No New Word On O'Connor's ConditionPOSTED: 4:11 pm EDT August 28,
2006 PITTSBURGH -- City leaders and doctors at UPMC Shadyside Hospital have not released any new information regarding Mayor Bob O'Connor's battle with cancer.As of Tuesday, Mayor O'Connor remained in the intensive care unit after doctors put him through neurological tests to find out the exact cause of his seizures and his downward turn.After undergoing surgery on Monday, the hospital's latest statement on O'Connor was that he was in serious condition."I was with my classmate, Father Terry, and Judy O'Connor was there, and some other family and friends," said Father Thomas Burke, a family friend of the O'Connors. "We had some lunch, and we're just trying to support each other, pull through together. And then I did have the opportunity to go down and see the mayor with his son, Father Terry. And we all said a little prayer and we blessed him, so, we're just all hanging in there."When asked if the mayor was awake after his surgery, Burke said, "He's still unresponsive. Machines are hooked up to him. He's resting comfortably. He does look comfortable. And we just said a brief prayer over him."Unresponsive was the term used by Father Burke, not by O'Connor's medical team.O'Connor's medical team said brain scans conducted Sunday night and Monday indicated seizure activity, and tests showed that infection may have involved his drain and spinal fluid.He underwent a 30-minute surgical procedure Monday evening in which a drain to remove fluid buildup from his brain was replaced with a new drain coated with antibiotics, the hospital said.More tests are scheduled on Tuesday, as the mayor continues to be treated with anti-seizure medication and antibiotics, the hospital said.Last week, O'Connor was in stable condition after receiving a third round of intensity-modulated radiation therapy on his brain tumors, doctors said.O'Connor, 61, has been in the hospital since July 10, battling a rare form of central nervous system lymphoma.Pittsburghers continue to add their names to a large "Get Well" sign hanging outside the City-County Building downtown. They're also showing their support by purchasing black-and-gold rubber bracelets that say "Everybody's Mayor ... Bob O'Connor." Related Links: More County News Copyright 2006 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |










