I'm very happy to report that Roger Ebert has sent his first public e-mail about his recovery. The full text is at RogerEbert.com, but here's an excerpt:
I have always believed in full disclosure. When I announced that I had a recurrence of salivary cancer that required surgery, I had no idea when I went into the hospital on June 16 that I would still be here on August 16.On June 16 they removed the cancer in my right jaw area, including a section of my jaw bone. It was successfully reconstructed. On July 1, I was packing to leave the hospital when my blood vessel ruptured. We have since learned that the rupture was caused by a break down of tissue surrounding the artery as a result of radiation treatments I had three years ago.
I had a particularly intense form of radiation called neutron beam radiation, which is more effective for certain cancers, but which is also more debilitating to healthy tissue than conventional radiation. Finding a solution to protecting the arteries is what has kept me in the hospital, and in bed, since July 1. As you can imagine, it is no fun being hospitalized this long. Fortunately for me, I have received excellent medical care at Northwestern Hospital led by Doctors Harold Pelzer and Neil Fine. This is a unique situation and the doctors are moving cautiously, but they are enthusiastically optimistic about my recovery. I have also had the loving support of my bride Chaz, and good friends and colleagues. I am a lucky man.
4 Comments
Roger, please get better.
The film world is not ready to lose you just yet.
Take care of yourself, do well, and please come back to us.
Best wishes from a fan.
Jim, as always, thanks so much for passing this along. I'm really glad to hear Roger is doing well, and from his own words too, not from some antiseptic press release.
Indeed. Know that you're loved Roger.
Mr. Emerson, it may be too early for me to ask this question and if it is, just tell me so. Mr. Ebert mentions in his statement that he has a DVD player in his room and that he's going to watch movies. Does that mean he will eventually get his word in on the films that he's missed if and when he returns to work? Like I said, if that issue is too complicated or sensitive to discuss at this time, I'll understand.
JE: I'm sure Roger would like to catch up, but as he said, he's not working on a deadline. The important thing is that he just takes the time he needs to recover. I'm just glad he has movies to watch!
"You had me at Hello".... Yes, YOU, ROGER EBERT. I have enjoyed your reviews every year you've been on TV -- I didn't know of you and Gene Siskel's local show. Get well in your own way on your own timetable -- with my husband's & my best wishes for your SPEEDY recovery! We'll keep your seat in "the Balcony" safe, with a big "Reserved for Roger" sign on it! Karin & George Sehlmeyer
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