jp May 7, 09 02:37 PM

  1. As a die hard Red Sox fan living in New Jersey get well soon. I watch you on NESN and you are the best. Jerry, take one day at a time. My prayers are with you.

    Posted by Rick Hawco May 7, 09 02:38 PM

  1. Since the above article about Mannys suspension must be an exclusive article to post on, I wanted to share from Sox traitor Sully Baseball, The Red Sox have gotten away with enough, and if David Ortiz tests postiive also, the Red Sox should be compelled to return their two World Series back to baseball.

    Posted by Justine May 7, 09 02:41 PM

  1. I think I can speak for all the fans in Mexico's Red Sox Nation that we hope you get well soon and we can see you back in harness when you are healthy. Jim, formerly of Newburyport.

    Posted by James S. Abeel May 7, 09 02:42 PM

  1. Get well Rem Dawg, we miss you!!!

    Posted by michpc May 7, 09 02:45 PM

  1. As much as I hate the Red Sox (and I'm not a Yankees fan), I always found Remy's commentary and persona to be fun and highly pleasant. May his recovery be fast for him, his family and his friends

    Posted by natis May 7, 09 02:46 PM

  1. Take your time- then hurry back. We love you Rem!

    Posted by Mike Mellor May 7, 09 02:47 PM

  1. Rem Dawg my prayers are with you and your family. Hope you get well soon.! I miss listening to you during the sox games. It's just not the same.

    Posted by ppalmer May 7, 09 02:50 PM

  1. Even as a Blue Jays fan, we love RemDog and wish him a full and speedy recovery. You're still our favourite colour man, Jerry!

    Posted by Tao of Stieb May 7, 09 02:54 PM

  1. RemDawg, good luck and good health. Get well soon.

    And, when you come back, make it just you and The Eck. Orsillo is a stiff. You and Eckersley would be a great duo. Who needs play-by-play on TV, anyway? Two guys describing the game, both ex-players, knowledgeable, and not afraid to speak your mind-- a PERFECT marriage! NESN could break ground with this idea! (And I gave it to them for free!)

    Posted by mattal1958 May 7, 09 02:55 PM

  1. When I think of Boston, I think.....The Pru, The Citgo Sign, Fenway Park, Faneuil Hall, The Charles and of course, the one and only Jerry Remy! Man's an absolute legend. Take it easy, stay off the smokes and get yourself back in the booth soon! We'll all miss you when you're gone Remdawg but will rest easy in the knowledge that you'll be with us again soon......

    Posted by Waltham Sox Fan May 7, 09 02:56 PM

  1. Port Saint Lucie, Fl sends its best for full recorvey of our beloved Remdog

    Posted by Bill Nugent May 7, 09 02:58 PM

  1. We miss you!! Come back soon. We are very lucky to have you in Boston it is not the same without you.
    Buenos noches amigos!

    Posted by meryl May 7, 09 03:01 PM

  1. Jerry, Get well soon. There's still alot of RED SOX games left and you will soon be back with Don. Take care

    Posted by Sally May 7, 09 03:03 PM

  1. RemDawg- I purchased the MLB Package on Tuesday so I could watch the Sox. I live in the Dallas area and I really miss listening to you guys on the TV. Eck was a great pitcher but he needs alot of work in the booth! Anyway take it slow and I look forward to your return!

    Posted by Tony May 7, 09 03:05 PM

  1. Jerry,
    Wishing you a speedy recovery. You are one of the best at what you do.

    Posted by Syd Myers May 7, 09 03:08 PM

  1. Jerry Looking @ Your's and Don's Bobble Headed doll right now we all miss that smile
    See you soon

    Posted by Brian Leary May 7, 09 03:13 PM

  1. Rem- best wishes for a speedy recovery. Can't wait for your next on-air comment on Orsillo's "boiler" or your next speculation on whether a fan is wearing a "system!"

