Posted on 04/11/2006 7:53:24 PM PDT by txroadkill
AUSTIN – Former Gov. Ann Richards said Tuesday that she is undergoing chemotherapy that periodically saps her energy but is optimistic about recovery and confident she will conquer cancer of the esophagus.
"There is no doubt in my mind I will recover from this," she said. "I feel really positive about it."
In her first detailed public discussion about last month's cancer diagnosis, Ms. Richards, 72, said doctors would review her condition after three more weeks of chemotherapy before deciding the next step, which could include radiation or surgery. She looked strong and upbeat as she talked with reporters.
Ms. Richards is halfway through a six-week regimen of chemotherapy at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She is receiving treatment once a week on an outpatient basis, although she would relocate temporarily to Houston should doctors determine that daily radiation treatments were necessary.
She joked that although the cancer had made it more difficult to swallow, "I'm sorry to say it wasn't so difficult I couldn't eat, so I didn't lose any weight."
Ms. Richards said she doesn't know what further treatment might be necessary.
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
While I was in college I drove Limos in Dallas, we drove for JC Penney so I had the pleasure of driving Gov. Richards quite often. Although I didn't agree with her politically, she was a hell of a woman. She is one of the nicest ladies I ever drove for. She was all Texan! Hard talking, no B.S. allowed, and a ton of fun to talk to.
I would always walk her to her plane at Love Field and I always got a kick out of the way every one in the airport would say hi to her and call her by her first name and she would treat them all like she has known them her whole life.
Get well soon Ann!
She's never been my cup of tea, but God Bless her and keep her well.
Good luck Ann.
But Claytie shot himself.
I've had a grudging admiration for Richards for the unique character that she was. Cancer of the esophagus is a tough one - lost a favorite cousin to it a couple years ago. M D Anderson is the best place to be if you have cancer.
Good post, sounds like she's a hoot and a half!
I join you in wishing her well!
T
Get well soon Ann!
Then see the light, and change parties!
I met her too, unfortunately, she wasn't so nice. Cold and astonishingly arrogant, but maybe she was just having a bad day... Anyway, still wish her well and a speedy recovery.
Met her in Auston about 45 years ago. Very pretty then. Did not age well, but as you say has always been a great gal.
Keep these postings coming..as an EC Survivor I am interested in the progress of her treatment and which Drs she uses. She faces a lot of tough choices..surgery first was mine..but most go first for chemo.
The surgery is a bitch. Wouldn't wish it on any but known terrorists. It is tougher than heart transplant.
Don't agree with her politics, but like her delivery..maybe we could recruit her to conservative cause.
No way you can make a conservative of her, but she is an old fashioned Texas liberal, like Ralph Yarborough.
Good luck to her... cancer is no picnic in your prime.
You know it has to be rough at 72...
The survival rate for this is extremely low. I wish the best for her. She's no longer a political factor in Texas or anywhere else, so any political grudge I have against her is now gone.
It can't be fun.
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