Well, It Certainly Explains a Few Things,...

Sen. Ted Kennedy Has Malignant Brain Tumor, Doctors Say

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

BOSTON — Sen. Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital announced Tuesday, four days after the Democratic senator was rushed to the hospital following seizures.

Kennedy, 76, was diagnosed with the tumor Tuesday morning after he underwent a biopsy.

"Preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma in the left parietal lobe," his doctors said in a statement, adding that treatment would likely include "combinations of various forms of radiation and chemotherapy."

The senator has been hospitalized in Boston since Saturday, when he was airlifted from Cape Cod after a seizure at his home. He suffered another one en route to the hospital, sources told FOX News.

His wife and children have been with him each day but have made no public statements.

His doctors said that he was in "good condition" and had not suffered any more seizures since Saturday.

Kennedy's colleagues on Capitol Hill reacted with shock and sadness Tuesday morning, but expressed confidence in his ability to fight through the illness.

"Every one of us knows what a big heart this fella has. He's helped millions and millions of people," said fellow Massachusetts Democratic Sen. John Kerry. "Everybody needs to pull for him and his family and remember that this guy is an unbelievable fighter."

"I'm betting on Senator Kennedy," said Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., who himself has been battling Hodgkins lymphoma. "He's been such a champion on so many causes ... he's been a shining example of crossing the aisle."

In 1993, Spector was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and after getting a second opinion, had it removed and inspected and determined not to be malignant. He told FOX News maybe Kennedy's diagnosis is wrong, adding that will power is the key to beating cancer.

"I can tell you from my own experience that will power is very important — stay on the job, keep up regular duties, play squash," said Spector. "If tenacity can do it, Kennedy will be a survivor."

According to sources familiar with the situation, the prognosis for Kennedy is not optimistic and word is circulating through political circles in Massachusetts and on Capitol Hill that because the tumor is inoperable it can only be dealt with through chemotherapy and radiation.

Malignant gliomas are a type of brain cancer diagnosed in about 9,000 Americans a year — and the most common type among adults. It's an initial diagnosis: How well patients fare depends on what specific tumor type is determined by further testing.

Average survival can range from less than a year for very advanced and aggressive types — such as glioblastomas — or to about five years for different types that are slower growing.

"The news has been met throughout the country with great concern," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

If Kennedy were to resign or die in office, state law requires a special election for the seat no sooner than 145 days and no later than 160 days after the vacancy occurs. He was re-elected in 2006 and is not up for election again until 2012.

Dr. Lee Shwamm, vice chairman of the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General, and Dr. Larry Ronan, Kennedy's primary care physician, said in their statement that Kennedy will continue to undergo testing to determine the best course of treatment.

"Senator Kennedy will remain at Massachusetts General Hospital for the next couple of days according to routine protocol. He remains in good spirits and full of energy," they said.

President Bush released a statement saying "Laura and I are concerned to learn of our friend Senator Kennedy's diagnosis.

"Ted Kennedy is a man of tremendous courage, remarkable strength, and powerful spirit. Our thoughts are with Senator Kennedy and his family during this difficult period. We join our fellow Americans in praying for his full recovery."

Kennedy, the second-longest serving member of the Senate and a dominant figure in national Democratic Party politics, was elected in 1962, taking over for family friend Benjamin A. Smith ll, who served as a placeholder in the seat originally won by Kennedy's brother, John F. Kennedy. John Kennedy went on to become president and Ted Kennedy ran for his seat when he turned 30 and was constitutionally eligible to enter the Senate.

The Kennedy's eldest brother, Joseph, was killed in a World War II airplane crash. President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 and his brother Robert was assassinated in 1968.

Kennedy is active for his age, maintaining an aggressive schedule on Capitol Hill and across Massachusetts. He has made several campaign appearances for Sen. Barack Obama in February, and most recently last month.

FOX News' Major Garrett, Chad Pergram and Trish Turner and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

And as cancer closes one door, it opens another:

Lester completes no-hit feat
Southpaw becomes 18th Red Sox pitcher to seal the deal
By Ian Browne / MLB.com

BOSTON -- If only all the spectators and teammates who reveled in Jon Lester's magical Monday night at Fenway Park could have seen the way it started.

There the left-hander was in the bullpen warming up with catcher Jason Varitek, and he had nothing. How was he going to thrive against the Royals when it seemed like all his pitches had stayed home?

As it turns out, Lester knows a thing or two about perseverance. And on this night, he stayed the course well enough to throw a no-hitter, the 18th in the history of the Red Sox.

(snip)

The joy couldn't have been any more genuine considering how tough it was on Lester, his teammates and the entire organization when the lefty was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma some 20 months ago. As if winning Game 4 of the World Series last fall wasn't enough of a fairy tale for Lester, now he has a no-hitter under his belt.

(snip)

Though he's just 24 years old, Lester has already experienced more highs and lows than most 15-year veterans. A cancer recovery followed by a World Series clincher and a no-hitter?

"It's hard to describe," Lester said. "I think they're both definitely up there. I can't tell you which one means more to me than the other. The World Series is obviously the World Series. How many people get to say they won that. A no-hitter is a no-hitter. How many people can say they've done that? They're both up there. They both mean a heck of a lot to me. It's something I'll cherish for a long time."

And Lester's teammates -- particularly his closer ones -- will enjoy it every bit as much.

"It's like divine intervention," said Red Sox ace Josh Beckett. "I know it's been two years since the whole cancer thing, but it's pretty cool to watch something like that, and I know he kind of had that last year winning the final game of the World Series, but this is another feat, more personal one that maybe winning the World Series. It's great. He's always had the talent and now it's starting to show."