Arlen Specter Has Hodgkin's DiseaseSpecter Will Keep Working In Senate (Stage 4)

NBC 10 Philadelphia ^ | 7:11 pm EST February 16, 2005

[dirtboy]

United States Sen. Arlen Specter (R., Pa.) has announced that he has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, in a press release from his office Wednesday afternoon.

In a press release, Specter, 75, said he had experienced persistent fevers and enlarged lymph nodes under his left arm and above his left clavicle.

The statement said Specter received testing on February 14 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. The testing involved biopsy of a lymph node and biopsy of bone marrow.

The lymph node was positive for Hodgkin's disease. The bone marrow biopsy showed no cancer. A follow up PET scan and MRI established Specter has stage IVB Hodgkin's disease, the statement said.

Hodgkin's disease is a cancer of the lymph system. Approximately 7500 new cases are diagnosed every year in the United States.

His office said Specter is expected to receive chemotherapy over the next 24 to 32 weeks and he is expected to be able to perform all duties, including chairing the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"Senator Specter's Hodgkin's disease has a five-year survival rate of 70%. He is in superb physical condition, particularly in light of his daily squash regimen, " said Specter's oncologist, Dr. John H. Glick.

In the statement, Specter said: "I have beaten a brain tumor, bypass heart surgery and many tough political opponents; and I'm going to beat this, too. I have a lot more work to do for Pennsylvania and America."

[cleo1939]

I wish you well Arlen.

You have given me many laughs and a few heart aces over the
years but you kept yourself on the GOP side of the isle
when I feared that you may change.

I wish you the best from now on Sir!

[cleo1939]

I am sorry but many of these post are offensive.

If the topic had to do with Arlens politics then ok.

There are a lot of cheap shots going on and you should be
ashamed of yourselves. Of course I am only talking to those
who are or seem to slithering on the ground like a Democrat.

SHAME ON YOU!

[maine-iac7]

He has a nasty fight on his hands - mentally as well.

I wish him God speed.

[Jenya]

You're right. Nobody should take glee in anyone's ill health. That's first. Secondly, it makes us look bad. This site is very popular and lurkers from the other side are everywhere. We shouldn't lower ourselves to the conduct of the DUmpster crowd.

[mercy]

One less RINO in the senate. Given we are at war I'll take it any way it comes.

[cleo1939]

Then you admit that you are no better than the Dem's.

Sorry, I thought better of you then that. My mistake.

[SAR]

Amen

Get well soon Arlen.