Jim Kelly is "recovering comfortably" after undergoing successful jaw surgery Friday morning. The Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback revealed last week that he has cancer in his upper jaw bone. The Erie County Medical Center released a statement describing the procedure and expressed optimism for Kelly's recovery.
"At Mr. Kelly's request, we thank everyone for their concern and well wishes for him and his family. Today, Mr. Kelly underwent a partial maxillectomy to remove a squamous cell carcinoma of the upper gingival caused by chronic irritation at the gum site. He underwent reconstruction with a dental obturator. The surgery went very well.
"We are hopeful for and anticipate a speedy recovery and successful outcome.
"Mr. Kelly is recovering comfortably at this time. He is in the capable care of the great nurses and staff here at ECMC. He will remain here at the hospital until he feels comfortable to go home."
Kelly may still need to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment, though whether those procedures will be necessary is still unknown. Tomography scans of Kelly's showed that the cancer had not spread to other parts of the body. The cancer has a five-year recovery rate above 50 percent.
Kelly has had to battle several health issues over the past several years, including back and neck surgeries, and a procedure to remove a nickel-size cyst in his upper gums and nasal cavity. Thanfully, his current prognosis appears positive.
More from SB Nation:
• Ravens SB rings are big, shiny
• Raiders have nowhere to go but up
• With Payton back, will Saints rebound?