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Fentie had tumour removed

Premier Dennis Fentie is recovering from complications after having a tumour removed from his bladder.The tumour was discovered earlier this fall.

Premier Dennis Fentie is recovering from complications after having a tumour removed from his bladder.

The tumour was discovered earlier this fall.

On October 30th, Fentie went under the knife at UBC’s urology centre.

He flew home the next day. And was back at work the day after.

“Subsequent to that, complications with the surgery occurred on November 10th,” said Fentie during a phone conference Thursday morning.

The News was not invited to the news conference, but obtained a tape of the event from CBC Radio One.

“There was a rupture of the surgical area causing internal bleeding and obstruction of urinary tract function,” said Fentie.

Fentie was admitted to Vancouver General Hospital’s urology ward last Friday.

“Procedures had to be implemented to deal with those post-surgical complications,” he said.

He was discharged the next day and “returned to Whitehorse for further convalescence.”

“I am getting myself back into shape where we won’t experience any more complications with regards to the surgery,” he said.

Fentie is not sure when he will be able to return to work.

“I am leaving that in the hands of medical professionals who will advise me,” he said.

“Unfortunately I did not pay a great deal of heed to that advice initially, post-surgery, by returning to work as quick as I did.

“But that’s all water under the bridge.”

Pathology found the tumour to be low-grade and very superficial, he said.

“I am very fortunate the diagnosis was early and the correct procedure took place very early.”

The tumour was removed before it became aggressive, said Fentie.

The premier hopes to get back to work before the end of the fall sitting.

“But if it’s not to be, it’s not to be,” he said.

“Right now I’m focusing on expediting the healing process.

“My attention has to be paid to doing things that will lead to ensuring no more disruption of healing and that will, of course, lead to my ability to get back to work.”

Fentie is not able to lift anything of any significance.

“I have to remain flat as much as possible, with some activity just to keep things flowing,” he said.

“Unfortunately I have to empty my bladder continually, just to ensure it doesn’t fill and expand.”

The future looks very positive, said Fentie.

“Although, I will have to continue with check-ups on a regular three-month basis.”