The diplomat is "fighting through it"

[bigtree]

Dec. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, underwent another 7 hours of surgery today after a 20-hour operation that ended yesterday, according to family friends.

Today's surgery was necessary after yesterday's procedure to repair a tear in his aorta was slowed by the failure of his blood to clot, according to the friends, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Holbrooke isn't out of danger and prospects for recovery may not be clear for several days, said the friends. Holbrooke was admitted to George Washington University Hospital on Dec. 10 and was reported in critical condition by State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley.

Holbrooke suffered an "aortic bleed," White House adviser David Axelrod told CNN's "State of the Union" program. The diplomat is "fighting through it," he said today. Holbrooke is "tough and resilient," Axelrod said.

Holbrooke's condition had improved enough by this morning to allow additional surgical treatment, according a friend who has been in close contact with his family since he was hospitalized.


read: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fg%2Fa%2F2010%2F12%2F12%2Fbloomberg1376-LD9QRD0D9L3701-13RQB8F8CCC7O0R9K3E02PMGCI.DTL

[Bluerthanblue]

1. good to hear this- I wish him strength and healing.

This isn't something many people live through.

thanks for posting.

:hi:

[dave29]

2. It is a good sign he was able to endure more surgery today.

Although it is sad, that it is required :(

Here's hoping for the best :)

[Demoiselle]

3. Prayers, hopes, vibes. I admire him so, I hope he pulls through!