Aurora mayor's cancer returns

Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner is resting comfortably at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago following surgery to remove a cancerous growth.

Alderman-at-Large Robert O'Connor addressed the city council Wednesday night, saying the city staff had recently heard from Weisner's doctors.

"The mayor's surgery went very, very well; very successful," O'Connor said. "He is expected to remain in the hospital for two or three days and will be in a resting period for a few weeks."

Assistant Chief of Staff Carrie Anne Argo also released a written statement after speaking with Weisner's surgeon, Dr. Michael Abecassis.

"The doctor indicated that the tumor remained localized. Using a minimally invasive and cutting-edge procedure known as radio-frequency ablation, they were able to completely destroy the tumor," Ergo wrote. "The doctor indicated that his prognosis is good and he is expected to make a full recovery."

Weisner, 58, was first diagnosed with colon cancer during an annual physical in May 2007. At that time, he underwent surgery to remove the cancer, followed by chemotherapy.

Earlier this year, doctors indicated that Weisner was cancer-free. A recent test detected a recurrence of the disease and Wednesday's surgery was scheduled.

Updates on Weisner's condition will be posted on the city's Web site at www.aurora-il.org.

Well wishes may be sent to the Mayor's Office at 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60507, emailed to mayorsoffice@aurora-il.org or posted online through www.aurora-il.org.