Tony Snow "Happy To Be Back"

(CBS/AP)  White House press secretary Tony Snow was back on the job Monday, five weeks after doctors discovered a recurrence of his cancer

The president's spokesman came back to work and promptly had trouble stringing two sentences together, reports CBS News chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod.

"I want to thank everybody in this room...you guys," said Snow, before choking up with emotion.

Added Snow: "I'm unbelievably lucky and unbelievably blessed and really happy to be back."

"Anybody who does not believe that thoughts and prayers make a difference — they're just wrong," Snow said.

Snow, 51, had been gone five weeks after surgery for colon cancer that had spread to his liver, adds Axelrod. Nine days ago, he stepped back into the limelight, saying he felt fine and was ready to go.

The morning briefing by the press secretary, known as the "gaggle," is typically informal and off-camera. But the White House put the first portion of the session on live TV on request of the networks, reflecting the interest in Snow's return as a news story.

Snow started typically early, appearing Monday on the North Lawn of the White House for a series of morning television network news shows.

He told CBS News' The Early Show he was "feeling great and happy to be back at work."

Snow said he would start four months of chemotherapy on Friday. "We're trying to knock this cancer into remission for good. That means I'll be doing follow-up chemo for a while," he said.

"People get so scared when they hear the term 'cancer.' They think your life ends. It doesn't," Snow said. "As a matter of fact, we live in an age of medical miracles. I have some of the best medical treatment on the earth. We'll be fine through all this. If I didn't think I was able to serve the president fully, I wouldn't be here."

Snow plans to go through treatments every other week for four months. He said he would not make predications about his health, but felt optimistic.

A former radio and TV commentator, Snow brought his smooth, camera-ready style to an embattled White House last May. He quickly became the public face of Mr. Bush's daily communications and has spoken openly — and emotionally — about being a cancer survivor.

It is common for colon cancer patients to suffer a recurrence of cancer, and the most common site is the liver. Medical experts say advances in chemotherapy can allow people with the type of cancer Snow has to return to work and good health for years.

[bvckvs-2009]

Reports of Snow's cancer spreading to his liver are false.

He did have a new tumor, but it was not on his liver. It was still on his colon.

He made the announcement within days after Mrs. Edwards REAL terminal cancer was announced in a sick, desperate, despicable attempt to water down the publicity surrounding her REAL terminal cancer.

Had the cancer ACTUALLY spread to Snow's liver, he would be on a fast-track toward death.

This has been the ONE common theme throughout the NeoChristian insurgency - to profit personally from the suffering of others, and to portray themselves as the real victims.

Go to Hell, Tony Snow.

[BoBerri39]

I love you Tony Snow, you're the best!
Welcome back Dear Tony, I've missed you terribly and your wonderful sunny positive disposition. I've been praying for you every day and I know that you are going to 'beat' this cancer and outlive us all....smiling all the while!
God Speed and Healing to You.

[toldyouso21]

Welcome Back Tony, May GOD bring you complete healing and a full recovery.

TO all you left wing GOD hating,GOD forsaken slimebags on here, IN YOUR FACE!
Posted by gslinger3 at 03:12 PM : Apr 30, 2007

If all Tony has to count on is the majority of Republican hypocritical Christians for prayer then he might as well pack it in cuz he is a goner. God despises Reprobates and the fake religious right are a stench to his nostrils. Torture, blood thirsty wars. lies and corruption--who are they kidding? Not God. Poor man, he sided with those who value this world too much and the humans in it too little--and now, (like each one of us will sooner or later) he has got to reap what he has sown.

[kansas1946]

Tony, leave this administration. I think you are a good guy, and no good guy can work for these guys. They are poison. I hope you have a full recovery and can enjoy the rest of your life. You should not spend it with this administration. You are better than that.

[booyaw_77]

I'm a lesbian porn novelist by trade, and you don't tink I know how to be polite? Huh?

[booyaw_77]

To all you polite people? I neverz me ya before.

[gslinger3]

Welcome Back Tony, May GOD bring you complete healing and a full recovery.

TO all you left wing GOD hating,GOD forsaken slimebags on here, IN YOUR FACE!

[booyaw_77]

This is why you democrats never win. Yer too pretty..

[sneakee1]

To the group wh post on this comment "blog" I have never read from such a group of uneducated, unsympathetic, and totally ignorant set of respondants. Get a Life. As to Mr. Snow.- God Speed. I praise your will to return to a regular life schedule and am honored to be able to listen to your responses from the press. I know you trials will be great over the coming months but with God's help, you will be cured. There is nothing political about it and I am a member of the democrat party. Best of luck Mr. Snow & Be Well.

[forthepeopl1]

now that the leaders back in charge, lets charge him to. no one in the whitehouse gets away. no one..they all need to be accountable for there treanest ways........