Robin Gibb's doctors say that the Bee Gees founder is making an astonishing recovery from the grave health problems that he has been battling.

"Only three days ago, I warned Robin’s wife, Dwina, son, Robin John and brother, Barry, that I feared the worst," Gibb's physician and gastroenterologist, Dr. Andrew Thillainayagam, said in a statement released today by Gibb's representative. "We felt it was very likely that Robin would succumb to what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles to any form of meaningful recovery.  As a team, we were all concerned that we might be approaching the realms of futility."

Thillainayagam explained that Gibb had opted to treat his advanced colorectal cancer with aggressive chemotherapy, and needed two emergency operations within two months. In his weakened condition, he developed brain swelling from liver failure as well as pneumonia and subsequently lost consciousness.

"It is testament to Robin’s extraordinary courage, iron will and deep reserves of physical strength that he has overcome quite incredible odds to get where he is now," Thillainayagam said.

The doctor confirmed that Gibb is now conscious, lucid, and able to speak. Although the singer is being fed intravenously, he is breathing on his own with the help of an oxygen mask.

"The road ahead for Robin remains uncertain but it is a privilege to look after such an extraordinary human being," Thillainayagam said.

• 
  MUSIC 100 Greatest Debut Albums
• 
  MOVIES The 10 Best Zombie Movie Scenes
• 
  TV The Most WTF? Moments of 'Mad Men'
• 
  POLITICS No Price Big Banks Can't Fix

Song Stories