I have waited so long for this day to come. I am so excited to be calling the Duke-North Carolina game this week, and it has been a long road back.

I think back to December 5, when I walked into Dr. Steven Zeitels' office in Boston, when he did his analysis of my throat. He came up with the evaluation that I had ulcerated lesions on my throat that might be cancerous.

When I got on the plane to fly home to Florida, I cried for three hours. At that moment, I never thought I would get behind the microphone again. The one thing I wanted in my career was to end it on my terms. I understand that at some point it ends for all, no matter if you are in sports or any walk of life. I was afraid that it was being dictated for me.

In my situation, maybe one day I lose all my energy and enthusiasm and then that is time to say good-bye. Nobody will have to tell me; I will know in my heart that it is over then.

Right now I feel as excited as ever. I can't wait to walk into that arena at Chapel Hill, to mingle with the students, the players, the coaches. It will be so great to be back to being part of a game that has meant so much to my family and to me.

ESPN, in essence, saved my life when I was fired by the Detroit Pistons almost 30 years ago. Scotty Connal gave me an opportunity to do something I love and that's talk about the game that meant so much to me. I felt at that time that if I stayed in coaching, I would have never made it past 50. I could not take losing as every defeat ate me up inside. Television gave me the opportunity to find balance in my life, where I could do things besides worry about wins and losses and the other things that go into coaching.

I guess that is why I sympathize and have a feeling for those in the locker room. I have been there and I know that feeling. I understand what they put into every game, the preparation, the sweat, the effort.

My friends, I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that Dr. Zeitels has told me the lesions were not cancerous and that I can resume my career. It has been two long months since I was courtside at Madison Square Garden, watching Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo, Luke Harangody ... wow, I have really missed it, baby!

I am so excited to get back behind that microphone. I know there will be people analyzing and evaluating every word. I have had a raspy voice my entire life; hey, Rod Stewart has been raspy his entire career and he has made millions singing! I will never be an Andrea Bocelli!

I will be there for my people, the great guys that I work with like Mike Patrick, Dan Shulman and Brad Nessler. I found out in the six weeks away from the broadcast booth, after 28-plus years of not missing a game, that was have an incredible stable of announcers. That thought was solidified as I watched so many contests.

Our play-by-play people are par excellent. The analysts really do their homework and know the game.

I am so proud to be part of the ESPN family. I can't wait for Wednesday night, to join Patrick and Stacey Dales in such an exciting environment. I know I will get emotional because, as I stated earlier, I thought about the possibility of never calling a game again. When I walk into the Dean Smith Center, I know I will feel like a little kid again.

It is all so positive for me. The last few months, I have felt like a 68-year old. Now I will be back to acting like a 12-year old! I have received clearance to go out and do the things I love, like playing tennis and speaking to people. I am excited to be back with the basketball community, jubilant, jovial and having fun doing something I love.

I want to thank all the people at ESPN, starting with president George Bodenheimer. I can't thank the fans, the players, the coaches for all of their kind words, cards that inspired me, gifts, etc. When you are sitting in a hospital for several days, and you are a little bored, reading those letters brought me to tears.

It was time to reflect on the 28-plus years. I have had a great run, and I don't know where all the time has gone. I feel rejuvenated again and I am so thankful for the opportunity to get back behind that microphone.

Yes, Tobacco Road ... does it get any better? I know some consider the Ohio State-Michigan football rivalry as the greatest in college sports. Forget about it, and I have great respect for that rivalry, but sitting courtside for a Duke-North Carolina clash is something you never forget baby! There are superstar players and coaches giving it their all. There are usually highly-rated basketball teams, plus Hall of Fame coaches in Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams.

Duke and North Carolina players perform best under the pressure because everywhere they go in those uniforms, opponents play at another level. Krzyzewski and Williams always get their teams to play at an even higher level!

There will be so much emotion in that arena. There will be unbelievable intensity and a passion by the players in those jerseys.

Let me tell you, nobody in that arena will feel any better than me! It is a day I have been waiting for since Dr. Zeitels told me, yes, you can get back to work!

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.