Sen. Kennedy Has Malignant Brain Tumor

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Off Topic
Posted on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:30:02 PM EST
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This is bad news:

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. Preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma, they said.

His treatment will be decided after more tests but the usual course includes combinations of radiation and chemotherapy. 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.

Malignant gliomas are a type of brain cancer diagnosed in about 9,000 Americans a year -- and the most common type among adults. It's a starting diagnosis: How well patients fare depends on what specific tumor type is determined by further testing.

Our thoughts are with the Liberal Lion of the Senate.

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Sen. Kennedy Has Malignant Brain Tumor | 63 comments (63 topical)

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Indeed (5.00 / 8) (#1)
by andgarden on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:32:27 PM EST

Get well Senator.

: And soon (5.00 / 1) (#24)
by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:56:11 PM EST

Keep your fingers crossed for a quick recovery.

Parent

How sad (5.00 / 7) (#2)
by Steve M on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:32:44 PM EST

I hope they are able to do something for him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sen. Kennedy.

This is very sad. (5.00 / 7) (#3)
by TomP on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:33:14 PM EST

I hope he gets well. He has given so much for the cause of justice.

Here's To A Speedy Recovery Sen. Kennedy (5.00 / 5) (#4)
by PssttCmere08 on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:34:06 PM EST

Having a great attitude like yours is going to help you see many more years....fight, fight, fight!!

i just found out from here (5.00 / 4) (#5)
by snucky on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:34:10 PM EST

horrible news. prayers with sen kennedy.

oh, no! (5.00 / 7) (#7)
by Molly Pitcher on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:36:06 PM EST

My niece is dying of that at this moment--a few more days, maybe a few weeks, But she is sinking into unawareness after about a year of treatment. I hope that the doctors may try one of the newer treatments if Kennedy is willing.

: Supportive thoughts are flowing (5.00 / 6) (#9)
by oculus on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:38:50 PM EST

your way.

Parent
: Sorry to hear about your niece (5.00 / 2) (#33)
by standingup on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:04:59 PM EST

My father had a rare type of cancer that ended up progressing into the brain. We did not know it had involved his brain until he began having stroke and seizure like symptoms. I told a friend the other day that Senator Kennedy's seizure instead of a stroke might not be good news, depending on what was causing the seizure. If it hadn't been for my experience with my father, probably would not have even questioned it and hope they have caught his in time to treat it successfully.

Parent
: Sorry to hear that. (5.00 / 2) (#37)
by LatinoVoter on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:09:15 PM EST

Parent

Really sad news... (5.00 / 3) (#8)
by gmo on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:36:54 PM EST

...but he's a fighter. I hope he has more time than less, but our prayers are with him and his family.

This breaks my heart, but (5.00 / 3) (#10)
by vicsan on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:39:20 PM EST

if anyone can beat this, Ted can. Get well soon, Senator Kennedy.

This is terrible news. (5.00 / 4) (#11)
by lorelynn on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:42:07 PM EST

Despite my anger at his actions during this primary, he has been one of the bravest and most outspoken progressive voices in this nation and I admire him fiercely.

Very bad news...... (5.00 / 4) (#12)
by miriam on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:43:15 PM EST

This is exactly the grim possibility that crossed my mind when the news of Kennedy's seizure and hospitalization was first broadcast. My son was 31 when he had a mysterious, unprecedented seizure. Considering the fact that he was athletic, had never been seriously ill, never drank or smoked, had just passed the NY Bar exam, and was the father of a three year old, a brain tumor NEVER occurred to us. If fact, his seizure was caused by a malignant glioma. It was inoperable. After diagnosis he lived nine months, mainly because he was, ironically, so intrinsically healthy.

That was ten years ago and some strides have been made in treatment since then. And if one must have a brain tumor, Boston is definitely the place to be. Ted Kenndy was never a favorite of mine, but my heart goes out to him and his family at this terrible turn of events. He and they have a hard road ahead.

So sorry about your son (5.00 / 3) (#36)
by honora on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:07:36 PM EST

Senator Kennedy's diagnosis must bring back so many sad memories.

Parent

: Thank you, Honora...and yes, it does. (4.50 / 2) (#41)
by miriam on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:12:30 PM EST

Parent

It's all about genetics. (5.00 / 1) (#63)
by Fabian on Tue May 20, 2008 at 04:02:15 PM EST

They'll sample the tumor and find out which specific genotype it has. Each type of tumor has different characteristics regarding rate of growth and how well it responds to different types of treatment.

It's not new tech exactly, but it lets a patient and family make an informed decision about how aggressively to treat the cancer.

Parent

Sad news (5.00 / 1) (#13)
by akaEloise on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:46:52 PM EST

I wish him and his family and friends all the strength and grace in the world to deal with whatever lies ahead.

