For those that have made their living off of the backs of the hard working people they supposedly represent, there will be a sigh of relief to have this weight lifted from our shoulders.
Sen. Kennedy Has Malignant Brain Tumor
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy , D-Mass., hospitalized Saturday after suffering a seizure at his home on Cape Cod, has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.
Kennedy, 76, has been undergoing tests at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston since he suffered the seizure May 17.
“Some of the tests we had performed were inconclusive, particularly in light of the fact that the senator had severe narrowing of the left carotid artery and underwent surgery just 6 months ago,” said a statement issued by Dr. Lee Schwamm, vice chairman of the neurology department at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dr. Larry Ronan, Kennedy’s primary care physician.
“However, preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma in the left parietal lobe. The usual course of treatment includes combinations of various forms of radiation and chemotherapy,” the statement said.
The doctors said that decisions on specific treatment for Kennedy would “be determined after further testing and analysis.”
Kennedy will remain at Mass General for several more days for the additional testing, the doctors said. “He remains in good spirits and full of energy.”
Malignant gliomas are the most common form of primary brain tumors, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. The median survival rate for patients diagnosed with moderately severe forms of malignant gliomas is three to five years; for those with aggressive forms, the median survival rate is less than a year.
Kennedy, first elected in 1962 to the seat previously held by his brother, President John F. Kennedy, is the Senate’s second longest-serving member, behind Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert C. Byrd , D-W.Va.
News of the tumor diagnosis brought expressions of concern and prayers from his colleagues.
“Ted Kennedy has spent his life caring for those in need,” said Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin , D-Ill. “Now it’s time for those who love Ted and his family to care for them and join in prayer to give them strength.”
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