Steve Jobs Had Liver Transplant

This news is a shocker, but in a way it’s not. Steve Jobs underwent a liver transplant about two months ago, but is expected to return to his role as CEO of Apple by the end of the month. Now being an owner of Apple stock, and huge fan of their products I’m well aware Jobs’ health had been a bone of contention for some shareholders who complained about the company’s lack of transparency. Jobs is seen as the force largely responsible for Apple’s incredible innovations from the iPod to the iPhone. Rumors have been off the charts since he appeared at the 2008 Worldwide Developers Conference looking rail thin. Earlier this year he temporarily stepped away from his day-to-day duties for a six-month medical leave of absence. It was announced at that time the source of his medical problems stemmed from a hormone imbalance, but I guess it was a bit more serious if this report is confirmed.

Jobs survived pancreatic cancer several years ago and he stands a good chance of recuperating from his latest medical episode as well. The survival rates for liver transplants is relatively good. According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) in 2006 there were 6,649 liver transplants performed in the United States alone. 70 percent of the patients are still alive today; while people aged 50 to 64 lived for at least three months. Unlike the pancreas, humans cannot live without a liver. It’s the organ that processes nutrients from food, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, secretes bile to aid in the digestion of fats, and breaks down toxics. In any event, I wish the best of luck to Steve Jobs with his recovery.
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE55J1MR20090620