ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly was nearly lost for words on Thursday upon learning follow-up tests revealed he shows no signs of having sinus cancer.
“I don’t even know what to do with myself. I’m so overwhelmed. I’m so thankful,” Kelly was quoted as saying in a message posted on his wife Jill Kelly’s Instagram account. “I want to literally hug and thank all of you in person.”
Kelly was informed of the results by his doctor, Peter Costantino, a week after having a series of biopsies performed at New York City’s Lenox Hill Hospital.
The results confirmed an initial physical exam Costantino performed two weeks ago, and come three months after Kelly completed radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
“Dr. Costantino said it was nothing short of a miracle, because he wasn’t sure when he went in what was going to come out,” Kelly said. “This is some of the greatest news I’ve ever gotten.”
Costantino is the head of the hospital’s head and neck institute, and oversaw Kelly’s treatments since the former Buffalo Bills star was first diagnosed with sinus cancer in March.
Kelly called it “a long road” and said he’s not yet fully recovered from cancer treatments. He then added that he has plenty to be thankful for.
Earlier in the day, Kelly and former teammate, Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas, attended the Bills’ practice session.
Kelly’s battle with cancer began in June 2013, when he had surgery to remove cancerous cells in his upper jaw. The cancer then spread to his sinus in March.
He was in a weakened state following a two-month barrage of treatments last spring.
Kelly was then strong enough to attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, last month, when former Bills teammate, receiver Andre Reed, was among the seven inductees. Reed closed his speech by having Kelly throw him a pass on stage.
A day later, Kelly served as the Bills honorary captain before their preseason-opening game against the New York Giants.
Kelly’s battle with cancer has been a public one, and attracted thousands of supporters and well-wishers on social media.
“Kelly Tough” and “Prayers For JK” have become catch phrases and hashtags on Twitter by those voicing their support for Kelly.
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