Hours after handling a complex property tax bill on the Senate floor, President Pro Tem Mike Gibbons just sent a personal note to supporters, announcing that he will have surgery next month for prostate cancer.

Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, doesn’t specifically mention his race for attorney general, but he does say the prognosis is good and he expects no interruption in his public service. Here is his note:

“A Message from Senate Leader Mike Gibbons:

Life presents us unexpected challenges. My family and I have a new challenge to face and beat. I recently found out I have prostate cancer. Thanks to early detection, we’ve worked with my doctor to choose the best course of action for a full recovery. I will have surgery in early March to remove the prostate, and with it, the cancer.

“This is not a roadblock or detour for Sen. Gibbons, rather it’s just a bump in the road. Once he finishes his recuperation he will be able to fully serve the people for years to come. I expect a full and rapid recovery and no effects on his capacity to serve,” said Dr. Sam Bhayani, with the Washington University School of Medicine and Sen. Gibbons’ surgeon.

With faith, the support of family and friends, and 21st Century medicine this challenge will be overcome. And with my prognosis for a full recovery and full life, I will continue to serve out my Senate term, and I will continue to run for Attorney General.

The American Cancer Society estimates about 186,000 men in our country will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and will face tough decisions about treatment options. For those who are diagnosed early while the cancer is only in the prostate, the American Cancer Society says there is an incredible 91% cure rate. I encourage all men to get the screenings, learn the symptoms and share with their doctors if they experience any of them.

Yours truly,

Mike Gibbons”

UPDATE: The surgery is scheduled for March 5, according to Farrah Fite, communications director for the Senate majority caucus. Gibbons hopes to return to the Senate by the end of the Legislature’s spring break — March 25.

Fite said Gibbons got the diagnosis from a physical test during his annual exam, around the time of the Kirkwood City Council shootings. The senator and his family decided on a course of treatment on Monday.

“It was caught extremely early,” Fite said. “They don’t believe it’s moved outside the prostate. It’s localized.” No radiation or chemotherapy is planned, she said.

Gibbons broke the news to both the Senate Republican Caucus and the Senate Democratic Caucus in Thursday morning meetings. Since all bills will have been referred to committees by the time he leaves for surgery, he dosen’t expect his absence to impede Senate business, Fite said.

“He wants people to carry on,” she said.

And yes, he is still running for attorney general.