I had a feeling it was (5.00 / 4) (#14)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:47:26 PM EST

a brain tumor, hence my comment the other day. I was hoping (as was the case with my foster mother) that it was a "benign" tumor (meaning not cancerous, but nothing in the brain is benign).

A malignant tumor is the worst possible news. I know that the med community is developing really great targeted radiation therapies for brain tumors. Great things are happening here in Seattle at Fred Hutch. Maybe he'll come visit us for treatment. I hope they find things that will provide the senator with years of comfort.

All the best to him.

Teresa (5.00 / 1) (#25)
by Kathy on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:56:44 PM EST

I know you're not his doctor, but what sort of activity level will he have during his treatments? Will this mean that he will have to relinquish his senate seat? I hope not. If anyone can take a leave of absence, it's Kennedy.

What horrible news, though. I hope he beats it. He's pretty robust for his age and his health seems good otherwise, so those are two counts in his favor.

Parent

It totally depends (5.00 / 1) (#32)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:03:04 PM EST

on where the tumor is and what the treatment is.

Any of surgery/chemo/radiation can leave him quite incapacitated, can affect physical mobility, speech, eyesight, cognition etc. He's older so his recovery will be slower. However, many people do go back to work.

My foster mom's "benign" tumor was peripheral, sitting on the surface of her brain. After open brain surgery, she was out of work for 3 months. His is definitely going to take longer than that.

Parent

: Sen Tim Johnson is still holding his seat (5.00 / 1) (#35)
by cmugirl on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:07:19 PM EST

so, barring any complications (hopefully not), he should still be able to hold his seat, unless he chooses to step aside.
My thoughts are with him.

Parent

So did I. (5.00 / 3) (#29)
by LatinoVoter on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:01:45 PM EST

Mostly because my mom has been fighting the same problem for the past 13 months. It only took a few days for his to be diagnosed while it took 5 months for the doctors to figure out my mother wasn't having an allergic reaction. And then it was only because I was badgering them about the symptoms she was exhibiting. Who knew that watching hours of ER, Grey's and House would make me better prepared to diagnose a brain tumor than people who went to medical school.

Anyway I think TK will be fine. He lives in the good part of the two Americas Edwards talked about.

Parent

Didn't Arlen Specter recently (5.00 / 2) (#46)
by litigatormom on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:22:05 PM EST

suffer from a brain tumor? I thought it was a result of his earlier battle with Hodgkins. He seems to be doing better.

Of course, I have no idea what I'm talking about, I am just blindly looking for a ray of hope. Ted Kennedy has been in the Senate since I was 7 years old. I remember Chappaquiddick and the pundits saying his political career was over, his ill-fated run for the presidency, his amazing "the dream will never die" speech before the 1980 Democratic convention, the many times he's roared as "the lion of the Senate."

My thoughts and prayers and hopes are with you, Senator. I'm fighting back tears as I write this.

Parent

this is a different kind of tumor (5.00 / 2) (#49)
by bjorn on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:29:39 PM EST

It would be pretty miraculous if he survives this...Chris Dodd just tried to be optimistic but he couldn't say much as he was fighting back tears. I think it is really bad.

Parent

: oh no! (5.00 / 1) (#50)
by madamab on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:31:13 PM EST

this is so sad. when Chris Dodd is trying not to cry it must be pretty hopeless.
:-(

Parent
: so sad (none / 0) (#59)
by CST on Tue May 20, 2008 at 02:55:41 PM EST

I'm with Chris Dodd on this one. Ted Kennedy is a living legend. He has done so much for so many, and while I have been critical of him in the past, I can't imagine the senate or MA without him. He has always had such an important role in our state and our country. I may not have grown up with RFK and JFK but I grew up listening to their stories and knowing that Ted was doing what he could to fight their fight. I'm fighting back tears right now too.

Parent

The difference is (5.00 / 2) (#52)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:31:39 PM EST

Specter's was a metastatic tumor, whereas Kennedy's is a pretty aggressive primary site tumor.

Yes, this is really, really bad news. The more I'm reading the more it looks like they can slow, but can't stop it.

Parent

We had a close family friend die of this (5.00 / 3) (#15)
by athyrio on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:47:37 PM EST

and it is a hard fight ahead for him...Thoughts go out to him and his family...Thank God he has good health care available to him...

Oh, No! n/t (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by creeper on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:48:02 PM EST

Terrible news (5.00 / 3) (#17)
by angie on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:51:13 PM EST

I had a friend with an inoperable brain tumor -- the outlook is not good & it is extremely painful (friend died about 6 months after diagnosis). Really, really sad news for him & his family. I'll light a candle for him.

: I should add (5.00 / 1) (#23)
by angie on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:56:04 PM EST

my friend's case was in 1999 -- 9 years ago, so as others have pointed out, there has been a lot of advancement since then, and I hope this will be the case. I'm also worried about the factors of his age and overall health (my friend was only 33 and was pretty athletic) -- I don't know how that would affect Ted Kennedy's treatment.

