Magnolia resident and long time KOMO TV anchor Kathi Goertzen returned to work today after five months away to recover from surgery for a brain tumor.  This is Geortzen’s fourth surgery for the tumor in the past ten years.

She joined co-anchor Eric Johnson, also a Magnolia resident, for the station’s 5p.m. newscast on Monday.  She has been gone since September 23 and received a warm welcome from the KOMO news team.  Goertzen  shared the story of her latest surgery and recovery with viewers on tonight’s newscast.  Watch it here.

UPDATE:  The doctors have moved Kathi out of the intensive care unit today, just one day after surgery. Last time she spent three days in ICU.  Kathi is resting comfortably which is a good sign.

UPDATE:  KOMO TV anchor and Magnolia resident Kathi Goertzen is recovering after an eight hour surgery for a brain tumor today.  KOMO News Director Holly Gauntt and anchor Dan Lewis issued a statement on the station’s website.  They reported that doctors felt the surgery went well and they removed as much of the tumor as they could but were unable to get it all. To take it all would risk damaging some important nerves.

Kathi will likely be in the hospital for several days before returning to her Magnolia home to recover. She will begin radiation treatment as soon as she is strong enough.  This is the fourth time Kathi has had surgery for the tumor over the past ten years.

KOMO TV anchor and Magnolia resident Kathi Goertzen announced today that she will face a fourth surgery for a brain tumor.  In a letter to viewers on the KOMO website, she explained that the experimental drug she used following her recent surgery was not successful and the tumor has grown back.

Kathi’s long time co-anchor Dan Lewis, fighting back tears, explained the situation to viewers just prior to the 5pm newscast tonight. 

Goertzen has been battling the brain tumor for more than a decade.  Her third surgery was in April and she had just recently returned to her anchor dutires.   Goertzen said she is scheduled for surgery Wednesday to remove as much of the tumor as possible. The surgery will be followed by radiation treatment.

KOMO TV has set up a way for people to send encouraging messages to Kathi on the website. 

 Goertzen and her husband live in Magnolia along with their two daughters.