Tom to fly to US for minor surgery

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is set to leave the country for a minor operation in the United States of America next week.

The mayor is scheduled for a minor hernia surgery at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

He will fly to Houston on August 4 and will return two weeks after.

"It's not a life-threatening (operation). But, there's a little complication because they have to leave a hole open for my urine to come out and that's what caused it. When they made a hole, immediately, it opened it up. That's why it looks really ugly," he said.

"Mobalik akong sex appeal inig human niana (operation)," he added in jest.

The mayor said the condition prevents him from doing exercise like jogging and carrying weighs.

In 2008, Tomas sought treatment in Houston and underwent surgery for his stage IV urinary bladder cancer. His bladder, prostate, and 42 lymph nodes were removed while he was still serving as mayor of Cebu City.

He was declared cancer-free for the third time during his latest checkup in the US in December last year. He has been cancer-free for nine years now.

Although he was declared cancerfree, Osmeña said he has to through the procedure due to some minor complications.

Osmeña turned 70 years old yesterday.

Also, he dismissed rumors that he is dying.

"My health is (stable). Contrary to popular belief, I'm not dying yet," he told reporters.

The mayor's wife, City Councilor Margarita Osmeña, said her husband's health is doing better.

In fact, she said Tomas is now "cured" of the disease.

"It (operation) is not a medical emergency. But it has started to cause discomfort and it is advisable to have the operation," she said.

TOMAS