Pierce County Councilman Rick Talbert will take a brief leave of absence for surgery to remove a cancerous growth on his kidney. He will undergo surgery May 5, and is expected to make a full recovery and return to work at the beginning of June.

“I’m happy to say the prognosis is good. We caught it early, and the medical experts are optimistic about my recovery,” Talbert said. “It won’t be long before I join the millions of people who can call themselves cancer survivors.”

Talbert said he will need a few weeks to recover from surgery, and then will resume limited duties and ramp his way back up to full-time by early June. His Council assistant, Mark Williams, will remain available as always. The District 5 office is reachable at (253) 798-6653.

Talbert said he’s otherwise in good health – he eats a healthy diet and exercises regularly, including running triathlons and half marathons.

Talbert has represented District 5 since January 2011. The district includes Midland, North Clover Creek/Collins, Tacoma’s Eastside and South End, Parkland, Spanaway, Summit-Waller and Summit View.