John Farnham 'may never play again' after 12-hour marathon run
The beloved singer, 73, had part of his jaw in surgery Tuesday which required the help of 26 medical workers.
Legendary Australian singer John Farnham may never perform live again after undergoing 12 hours of surgery to remove a tumor from his mouth.
The beloved singer, 73, had part of his jaw in surgery Tuesday which required the help of 26 medical workers.
The actor, who has been smoking for a long time but quit at the urging of his children, went to bed at 8 a.m. on Tuesday and the surgery was completed by 7:30 p.m., his family said.
Iconic Aussie singer John Farnham may never perform live again after
undergoing a 12-hour surgery to remove a tumour in his mouth. (image: gettyimges)
The You're The Voice singer is currently recovering in intensive care and is in stable condition.
Doctors believed they could remove all traces of cancer from his body.
But entertainment reporter Peter Ford now believes Farnham is unlikely to play again.
"Of course it must now be said that the probability of that happening is even lower," Ford said.
“The first was removal of the tumor, the second was reconstructive surgery because John had part of his jaw removed.
"But as we've heard all along from the family statement and the statement released this morning, they used the word 'success' twice, which gives reason for optimism and hope."
Iconic Aussie singer John Farnham may never perform live again after
undergoing a 12-hour surgery to remove a tumour in his mouth. (image: gettyimges)
In an initial statement released yesterday, the family did not specify what type of cancer Farnham is currently facing, but on Wednesday his family released a new statement saying the surgery was to remove the cancerous tumor from his mouth and that the operation was successful.
They also said Farnham, who will remain in hospital for recovery and postoperative care, would be "overwhelmed" by the love and support from well-wishers.
"We still have a long road of recovery and healing ahead of us," but we knew John was up to the task, Jill said.
Farnham also issued a statement ahead of the operation expressing his gratitude to the Victorian healthcare system.
"A cancer diagnosis is something so many people face every day, and many others have walked this path before me," he said in the statement.
"One thing I know for sure is that we have the best specialist healthcare professionals in Victoria and for that we can all thank you. I know me."
His family had requested privacy at the time.
Ford told Sunrise Tuesday morning that the Farnhams are "very confident that all will be well."
"You don't want people to panic. His wife is there, his two sons are with him. Doctors are sure they can get him," he said.
Ford said he recently spoke to someone who was in hospital with Farnham and updated viewers on the singer's condition: "He's in a wheelchair, they're preparing him for surgery, he's in a good mood, he's acting." he said. .
