Golfer's Wife Battles Cancer
Phil Mickelson Struggles Personally at U.S. Open
Robb Carr, AP
When his wife Amy, 37, was diagnosed with breast cancer, golfer Phil Mickelson initially suspended his season on the PGA tour in order to focus on her health. But at the suggestion of his wife's (maybe not-so) subtle hints that he return home with a silver trophy, Mickelson agreed to play at the U.S. Open, which began June 18. He told ESPN, however, that he "most likely" would not play at the British Open in July as that is when Amy will begin treatment, which according to reports involves a major surgery.
Mickelson has never won the U.S. Open, but taking on top golfers, like Tiger Woods, is the least of his worries. Although he admitted being scared, Mickelson seemed optimistic about his wife's treatment. "We're fortunate we believe we caught it early enough to where we don't have to rush into decisions and we can make some good long-term decisions, decisions that will hopefully prevent this from reccurring, as well as decisions that will hopefully beat this quickly," he told People.
"I'm putting everything I have into this week, because I don't anticipate being able to play for a little while," Mickelson told ESPN in an interview before the U.S. Open began. He said his normal "support system" -- Amy and the kids -- would not be in the crowds to cheer him on. Since Amy decided to stay at home to prepare for her upcoming tests and operation, Mickelson has called on fans for that extra confidence boost to help him win the silver trophy Amy would like to see in her hospital room.
Amy's absence will certainly affect Mickelson, who told People how much he loves his wife. "She touches people in a way that people don't get touched," he said. "It's just right to the heart … The way she looks you in the eye, the way she listens to what you have to say, and genuinely cares. She has a quality about her that not many people have."
After the U.S. Open, Mickelson will suspend his schedule again. He is taking Amy and the kids on a family vacation and then traveling to Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., for Amy's cancer treatment.
Celeb Health News
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"Survivor: Africa" winner Zohn was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin's disease, a cancer of the lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow, on April 30. He told "People," "This is the ultimate game of 'Survivor.'"
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Adam Yauch, 2009
Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch (better known to fans as MCA) announced in July 2009 that a cancerous tumor was found in his left salivary gland. Despite the medical news, Yauch was all jokes in a video released by the band, saying that canceling shows was "a pain in the neck." Over 50 percent of tumors in the salivary gland are benign and about 70% to 80% of all salivary gland neoplasms originate in the parotid gland, just like in Yauch's case.
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Rachael Ray, 2009
Initially scheduled to have vocal cord surgery late in 2008, Ray opted for intensive vocal therapy instead, a spokesperson told "People" magazine. But apparently after months of therapy, her doctors advised her to go ahead with the surgery. On July 10, 2009, a "People" exclusive with Ray's rep revealed that Ray "decided to have a benign cyst removed from her vocal cord ... [and] the minor, non-invasive procedure was a success and she is already resting at home."
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Farrah Fawcett, 2009
After three years of battling cancer, actress Farrah Fawcett passed away on June 25. In 2006, the "Charlie's Angels" star was diagnosed with anal cancer, which eventually spread to her liver.
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Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick
Broderick and Parker announced on April 28 they were expecting the birth of twin daughters "with the generous help of a surrogate." The Hollywood couple and 6-year-old son James Wilkie welcomed twin daughters Marion and Tabitha to their family on June 22.
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Phil and Amy Mickelson, 2009
Pro golfer Phil Mickelson took a hiatus from the PGA Tour when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2009. Keeping true to his word that he would not tour until his wife was well enough to travel with him, Mickelson recently resumed his game at the Stanford St. Jude Championship. After the U.S. Open, Mickelson will abandon the course once again to be by his wife's side while she undergoes cancer treatment.
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Ed McMahon, 2009
On March 2, it was reported that Ed McMahon had been in the hospital for several weeks with pneumonia and other ailments. He spent his 86th birthday, March 6, in the hospital and sadly passed away June 23.
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Steve Jobs, 2009
Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs took a medical leave in January 2009 to undergo treatment for pancreatic cancer. Reports then surfaced in June that he underwent a liver transplant two months before in Tennessee.
Liev Schreiber, Alexander Pete and Naomi Watts, 2009
Alexander "Sasha" Pete, the 21-month-old son of Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts, was briefly hospitalized for respiratory issues on April 28.
