DEVELOPING STORY
Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey (D) announced his cancer prognosis is “excellent” in a series of tweets on Thursday morning. The senator revealed his cancer diagnosis in December, noting that doctors recommended surgery in the near future.
Casey, 62, assured his constituents that his surgery and cancer treatments would not interrupt his U.S. Senate service.
In his Thursday morning update, Casey noted a positive medical report, praised medical staff and thanked those who had expressed their support:
“Last month, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. While this came as a shock, I can report that I have an excellent prognosis, as well as the benefit of exceptional medical care and the unwavering support of my family.”
Casey added in a second tweet: “In the coming months, I will undergo surgery, after which I am expected to make a full recovery. I am confident that my recommended course of treatment will allow me to continue my service in the 118th Congress with minimal disruption, and I look forward to the work ahead.”
Casey has served in the U.S. Senate since 2007. He currently serves on the Senate Finance, Health, and Intelligence Committees. His cancer revelations mirror that of Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), who announced his cancer in a statement on Dec. 28.
Like Casey, Raskin noted that his cancer would not substantially impact his ability to fulfill his congressional responsibilities. His statement read:
“After several days of tests, I have been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer. I am about to embark on a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment.
“I expect to be able to work through this period but have been cautioned by my doctors to reduce unnecessary exposure to avoid COVID-19, the flu and other viruses. In addition to destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy impairs natural antibodies and undermines the body’s immune system.
I am advised that it also causes hair loss and weight gain (although I am still holding out hope for the kind that causes hair gain and weight loss).”
“With the benefit of early detection and fine doctors, the help of my extraordinary staff, the love of Sarah and our daughters and sons-in-law (actual and to-be) and family and friends, and the support of my beloved constituents and my colleagues in the House, I plan to get through this and, in the meantime, to keep making progress every day in Congress for American democracy.
“My love and solidarity go out to other families managing cancer or any other health condition in this holiday season—and all the doctors, nurses and medical personnel who provide us comfort and hope.”