Evans hospitalized, will have tumor removed today

Doña Ana County Commissioner Kent Evans will undergo surgery later today to have a tumor removed from his colon.

Doctors haven’t yet determined whether the tumor is malignant, Evans said, but it’s a soft tissue tumor – and such tumors are far more often benign than cancerous. Doctors may also have to remove part of his colon, he said.

“This is kind of scary, but I feel alright about it,” said Evans, 66. “I feel pretty confident I’ll be alright.”

Evans is scheduled to go into surgery early this afternoon. He said doctors don’t yet know how long the surgery will take.

Evans has been hospitalized since experiencing pain in his abdomen just over a week ago. He had his gallbladder removed Tuesday and, after that, doctors discovered the tumor.

Even as he was preparing to go into surgery, Evans, a tireless worker who represents District 4, was complaining about having to cancel a trip to Santa Fe that he planned this week to lobby for capital outlay money. But he said work can’t be his current focus, and he plans to spend the rest of the week in the hospital.

“My concentration now is on getting well,” he said.

County spokesman Jess Williams said he expects Evans will recover.

“Everyone at Doña Ana County has Commissioner Evans and his family in our thoughts and prayers,” he said. “He’s tough as nails and we anticipate he’ll be fine. We sure hope so.”

Evans has about two years left on his second and final term as a county commissioner. He ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Public Regulation Commission last year.