New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy Undergoes 'Successful Surgery' To Remove Kidney Tumor
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS/AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy underwent successful surgery on Wednesday to remove a tumor on his kidney. Murphy previously said he believes the tumor is cancerous.
Murphy had the surgery in New York. Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver will serve as acting governor "until further notice," Murphy's office said in a statement.
"Earlier today, Governor Murphy underwent a successful surgery to remove a tumor on his kidney. He is currently resting at a hospital in New York City," Oliver said in a statement.
First lady Tammy Murphy released a statement on her husband's health Wednesday.
"I am proud to report that Phil's surgery presented no surprises to his doctors and was a success.
The tumor was removed, and his left kidney remains largely intact. He is awake and (as expected) is in some discomfort, but he's gone through the entire day with his usual good humor and optimism buoying the nurses, doctors, staff and anyone else in his proximity - present company included! The kids and I are so happy to have him through surgery and now set our sights on healing.
Home is not far from his mind, and one of his first questions (after asking how the surgery went and how the kids and I were holding up) was, "Is everything ok in New Jersey?"
Phil, the kids, and I cannot thank everyone enough for the tremendous outpouring of support we've received at this challenging time. We are so very grateful. And we know that Phil will jump back into the thick of things in no time!"
Murphy revealed that he had the tumor last month. Murphy, a Democrat, said in his recent budget address that he was overwhelmed and thankful for an outpouring of encouragement since news of the tumor became public.
Ninety percent of such tumors are cancerous, Murphy's office said, but doctors won't be able to tell for sure until the surgery.
Murphy told NJ Advance Media that doctors are confident of being able to eradicate it. He said he doesn't anticipate needing chemotherapy or radiation.
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