After undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his mouth, singer John Farnham is expected to remain in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) for weeks.
“John remains in a stable condition in ICU following the removal of a cancerous tumour in his mouth on Tuesday,” his wife Jill and sons Rob and James said in a statement.
“He is awake and responding well to the care he’s receiving.”
“John remains in a stable condition in ICU following the removal of a cancerous tumour in his mouth on Tuesday.”
(Image: Getty)They went on to thank Farnham’s fans for their “ongoing messages and well wishes”.
“It really lifts our spirits knowing that everyone is thinking of John.”
The 12-hour surgery took place last Tuesday and was carried out by 26 medical staff. It saw a major part of the singer’s jaw removed, leading to doubt that the 72-year-old will ever perform again.
“It really lifts our spirits knowing that everyone is thinking of John.”
(Image: Getty)“Certainly now you have to say there’s even a lesser chance (of him performing),” entertainment reporter Peter Ford told 6PR on Wednesday.
He went on to say that there had been “two parts” to the complicated surgery.
“The first was the removal of the tumour, the second was a reconstructive surgery because John has had part of his jaw removed,” Ford explained, adding that the singer had previously been a major smoker before quitting at the behest of his children.
Ford added that Farnham was “fully lucid, he is conscious, he is in ICU, he will be there for a long time to come”.
It’s in doubt whether Farnham will ever perform again.
(Image: Getty)“But as we’ve heard all along from the statement from the family again, and the statement that came out earlier this morning, they have twice used the word ‘successful’, so that gives reason for optimism and hope,” Ford continued.
Farnham’s wife, Jill, released a statement Wednesday morning regarding her husband’s recovery while also thanking the public for their support.
“We are genuinely overwhelmed by the incredible wave of support, love and messages we have received today from so many people around Australia. This means so much to us as a family. Thank you to everyone for this. John will be blown away,” she said.
WATCH: John Farnham performs You’re the Voice. Article continues after video
“We are in awe of the incredible teams of health care professionals who have guided us through this very challenging time with such compassion. All of you undertook this big job today and have given us a magnificent outcome. To all the surgeons, doctors, nurses and consultants — thank you one and all so very much.”
News of John’s successful surgery comes after his family announced the news of his illness on Tuesday.
“Cancer diagnosis is something that so many people face every single day, and countless others have walked this path before me,” John explained in the statement.
“The one thing I know for sure is that we have the very best specialist healthcare professionals in Victoria, and we can all be grateful for that. I know I am.”
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