    Posted by Geoff May 7, 09 03:23 PM

  1. Rem Dawg!!!
    Best wishes from Red Sox Nation in Miami Beach.
    With all the recent Sox wins over the "Spankees" it's been fun all the way down here in Florida!
    Get well soon and enjoy the time with your family.
    We can't wait for your return but we certainly understand.

    Posted by Paul May 7, 09 03:23 PM

  1. Rem Dawg....You are the Inspiration out here in Southern California! I am from Massashusetts for 42 years, and I have been out here for less than 2 seasons. I am making Red Sox Nation build strong out here!!! You and Don are inspirations, and we miss you behind the mike :)

    Posted by Eric (Redsx4evr) May 7, 09 03:35 PM

  1. There have been many great Red Sox players over the years, but there aren't too many guys that I would consider real Red Sox icons...i.e. players that spent all or nearly all their entire career with the Red Sox...that are well respected which live and breath Red Sox success. Not necessarily in this order...
    1. Ted Williams
    2. Johnny Pesky
    3. Yaz
    4. Carlton Fisk (even though he was traded to the White Sox ...a huge sin).
    5. Jerry Remy
    6. Jim Rice
    7. Dennis Eckersley

    Posted by Remdawg's the best May 7, 09 03:36 PM

  1. Best wishes from DC! There is no one out there that comes close to doing what you do. Sox nation is eagerly awaiting your return, so get well soon...

    Posted by Tim May 7, 09 03:41 PM

  1. Jerry:
    You are in our thoughts & prayers. We will miss you very much but you need to take care of your health. God bless you. Paula

    Posted by Paula Shanahan May 7, 09 04:22 PM

  1. Many years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry's father while my parents were buying furniture at Mason's in Fall River. Though the store is long gone, I remember the unassuming Mr. Remy speaking very proudly of his son, Jerry, getting to the big leagues with the California Angles. That was in 1974.

    Just a couple of years ago, I relayed that story to Jerry, and I expressed the kindness his father showed to my family that day. I truly hope Jerry gets well.

    Posted by MWILLF May 7, 09 04:28 PM

  1. Remdawg,

    The Sox aren't the same without you. I miss hearing you during the games, and sincerely wish you a VERY VERY speedy recovery. Get a lot of rest, and I hope you come back to us soon!

    Posted by NDD May 7, 09 04:58 PM

  1. All good thoughts and wishes from the tiny little outpost of the Nation here in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina. Rest and take it easy and smile at your (relative) good fortune to have beaten back the cancer. You may have convinced me to quit tobacco for good.

    Maybe you could announce a couple of minor league games at Pawtucket or Portland before you're strong enough to return to Fenway. I can't wait.

    Posted by Dave Creagh May 7, 09 05:01 PM

  1. Jerry....Watching you play for the Sox, you were one of my faves. Listening to your insightful commentary early in your NESN career helped make everyone better fans. In these more recent years, you have truly become one of us. In my book, you've reached Ken Coleman and Ned Martin status. Get strong soon, Mr. President, and return to Red Sox Nation healthy and rearing to go!!!

    Posted by Ringleader May 7, 09 05:14 PM

  1. Your voice is the soundtrack of my life during the Sox season. Take good care of yourself, get better, and come back to the fans who love you.

    Posted by Suzanne May 7, 09 05:17 PM

  1. Jerry

    My family wishes you and your family the best in the days and weeks ahead. Do whatever it takes to get better because you are sorely missed in the booth.You and Don are the best in the business.

    Come back as soon as you can.

    God bless you.

    Posted by Ann Marie May 7, 09 05:34 PM

  1. Jerry, My oldest son,my wife & myself have all beat cancer. Today we are in good health. I too, was a smoker for 39 years. you can beat this .God bless and stayStrong.

    Posted by Charlie Santiago, Ipswich May 7, 09 05:56 PM

  1. Hi Jerry,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We wish you a complete and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you back in the booth as soon as you feel you're ready. It's always a pleasure to watch you and Don having such a good time while you do your job. We are Ultimate Red Sox fans, but you are the penultimate personality. You are loved and respected as a former player, a commentator, and as President of RSN.

