Back in June, Roger Ebert, a three-time thyroid cancer survivor, underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth on his salivary gland. In July, due to complications from the surgery, he was admitted again into the hospital when a blood vessel burst. Surgeons performed a life-saving emergency procedure to correct the complication. Reports at that time indicated Ebert was in serious but stable condition.

Ebert continues to recover in the hospital. Recently, he explained that the blood vessel rupture was due to breakdown of tissue near the artery as a result of aggressive and intense radiation treatments, called neutron beam radiation, three years ago. He is working to strengthen his vocal cords.

In June, when Ebert, who is 63, first went in for surgery, he said, "This is not considered to be a life-threatening form of cancer, and I expect to make a full recovery. I'll continue to function as a film critic during this time." With this recent explanation on how his recovery is progressing, he said, "I don't have a crystal ball, so I can't tell you when, but I sure look forward to being back on the movie beat,'' and he wanted all his fans to know that he is grateful for the good wishes and support.

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