EDWIN Poots has said he "can’t believe how well I feel" after undergoing surgery for kidney cancer.
The DUP MLA, who earlier this week stepped down temporarily from his role as agriculture minister, posted an update on his condition following treatment in hospital on Wednesday.
"Words cannot describe how thankful I am to the amazing NHS staff for the skill care and professionalism shown to me today," he wrote on Twitter.
"The surgery is curative and I can’t believe how well I feel.
"Thanks also for all the kind messages and prayers, God has answered them mightily."
The Lagan Valley representative (55) last month revealed he was waiting for an operation after being diagnosed with kidney cancer.
Mr Poots said a tumour on his kidney was discovered by chance when he underwent surgery on a burst appendix before Christmas.
A scan taken as part of his treatment detected the growth.
He said surgery to remove the kidney had been delayed due to the disruption to non-Covid services caused by the pandemic.
Mr Poots continued his ministerial work as he awaited the procedure, but on Tuesday it was revealed that he was stepping down temporarily as agriculture minister.
The DUP said junior minister Gordon Lyons was taking over the role.
Mr Poots said his prognosis was good and that he was hugely grateful that the cancer growth had been detected.
He said he did not have symptoms and was otherwise feeling well when it was found.