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Prince, 2009
During an interview with PBS on April 27, Prince revealed that he struggled with epilepsy as a child. The singer said that his flashy persona was a way to compensate for a condition that made him feel insecure.
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Recent Comments
WebKittyC 08:09:19 AM Jun 19 2009
Both Phile and Amy are acting responsibly. I have just recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. You learn to take it one day at a time, considered options carefully, and remain positive. Life must go on.
Mommar99 07:14:11 AM Jun 19 2009
Wow, Gbones1928, thank you so much for the perfect come back to the upllifting comments sent by sidereal. It is so sad that people such as this can live, love or even be fun to be around. Good Grief! What do you do for fun sidereal? It would delightfull if you could enlighten us as to what you do for sport, exercise or contrubtions to soceity. Do you pick up a piece of trash when you walk by it? How do you make a difference every day.Phil, my husband and I have watched you grow into a man that plays a terrific game and brings decency to the sport. We need more role models like yourself. That is a hard job for Amy to travel and support you, to be there if you win or lose. Your children and wife are your souls center, your guide. I can truly see the devotion you have and who can not see your delight when they are there to cheer you on. You are a gracious man and the devotion to your wife is exactly where you priorities should be. This is a family. I only hold the best of g
Dormie2 05:32:48 AM Jun 19 2009
Part 2: several times a year to park loads of cars makes better sense? Golf courses employ people, give recreation and exercise (don't laugh until you've carried YOUR clubs for five miles while playing a round), and are ecologically friendly as there is no runoff on any even halfway decently managed course. Farming is much more ecologically unfriendly (not that I'm ready to give up eating...). Golf is time consuming, I'll give you that. Should a person be spending time with their family instead? That's up to the individual - but the same could be said about the fisherman. Hate the rich, and hate their wives. Works for a lot of people.
Dormie2 05:30:17 AM Jun 19 2009
"Golf is a complete waste of time, money, and natural resources." / / / / / Short, to the point, rolls off the tongue easily - kind of like "95% of Amerikan voters are going to get a tax cut" (even though 40% of workers pay no Federal Income Tax). If you don't engage your brain, it all makes sense. If you are one of the rare Amerikans who can think about a topic for more than 10 seconds, you would realize that anyone could say that most hobbies and sports are a waste of time and money, especially the ones that don't appeal to you. We should all be out doing charity work instead, yes? Except that many golfers do charity work and the PGA tour does more for charity than any other professional sport. I guess sitting on the couch watching the National Felons League players exert themselves is a good use of your time and other people's money? Huge stadiums paid for with taxpayer money, massive areas of formerly green areas covered with asphalt, to be used several times a year to park l
sidereal7 01:02:36 AM Jun 19 2009
Dear Gbones1938:Why would the masseuse make up having Phil Mickelson of all people as a client if it weren't actually true? She didn't know a golf ball from a basketball. It's sad that he would go to a massage parlor when he has a trophy wife in addition to his golf trophies. Golf is a complete waste of time, money, and natural resources.
Cobie199917 12:34:59 AM Jun 19 2009
Phil and Amy,You will get through this together! Our prayers are with you. Be positive, be strong and realize that the next chapter in your lives will be great!
Highheel louie 12:01:45 AM Jun 19 2009
SGladfelter Phil good luck this weekend you are the best. you are a real find person and we all know that and love you and your family. Amy i know in my heart you will be well soon. i will pray for you.
Arlingreen 10:58:20 PM Jun 18 2009
The golfer with most class on tour. You know what is most important and that is not true of all. Our prayers are with you.
Suereed1946 10:47:37 PM Jun 18 2009
God Bless you Phil, Amy and your Beautiful Family.. Never give up your Faith in God, as this is when you need him the most.. You are in My Prayer Circle of Friends and Family..
BOSMAN23 10:40:52 PM Jun 18 2009
I am sorry that Amy is sick but give us all a break, other than Fred Couples wife on the PGA wanted to be infront of the media. She knew what she was doing all along and I am sorry to say from friends I know that their relationship was not good and Amy now being sick will play this chapter out as she did before and Phil now needs to play it out or he will look very bad. Think, since day one Amy made sure se was on tv. Get it!!
