Sen. Arlen Specter's Cancer Returns

Five-Term Republican From Pa. Diagnosed With Early Recurrence Of Hodgkin's Disease

(AP)  Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter's cancer has returned.

The five-term Republican said in a statement released by his office Tuesday that he was diagnosed with an early recurrence of Hodgkin's disease, which is a cancer of the lymph system.

Specter, 78, underwent treatment for the same type of cancer in 2005 and was later given a clean bill of health. The statement said that the cancer was revealed in a medical scan but that he has no symptoms.

"I was surprised by the PET scan findings because I have been feeling so good," Specter said in the statement. "I consider this just another bump on the road to a successful recovery from Hodgkin's, from which I've been symptom free for three years."

In his recent book, "Never Give In: Battling Cancer in the Senate," Specter credited hard work with getting him through the cancer treatments.

"An illness like Hodgkin's serves as a reminder that we have a limited time — and how our time can end when we least expect it," Specter wrote. "Moreover, the event of death could never eclipse what is most important, which is how we spend the time we have."

The statement released by his office said tests showed cancer in lymph nodes in his chest. A follow-up biopsy of one of the chest lymph nodes was positive for recurrence.

Specter's oncologist, John H. Glick of the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, said in the statement released by the senator's office that Specter has an excellent chance of fighting the disease. The early diagnosis of his recurrent Hodgkin's disease has a five-year survival rate of 60 percent, the doctor said.

Specter, Pennsylvania's longest-serving senator, said he would continue his normal duties — just as he did three years ago. He's already announced he will run for re-election in 2010, and he said the cancer won't stop him from that.

The senator was bald from his cancer treatments as he was playing a very public role chairing the committee that confirmed John Roberts as chief justice of the United States. During the long hearings, he drank Gatorade and frequently wiped his face with tissue. At the time, he underwent six months of chemotherapy.

Specter has long been an advocate of using federal dollars for cancer research and embryonic stem cell research. While bald, he offered himself up at a Capitol Hill news conference as someone who could benefit from stem cell research.

"I've got a new hairdo, which you can all observe, and that is indicative of a problem which may well be helped by stem cell research if it were to go forward," Specter said at the time.

The lymphoma recurrence was described as less advanced, and the statement said he will undergo three months of chemotherapy.

Specter had successful surgery for a brain tumor in 1993. It recurred three years later but was successfully treated. In 1998, he underwent bypass surgery and later suffered cardiac arrest.

[taddles-2009]

I do not agree with Senator Spector on a great many things but I respect his views. I wish him well and a speedy recovery.

[tbweb]

this guy is a jerk...He was WAY over the line concerning his treatment of the lady witness in the confirmation hearings for our black justice that we have now....no prejudice concerning anyone that i''''m talking about...just the boorish and mean behavior of Specter...there is such a thing as Karma...

Posted by gw4433 at 12:33 PM : Apr 16, 2008,,,

You know its interesting that you mention that, because that behavior was out of character for Sen. Specter, which leads me to believe he acted that way because he genuinely thought she was lying and nothing more! When Pres. Clinton acted this way towards Sen. Obama I gave him the benefit of the doubt too, but as it turns out the Clinton''s were only interested in winning, being selfish and treating Sen. Obama unfairly, exploiting, abusing and losing years of trust earned from the Black community.

[parrot123-2009]

I WISH MR.SPECTER WELL.I HOPE HE BEATS THIS ONE TOO. HOWEVER,TO THE BOZOS BELOW...NAMELY HARRYDOGIHINY AND SGTRDS..YOU ARE TOO YOUNG,I SUPPOSE,TO REMEBER THE SINGLE "MAGIC" BULLET THEORY CONCERNING J.F.K.''''S ASSAINATION.LOOK IT UP LITTLE BOYS.YOU SHOW GREAT IGNORANCE FOR YOUR EVENTS IN OUR RECENT HISTORY.YOU BOTH MAKE ME SICK TO MY STOMACH.KMA.
Posted by MIKETNT303 at 10:01 PM : Apr 15, 2008

The brain tumor he''d had may have effectively changed him - He''s definitely not the same Specter from JFK and i do wish him a very speedy recovery from this little Bump - My only concern is that at 78 why isn''t he spending time getting to know his grandkids more as should McCain (who''s only 72 - albeit a very senile one too). Cheers!

[garyws1]

this guy is a jerk...He was WAY over the line concerning his treatment of the lady witness in the confirmation hearings for our black justice that we have now....no prejudice concerning anyone that i''m talking about...just the boorish and mean behavior of Specter...there is such a thing as Karma...

[tbweb]

Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania is good people. I''ve been to political functions and watch Sen. Specter mingle and speak to everyone, shake hands, and he is very likable in person and down to earth too, you would never guess he was a U.S. Senator, not stuck up or snobby at all. Over the years no one understands why this Republican keeps winning over and over again especially in a heavy Democratic environment, its because Arlen Specter is a good person.

[cfin5]

Senator! You must listen to me. My brother in law died from lymphoma. He was doing great taking "HYDRAZINE SULFATE" which is inexpensive. Someone talked him into taking a free experimental treatment. Just as soon as he quit the HS, and enrolled in this experiment. He was dead within 2 months. I begged him not to do it because the Hydrazine Sulfate was working! Gained ALL of his weight back, energy back up. He said he felt like he had never been sick! The stuff inhibits the cancers ability to eat,....simple as that. You''ll have to take it the rest of your life. No different than having to take insulin. If you trust the National Cancer Institute, you will die. There is no money in cures,....just the hope of cures.

[tmn]

He shall live to see yet another day.

[stn_sage]

I don''t see him as the moderate other people seem to see. I think if he supports stem cell research and health related issues, it''s because of his own experiences.

I think he''s a crafty politician, but by and large, I think he''s supported his party''s line the majority of the time over the years, even when it wasn''t necessarily good for America or Americans! In spite of this, I hope his health problems improve.

If his health doesn''t improve, I think he should consider giving up his seat in 2010 and letting a healthier man or woman represent the citizens of Pennsylvania

[braves61471]

God bless.
Never give in, Senator! Keep battling!

[svensland]

This is a situation where politics has to go by the wayside. I wish Senator Spector the very best in his new battle. He has shown tremendous courage. As a cancer survivor myself, I know that the fear is always there that it will occur, again. I pray for Senator Spector and his family.

[Markus]

UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION????????? KEEP YOUR BULL**** SYMPATHY.YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.KISSMA

[jaykay3141]

While I have publicly and personally disagreed with him in the past, Sen. Specter has become one of the few members of his party to speak for moderation and to uphold the Constitution even when it gets in the way of the Bush-ite agenda. My prayers are with him.

[Markus]

I WISH MR.SPECTER WELL.I HOPE HE BEATS THIS ONE TOO. HOWEVER,TO THE BOZOS BELOW...NAMELY HARRYDOGIHINY AND SGTRDS..YOU ARE TOO YOUNG,I SUPPOSE,TO REMEBER THE SINGLE "MAGIC" BULLET THEORY CONCERNING J.F.K.''S ASSAINATION.LOOK IT UP LITTLE BOYS.YOU SHOW GREAT IGNORANCE FOR YOUR EVENTS IN OUR RECENT HISTORY.YOU BOTH MAKE ME SICK TO MY STOMACH.KMA.

[harrydoghiny]

We may not agree politically, but Senator Spector remains an honorable man who has spent many years in the service of his country. Our thoughts and prayers for his speedy recovery.

[sgtrds]

I am genuinely sorry to hear this terrible news. he is one of the very few voices of reason left in the GOP and a Senator to be greatly respected. My best wishes for him and his family.