Spelman recently had surgery to remove a pancreatic tumor. The council member had a pancreatic nuroendocrine tumor, which is less dangerous than other pancreatic tumors, according to the statement. It is also not likely to return once it’s removed.

“The surgeons got good, clear margins around the tumor,” Spelman said. “There's reason to believe they got it all.”

The council member says he will continue to be observed by his doctors over the next months to ensure all of the malignant tissue is removed.

Next week is also the start of the fall semester for The University of Texas, where Spelman is also a professor.