Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday shared some tremendous news with the people of Alabama regarding her health.
Ivey in September announced that a routine exam had revealed she had a spot on her lung. After more testing, “a tiny, isolated malignancy” was confirmed, meaning the spot was indicative of cancer. She then underwent an outpatient procedure at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), followed by radiation treatments, remaining upbeat throughout the process.
Words of support and prayer have poured in for Alabama’s governor since the initial announcement — and now Alabamians have a reason to celebrate.
“Yesterday, my doctors performed a follow-up examination on the site where I received three radiation treatments last September to treat the small, isolated malignancy that was discovered on my lung,” Ivey advised in a statement. “Needless to say, I was extremely appreciative to receive another good report from my doctor.”
Following that three-month follow-up exam, the governor’s physician, Dr. Alex Whitley of Central Alabama Radiation Oncology, released a statement concluding that he believes the governor “to be cured.”
“Governor Ivey is now three months removed from Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Treatment (SBRT) for her Stage I lung cancer,” the doctor stated. “She had a follow up surveillance imaging that demonstrates an excellent response to treatment with no concerning features. She will continue on routine surveillance imaging, but I consider Governor Ivey to be cured.”
Reacting to that, Ivey commented, “I am profoundly grateful for this good news.”
“Naturally, I want to thank the Good Lord for His abundant grace in my healing. This is one more of the many blessings He has bestowed on my life,” she continued.
The governor was gracious and profuse in her words of appreciation and acknowledgment.
“I am also incredibly grateful to my dedicated team of physicians who have been candid with me during this entire process. Alabama is home to world-renown researchers and innovators in medicine, and I am so very proud of the work they do in our state,” Ivey said.
“Most of all,” she added, “I want to thank the good people of our great state for your many prayers and continued support. As I travel throughout Alabama, I have been reminded at every stop that Alabamians are the most thoughtful and loving people one will ever meet. I have been humbled by your support during my recovery, and it is my life’s highest honor to serve as your governor.”
The governor concluded, “As we start a New Year, I am both hopeful and excited that we can continue moving Alabama forward. May God continue to bless each of you and this great state we call home.”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
