Comets' Perrot Has Brain Tumor

Popular guard Kim Perrot of the two-time defending WNBA champion Houston Comets developed a brain tumor as a result of the spread of lung cancer.

Perrot, 32, revealed she has the disease this afternoon at an emotional news conference.

"I've been undergoing a lot of tests for the last three weeks," Perrot said through tears. "On Friday, I was diagnosed with lung cancer, which spread into my brain. On Wednesday, I'm going to have surgery to remove one of the tumors. After that I go through radiation. After that, I have to go through chemo."

Perrot initially noticed a wekaness in her right arm. Doctors at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston then found a "sizeable" tumor in a corresponding part of the brain.

Doctors said the best treatment in her case is surgical removal of the tumor, although there is some risk Perrot could lose strength in the arm as a result. She will undergo two weeks of radiation therapy followed by intravenous chemotherapy to treat the lung cancer.

Perrot also has a series of smaller tumors in the brain, but they are not putting her in immediate danger and can be reduced through radiation. Because she is in excellent physical shape, Perrot is at an advantage in treatment and will maintain a fitness regimen throughout recovery.

"It was a shock to me, but I've accepted it and I will get through it," she said. "I trust that the doctors are the best and will take care of me.

"This has been a tough moment for me, but I've always had to battle. And this is just another battle. I believe with all my heart and faith in God that I will overcome this. My goal is to be back on the basketball court doing what I've been doing the last two years."

Perrot does not drink or smoke. A carcinoma, not lifestyle, was the cause of the lung cancer.

A product of Southwestern Louisiana, Perrot was a guest of the Rice Lady Owls on Sunday. She delivered a motivational speech at halftime and spent 15 minutes signing autographs.

"When I do motivational speeches, I tend to forget about other things," she said. "The fans love the Comets and they make it easier for me."

Perrot helped Houston to its second straight championship on September 1 and exited the Compaq Center to a chant of "We Want Kim, We Want Kim!"

The 5-5 guard led the Comets in 1998 with 4.7 assists per game and 85 steals as they compiled a 27-3 record, tops in the WNBA. She averaged 8.5 points on 40 percent shooting (88-of-218) and grabbed 3.1 rebounds per game.

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