Breaking: Kennedy Diagnosed - Malignant Brain Tumor
Breaking: Senator Kennedy’s Doctors Say He Has a Brain Tumor
BOSTON - Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor. Doctors for the Massachusetts Democrat say tests conducted after Kennedy suffered a seizure this weekend show a tumor in his left parietal lobe. His treatment will be decided after more tests but the usual course includes combinations of radiation and chemotherapy.
The 76-year-old senator has been hospitalized in Boston since Saturday, when he was airlifted from Cape Cod after a seizure at his home.
His wife and children have been with him each day but have made no public statements.
His doctors said in a statement released to The Associated Press that he has had no further seizures, is in good spirits and is resting comfortably.
UPDATE:
What is Malignant Glioma? The following information is from The National Cancer Institute…
Summary
Many patients diagnosed with malignant
gliomas
between 1997 and 2000 received
treatment that did not conform with established practice guidelines for the
care of adults with this type of brain tumor, according to a new study.
Source
Journal of the American Medical Association, February 2, 2005 (see the journal abstract).
Background
Malignant gliomas are the most common
primary
brain tumor, accounting for more
than half of the more than 18,000 primary malignant brain tumors diagnosed each
year in the United States. These tumors are the second-most common cause of
cancer death in the 15 to 44 age group.
The outlook for patients with malignant gliomas is poor.
Median survival
for
patients with moderately severe (grade III) malignant gliomas is three to five
years. For patients with the most severe, aggressive form of malignant glioma
(grade IV glioma or
glioblastoma multiforme), median survival is less than a
year.
*I will continue to update as I receive more information.
Heartfelt reaction by Senator Robert Byrd…
Anyone who would like to send Senator Kennedy their best wishes, can do so by going to TedKennedy.com
Comments
Comment from Catherine Morgan
Time: May 20, 2008, 3:50 pm
I know what you mean.
Comment from Marguerite D. Lovett
Time: May 20, 2008, 5:25 pm
May the Spirit of Life be with him and his family. He is a great man who has worked tirelessly for those who need a friend in high places.
Comment from Pamela Lyn
Time: May 20, 2008, 6:30 pm
If songs can be the soundtrack of your life then I guess the story of the Kennedy family is the history book of mine. I have never known a day when a Kennedy was not in the White House, Justice Department or the Senate. This is truly a very, very sad day for me.
Comment from Catherine Morgan
Time: May 20, 2008, 6:33 pm
I agree Pamela, this is a very, very sad day.
Comment from Ji
Time: May 20, 2008, 3:46 pm
Thanks for this really thorough post, Catherine. It’s so hard to imagine what his life has been like, you know? Good and bad.