BUFFALO, NY - Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly is doing well following surgery on Wednesday, according to Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.
His wife, Jill, posted photos on Instagram late Saturday, showing Kelly writing on a whiteboard. Jill says he cannot speak.
A post shared by Jill Kelly (@jillmkelly) on
His daughter, Erin, posted on Instagram her father "took his first steps since surgery" on Sunday.
A post shared by Erin Kelly-Bean (@ekelly1212) on
Dr. Mark Urken says Kelly will likely be in the hospital for two weeks to recover. After that, he will have a follow up cancer screening in three months.
On Friday Dr. Urken said that, "Mr. Kelly continues to recover well. In addition to his own incredible toughness, he is surrounded by an extraordinarily supportive family."
"There is a long road to full recovery ahead," his wife, Jill, said. "Our family would appreciate your continued prayer support. Thank you!"
Kelly's daughter Erin posted this photo on her Instagram Friday:
A post shared by Erin Kelly-Bean (@ekelly1212) on
Surgery began around 9 a.m. on Wednesday and lasted nearly 12 hours.
The procedure, known as a microvascular reconstruction, was expected to be long and complicated.
In Kelly's case, doctors were taking a part of Kelly's calf bone and blood vessels and placing it into his jaw.
The surgery is expected to make him more comfortable once he recovers.
Kelly already battled and overcame oral cancer three-and-half years ago.