Former Buffalo Bills star Jim Kelly is cancer-free, his doctor reported Wednesday.
Kelly was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper jaw bone last year, and has undergone a series of surgeries and treatments in the months since. Although more testing is required, it appears the procedures have been successful, USAToday reports.
"The treatments so far have completely eliminated Mr. Kelly's pain and his level of function has essentially returned to normal," Dr. Peter Costantino of Lenox Hill Hospital's New York Head and Neck Institute said in a statement.
"Further, on physical examination, there is no evidence of the cancer."
Kelly, 54, will have more tests completed this week to confirm the cancer's remission.
"It is possible that no further treatment will be required, and the testing over the next week will define this issue," Dr. Constantino said.
Kelly's wife, Jill, shared the good news on her Instagram account.
"Preliminary scan results have necessitated the need for biopsies to be done in order to confirm what we hope to be true...that the cancer has been eradicated," she wrote.
"We will not know the outcome until this procedure is completed. And so... We continue to PRAY, rejoice, live...wait and trust GOD who holds ALL things together. God, who is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End and every moment in between.
"In the midst of it all, I know He's got this. Thank you for praying! Thank you for holding us up during this time. We are so grateful for you! #prayersforjk #kellytough."
The Kellys have documented Jim's cancer battle through photos and updates on their social media accounts, and consistently ask for fans to pray for the former quarterback.
Kelly spent 11 seasons with the Bills and led them to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s, only to lose them all. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
