Kennedy has a brain tumor

Posted: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:12 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress

From NBC's Mark Murray
The breaking news from the AP: "Sen. Edward M. Kennedy say he 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."

VIDEO: NBC's Robert Bazell discusses Sen. Kennedy's condition.

*** UPDATE *** Here is the statement from from Dr. Lee Schwamm, vice chairman, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dr. Larry Ronan, primary care physician, Massachusetts General Hospital: "Over the course of the last several days, we've done a series of tests on Senator Kennedy to determine the cause of his seizure. He has had no further seizures, remains in good overall condition, and is up and walking around the hospital. Some of the tests we had performed were inconclusive, particularly in light of the fact that the senator had severe narrowing of the left carotid artery and underwent surgery just 6 months ago. However, preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma in the left parietal lobe. The usual course of treatment includes combinations of various forms of radiation and chemotherapy. Decisions regarding the best course of treatment for Sen. Kennedy will be determined after further testing and analysis. Sen. 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."

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Comments

Please, just get better as fast as you can!

feeling better in ne (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:49 PM)

My prayers are with you Senator and your family, Best wishes for a complete recovery.

Lutisha Bee Branch Ark (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:50 PM)

Sad news today. Very sad news.

The "liberal" lion, whose only goal in the Senate was to help the less fortunate in our country.

He understood more than anyone what government was for. To help those who needed it most, even if it meant crossing the aisle to do it.

To him, leaving children behind was not an option.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:50 PM)

Very sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Senator.

Cynthia, Deptford NJ (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:50 PM)

Sen. Kennedy - no one loves you more than your family. But don't forget the millions of lives your work has touched over the years you've been in public service - we all are sending love to you as well.

Kimmer (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:51 PM)

Hang in there brother

Tommy, Detroit, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:52 PM)

My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy and his family...and wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Lo in OR (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:52 PM)

I Pray and Hope for a speedy recovery! god be with him in his battle and as tough as a politition as well as a great father figure to john, and bobbys kids, he will get through this.i will think and pray for him every day!

jeff D evanston il (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:56 PM)

My prayers and thoughts are with Senator Ted Kennedy and the Kenedy Family.

Patricia Moyd, Jersey City, NJ (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:56 PM)

We continue to pray for you, Senator Kennedy. We also pray for guidance for you and your doctors in choosing the best course of treatment.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:56 PM)

I can't believe it! I remember JFK and Robert and was so glad Teddy didn't run due to the times. I don't want to lose another hero. There are to few left so please pull through and beat this! I am a cancer survivor and all my prayers are with you and your family.
Obama 08

Cherie Kansas City MO (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:58 PM)

Damn Kennedy curse strikes again. I feel for this family. They have had their share of family turmoil.

For cryin' out loud God, GIVE THIS FAMILY A BREAK!!!!

Paul, Riverside, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:00 PM)

I shed a tear for Senator Kennedy and his family today. Your family has been an inspiration to us all. God bless you and your family...

kayfacefl (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:03 PM)

You all sound as if you have given up on him. He can survive this, people do, it is only cancer! Be strong Ted.

Dupe, Concord, NC (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:07 PM)

God bless you and you deserve the best.We need you on this earth for a long, long time.Pl get well and get back to work.

merchant, new york (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:08 PM)

Senator Kennedy,
Many times when I was going home to visit my parents on Cape Cod - you and I flew the same puddle jumper from Boston to the Cape. We used to water ski near the Kennedy compound trying to get a glimpse of the Kennedy's. I wish you a speedy recovery. Bless you.

Elise, SF (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:08 PM)

Dear Teddy, I am praying that you will have a speedy recovery. You are greatly admired and loved by so many. I wish you well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jenny, Rio Vista CA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:10 PM)

The Kennedy's are forever... A speedy recovery to you Senator.

Ron, Lowell, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:11 PM)

MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY

BRIDGET HERRING OHIO (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:12 PM)

Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy and all the Kennedy family

Nancy Dania Beach Fl (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:13 PM)

Politics aside, your a great man and an American treasure. God speed.

Ryan (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:14 PM)

Be well Ted. You are loved.

LENI,WESTLAND,MICHIGAN (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:14 PM)

My thoughts and prayers go out to Sen. Edward Kennedy and his family. May God continue to bless you, may heaven smile down upon you and give you peace and may you be up on the Senate floor once again, very soon, fighting for the causes that need fighting!

Tera, Silver Spring MD (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:14 PM)

My best wishes to Ted Kennedy and his family. I do hope the doctors can do something for him but it sounds grim. My deepest thanks and respect for the Great Liberal Lion of the Senate.

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:14 PM)

Senator, You are a fighter--now is your prime time to show how strong you are--Bless you!!!

Katie, Mt. Pleasant, MI (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:15 PM)

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