University of Maine men’s hockey coach Shawn Walsh, who is suffering from kidney cancer, will have his left lung removed today at the National Cancer Institute in the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Md., as he prepares for eventual stem cell transplantation.

Thursday’s de-bulking surgery, during which doctors will try to remove as many cancerous tumors as possible, is necessary because the number of cancer cells present at the time of the transplant is directly related to the success rate of the transplant.

“My tests last week indicated that 90 percent of my lung function is already being performed by my right lung. Essentially, the de-bulking will cleanse my system so that the stem cell transplant can be successful,” said Walsh. “My doctors have told me I will be able to play basketball, skate, jog, and continue to live a normal and healthy life.”

He also showed that he hasn’t lost his sense of humor.

“I asked my doctors if this would affect the volume of my voice because it is part of my coaching, especially with my players and sometimes with an official. They told me it would not affect my voice at all,” said Walsh.

Approximately 3-4 weeks after the de-bulking surgery, Walsh will have the stem cell transplant. That procedure will take two weeks and will involve transplanting cells from the sibling with the closest immune system to the patient’s. In Walsh’s case, it is his youngest brother Kevin.

The cells will develop into blood cells and, hopefully, grow, multiply, and attack the cancer cells.

Dr. Richard Childs and Dr. David Schump of the National Cancer Institute will oversee Walsh’s treatment, surgery, and recovery.