JUNEAU -- Rep. Les Gara says his cancer is gone.

The Anchorage Democrat, who was diagnosed with what he called low-level prostate cancer, made the announcement in an newsletter to constituents. Gara underwent surgery this week.

The press secretary for the House Democratic caucus, Mark Gnadt says doctors need to do some standard follow-up tests and that Gara is waiting to hear how long he will be hospitalized.

Gnadt says he doesn't expect Gara to return to Juneau until the middle of next week at the earliest.

The 49-year-old Gara last week disclosed that he had cancer and would be missing part of the special session to undergo surgery.

Gnadt says Gara has been checking email occasionally and was pleased the governor had signed into law his fishing stream access bill.