Former Buffalo Bills quarterback and Hall of Famer Jim Kelly was diagnosed with cancer in June of 2013, was thought free of the disease later that year, but relapsed again early this year. This week, though, Kelly’s doctors gave him some very good news: he is again cancer free.
Kelly got the good news from the New York Head & Neck Institute, which released a statement on Wednesday.
Jim Kelly was evaluated yesterday at the New York Head & Neck Institute at Lenox Hospital in Manhattan, three months after having completed the radiation and chemotherapy protocol designed to treat his recurrent sinus cancer. Dr. Peter Constantino, Executive Director of the Institute, stated that, “The treatments so far have completely eliminated Mr. Kelly’s pain, and his level of function has essentially returned to normal. Further, on physical examination, there is no evidence of cancer.”
Over the coming week, a series of tests will be performed to determine if any further treatment will be necessary. Constantino added, “It is possible that no further treatment will be required, and the testing over the next week will define this issue.”
Kelly’s doctors had thought he was free of the disease last year, but in March they found it returned. To beat the disease this time he underwent a radical operation where part of his jaw bone was removed. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments followed.
Finally, after all that, the doctors think he has again beaten the illness.
Kelly was last seen early this month attending the Hall of Fame induction ceremony for former Bills player Andre Reed. Kelly appeared on stage after Reed’s acceptance speech and threw a pass to his wide receiver.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston or email the author at igcolonel@hotmail.com
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