Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs has survived an operation to remove a cancerous growth from his pancreas, Reuters reports. Apple has been surprisingly forthcoming about Jobs' illness considering its reputation for secrecy.
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. Chief Executive Steve Jobs has had successful surgery for a rare form of pancreatic cancer, the company's co-founder told employees in a company-wide e-mail on Sunday that was made available to Reuters."This weekend I underwent a successful surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from my pancreas," Jobs wrote in the e-mail. "I had a very rare form of pancreatic cancer called an islet cell neuroendocrine tumor, which represents about 1 percent of the total cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed each year, and can be cured by surgical removal if diagnosed in time (mine was)."
He added that he "will not require any chemotherapy or radiation treatments."
Jobs wrote that he will recuperate during the month of August and expects to return to Cupertino, California-based Apple in September. He is also chief executive of animated film studio Pixar.
Jobs was last in the news more than a week ago, when he introduced the fourth generation iPod. He was also interviewed extensively for a Newsweek cover story on the success of the iPod and iTunes Music Store, by Apple historian Steven Levy. Jobs' history of success and setbacks has made him one of the most intriguing of contemporary American businessmen.
The man credited with saving Apple says he will take a month off. But, Jobs is known to be a workaholic. His notions of time off may not match most people's.
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Note: My blog is Mac-a-ro-nies.
Article comments
1 - Tom
As soon as I read Pancreatic cancer I was like holy shit!!, but apparently he lucked out.
Hope him a speedy and full recovery.
2 - Mac Diva
I hope Jobs recovers and cancer does not turn up in another organ. Apple would not be Apple without Steve Jobs.
I thought he looked pallid in the photos in the Newsweek article last week, but assumed weariness from overwork. He must have been suffering when he was talking to Steve Levy.
3 - Jim Carruthers
I know he'll be all right, otherwise, we'd have heard the Chimes of Doom.
4 - Pat Risch
Steve I just found out that you had the same type of pancrease tumor as myself. I had surgery last May 2007. The tail of the pancrease was removed, as well as my spleen. When the doctor came in to let me know what type he called it Neuroendocrine pancrease cancer. It is very rare, and only 1% of people get it. I had an appointment with my oncologist this morning, and he was the one that had told me about you having this same type of cancer. Good luck, and I will keep you in my prayers. Pat Risch