 "The New York Times" reported that she underwent brain surgery to have the tumor removed, but it was inoperable and her condition was deemed terminal (doctors had given Merman eight and half months to live).The tumor caused Merman to become aphasic, and as her illness progressed, she lost her hair and her face swelled.According to Merman biographer Brian Kellow, Merman's family and manager did not want the true nature of her condition revealed to the public.