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Clarkson was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2013 while he was still in high school. He underwent surgery to remove a tumor and chemotherapy after doctors discovered the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes.
A benign tumor remained and was monitored by doctors. Clarkson found out in February that the tumor was growing and needed to be removed in case it became malignant.
He told the Oregonian that he would trade chemotherapy treatments for the week he spent in the hospital following the second surgery. He said he was “miserable” and we can see why.
Later that month, Clarkson underwent a surgery that lasted more than six hours. The surgeon opened up his stomach and temporarily removed his intestines to get to the lymph nodes. It left a 10-inch scar, which starts at the top of Clarkson’s abdomen and goes around his belly button.
He spent a week at the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Washington County, barely able to sleep while dealing with pain and nausea. He vomited bile while dealing with an obstruction in his intestine and was unable to eat or drink for multiple days, losing 20 pounds in seven days.
Clarkson said concussions also played a role in his decision to retire. He suffered a concussion against Cal in November, the second concussion he suffered in 2015. He had made three starts before the second concussion.He spent a week at the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Washington County, barely able to sleep while dealing with pain and nausea. He vomited bile while dealing with an obstruction in his intestine and was unable to eat or drink for multiple days, losing 20 pounds in seven days.
“It’s really hard, but I know it’s what’s best for me,” he said. “The whole coaching staff has been nothing but supportive and amazing.”
His retirement is the third medical retirement for an Oregon State offensive lineman this season. Offensive lineman Leo Fuimaono and running back Damien Haskins medically retired earlier this month. Offensive lineman Mason Johnson has also stopped playing football.
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Clarkson, a redshirt sophomore in 2016, was a three-star recruit in the class of 2014 according to Rivals.
For more Oregon State news, visit BeaverBlitz.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!–
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