    Posted by Sandy and Mort Hoffman May 7, 09 06:18 PM

  1. Eck did one hell of a job last night. Great to have a pitcher's take.

    It would be cool to have all three of them in the booth.

    Posted by Chris May 7, 09 06:32 PM

  1. miss you hope you will get better soon you are really missed you and don are like a glove and without you it doesnotfit. be well my prayers are with you i have been a fan of yours since your playingdays and now i love the red sox for over fifties years see you sonn god bless.

    Posted by jean bradley May 7, 09 06:50 PM

  1. Jerry,
    Stay strong and get well soon,
    from this new yorker

    Posted by larry May 7, 09 08:22 PM

  1. Can't wait for you to return to booth, Jerry... keep up the good fight - we love you!
    This is serious stuff, and our hearts and prayers are with you always.

    Jeff

    Posted by Jeff May 7, 09 10:13 PM

  1. Another yankee fan, hoping to see Jerry back in the booth and feeling better.

    Posted by tom May 8, 09 09:55 AM

  1. Hope you feel better soon ...we miss you at the microphone!

    Posted by Linda Munger May 8, 09 02:26 PM

  1. My whole family loves you REM DAWG!!! It's not the same watching the game, you always make me laugh and smile. That's why I know you will be back in that seat putting a smile on everyones face. :) Love, Diane & Lisa Dillon NH GO RED SOX!!!
    The Chopelas Family from Malden Mass.- We love you Jerry!!!

    Posted by Diane (Chopelas-Dillon) May 8, 09 09:28 PM

  1. Jerry you are truly missed my wife Iraida is one of your greatest fans. Not a game goes by without her mentioning you, we include you and your family in our prayers. Looking forward to seeing and hearing you again soon.
    Dios te Bendiga Amigo

    Posted by Rafael Gonzalez May 9, 09 10:18 AM

  1. hey jerry, eck is great,but hes not remdog,not the same watching without you.pal.we all feel like we know you personallyl . been watching you for years.iwe wish you the best ,no more cigarettes huh lol.the Nation is with ya buddy get well soon.

    Posted by mark forshaw May 10, 09 02:29 PM

  1. Get well soon. We'll be thinking of you. Best of Luck

    Posted by Aline from Hebron May 11, 09 08:18 PM

  1. Hey Rem Dawg, I hope you recover soon we miss you so much, and we think of you everday when the red sox play. we were sorry to here that you were ill. Get well soon. you are in our every prayer.. I remember you when you played the game way back to 1977, I was a teenager working after school as a taxi disbatcher and you were my favorite player Remy. Best of Luck to you and your Family! Thank you a Boston Red Sox Fan Cheryl

    Posted by Cheryl Budden June 17, 09 09:48 PM

  1. Hey Rem Dawg, I hope you recover soon we miss you so much, and we think of you everday when the red sox play. we were sorry to here that you were ill. Get well soon. you are in our every prayer.. I remember you when you played the game way back to 1977, I was a teenager working after school as a taxi disbatcher and you were my favorite player Remy. Best of Luck to you and your Family! Thank you a Boston Red Sox Fan Cheryl

    Posted by Cheryl Budden June 17, 09 09:54 PM

  1. Good Day Rem Dawg, I can't wait until your back with Don in the Booth cracking jokes and having a good time. so get well soon we miss your smiling face in the Booth with Don. my whole family Loves you / misses you so much. Best wishes to you! Take good care Cheryl

    Posted by Cheryl Budden June 17, 09 10:02 PM

  1. Good Day Rem Dawg, I can't wait until your back with Don in the Booth cracking jokes and having a good time. so get well soon we miss your smiling face in the Booth with Don. my whole family Loves you / misses you so much. Best wishes to you! Take good care Cheryl

    Posted by Cheryl Budden June 17, 09 10:02 PM
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