Boston hospital to quell re-birth of a cancerous tumour that had partially paralysed him.

Despite the pain and nausea associated with radiation therapy, the long-time MP and surgeon said he was buoyed by indications his cancer is treatable.

Dr. Stubbs predicted he would return to Bermuda by February 17, less than four weeks from the day he woke with pain and loss of feeling in the lower half of his body.

After local and overseas consultations, he was flown to New England Baptist Hospital where specialists removed the tumour pressing on his spinal chord.

The tumour's origins were traced to cancer in the doctor's prostate gland.

In a Tuesday operation, doctors administered "hormonal treatment'' to deal with the prostate cancer.

Tomorrow's radiation dose is aimed at areas of the spinal canal where the tumour could grow back.

"The radiation treatment is used to more expeditiously kill the tumour in areas where its growth could impact on the spinal column,'' he said.

Dr. Stubbs, 60, said strength continued to return to his body but that he could not walk without support.

"It will be several weeks before I can do that,'' he said. "There is no assurance it can be achieved but there is every indication that it should.'' At present the tumour pressure on the spine had caused a "sensory loss, particularly the joint positioning sense, which makes it difficult for me to know where my foot is''.

Dr. Stubbs said it was too early for any decision on his political career which has seen him serve as a Cabinet Minister and a long-time MP of Paget East.

"If I have a good response to the treatment, I would certainly be inclined to run again,'' he said.

"It will be interesting to canvass in a wheelchair. Hopefully, that will be a short episode and I'll be back on my own two feet.'' Dr. Stubbs, who was speaking by telephone, used the opportunity to express his thanks to friends and colleagues.

"I can't say how much we've been buoyed by the phone calls, visits and flowers,'' he said. "It's been a very busy time here.'' One visit in particular strengthened him, he said.

Last Friday, six days after his first operation, Bermudian Miss Jaynelle Landy appeared at his hospital room with a letter. The Boston resident is a former patient of Dr. Stubbs.

Her letter said: "Seven and a half years ago, a young girl aged 15 came to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with a broken neck.

"When all other doctors said she would never walk again there was one who said I would. That young girl was me and that doctor was you. There were times I was so frustrated but you gave me the inspiration to continue to work hard.

"I could never express quite how I feel about your help and positiveness during my situation. But I do want to thank you. I want to let you know you are in my prayers and thoughts and I'm wishing for the best.''