Marshall doctor comes home

Kelehan out of hospital

MARSHALL — Ribbons of yellow crepe paper tied around trees and handmade signs bid Dr. Shaun Kelehan welcome Wednesday, as the 38-year-old physician returned home after a near-death illness and a month-long hospital stay.

"I feel wonderful," Kelehan said from his home in a phone interview Wednesday evening. "There's no pain whatsoever."

Kelehan said he will begin physical therapy at Marshall LifeCenter and hopes to be back at work in February.

The physician suffered from a condition called pheochromocytoma, characterized by a tumor on his adrenal gland. Overproduction of adrenaline from the gland causes symptoms of severe headaches, anxiety, nervousness, high blood pressure, nausea, sweating and shaking.

Kelehan became ill Dec. 6 and at times, no one was sure if he was going to make it. After a potentially risky surgery — that could have caused the adrenal gland to become even more active — was successful, Kelehan began his recovery.

A Web site that has provided updates of Kelehan's progress since Dec. 8 said "each and every test Shaun has had in the past week has come back perfect.

"The doctors are simply amazed at the progress he's made after what he has been through," the blog on www.carepages.com continued. "Every doctor that has been involved in Shuan's diagnosis, surgery, treatment, and recovery has said that this is a miracle that only God could perform."

And Kelehan had a whole community pulling for him.

"We just love the guy," said Sam Moseley, who said he and his wife Kay are friends of the family. "He's just a great guy and we're so happy that he's coming home."

"Amen, " Kay Moseley added.

The Moseleys, along with City Commissioner Mike McMurry, decorated the Kelehans' home in preparation, with balloons, a large sign that said "Welcome Home" and an accompanying sign that read "Praise the Lord." Another sign in the window said "Heroes" with the names "Shaun" and "Jennie."

"Jennie (Kelehan) has not left his side," Ms. Moseley said of Kelehan's wife.

Kelehan, who was reportedly surrounded by friends and family at his home on Wednesday, said he was grateful for prayers from the Marshall community.

"I just want to thank everybody who prayed for me," he said. "I love everybody...This town has just been such a blessing to me and my family."