Parent

I'm sad to hear that... (5.00 / 2) (#18)
by NWHiker on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:52:26 PM EST

Best thoughts to him and his family.

This is scary and sad. But not enough info yet to (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by jawbone on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:52:43 PM EST

know how bad this is, right?

My hopes are for his recovery. As TheresaInSnow2 notes, there have been advancements in treatment. I'll cling to that hope until I know otherwise.

It is bad. (5.00 / 1) (#43)
by miriam on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:16:20 PM EST

A glioma is the most aggressive form of brain tumor. And the brain has natural barriers that inhibit treatment.

Parent

: NPR just had neuro oncologist on about this: (5.00 / 2) (#62)
by jawbone on Tue May 20, 2008 at 03:23:49 PM EST

Malignant brain tumors quite difficult to treat. Number of different types, which will affect how he is treated. Us'ly chemo and radiation used concurrently, then rest from treatment, followed by more treatment. Surgery is used to try to remove as much of the tumor as possible without causing the patient harm.
Left parietal lobe: Rather large area, and individuals's brain anatomies vary, so it is possible to have little damage, or only occasional seizures. Would not expect speech difficulty. But, surrounding swelling may affect speech areas: finding words or understanding other's speech. Good sign that there seem to be no serious consequences from biopsy surgery;
Kennedy's being up and around, following news and TV are all good signs.
So, we know little until his doctors know more--and choose to tell us.

Parent

I hope he will make it long (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by bjorn on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:54:01 PM EST

enough to see either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama inaugarated in Jan 09. He has been through a lot in his life, burying siblings, nieces and nephews, his own son's cancer...and he kept fighting.

Very sad news (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by Ga6thDem on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:54:42 PM EST

indeed. I'll pray for his family.

I understand that the prognosis is not good for these.

Oh, that is awful..really awful. (5.00 / 2) (#22)
by FlaDemFem on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:55:53 PM EST

I hope it responds to treatment, and that the treatment doesn't cause him any other health problems. At his age, radiation and chemo can be really taxing. Keeping my fingers crossed that he comes through it ok.

I lit a candle for you Senator. (5.00 / 2) (#26)
by feet on earth on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:57:32 PM EST

The Gods be with you all the way through you fight for life. Not always right, but you are loved Senator.

Best Wishes (5.00 / 2) (#27)
by CST on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:58:32 PM EST

To him and his family. The feeling on the ground here (at least at my office) is shock, sadness, and a bit of "what now?" He is a legend here in MA. While he wasn't perfect, he fought for Dem values day in and day out in the senate for a loooong time. He had the kind of political muscle to bring about real change. I know I'm praying for him, and I'm sure millions of people around the country are too.

Sad News (5.00 / 2) (#28)
by MO Blue on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:00:25 PM EST

My thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Kennedy and his family.

Terrible News (5.00 / 2) (#30)
by chrisvee on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:02:49 PM EST

My thoughts are with Senator Kennedy and his family as they deal with this difficult news.

I just heard this on the radio. (5.00 / 2) (#31)
by Iphie on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:02:52 PM EST

This is so sad. My thoughts are with the Senator and his family.

thank God he has heath insurance (5.00 / 2) (#34)
by TeresaInPa on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:07:18 PM EST

I wish we all did.

That poor family (5.00 / 2) (#38)
by rnibs on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:10:14 PM EST

has had a lot of bad luck. He survived a broken back in a plane crash when he was younger. He's a survivor.

I saw the headline on Yahoo and was very upset (5.00 / 3) (#39)
by Brookhaven on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:11:26 PM EST

I hoped whatever it was he had was not serious. I was very sad when I saw that headline.

My mom suffered an brain aneurysm some years back and it was very difficult for her and us. But, having a loving family at her side meant the world to her and us and it helps tremendously. And, Senator Kennedy certainly has that. My heart and empathy are with the Senator, his wife, Victoria, his children and his family.

Terrible news. (5.00 / 3) (#40)
by madamab on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:11:51 PM EST

I would like to add my wishes for his speedy recovery.

Maybe there is a card we could sign at his website or something? I remember there was something similar when Tim Johnson got sick.

madamab (5.00 / 1) (#48)
by Brookhaven on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:27:26 PM EST

On Kennedy's official site, on the right hand side, there is a box where you can write the Senator a get well note.

Parent

: thank you - I will! (none / 0) (#51)
by madamab on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:31:37 PM EST

Parent

I wish him well (5.00 / 3) (#42)
by cawaltz on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:12:53 PM EST

My prayers are with him and his family.

This is a time (5.00 / 3) (#45)
by kenoshaMarge on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:21:08 PM EST

to say politics be damned and just hope that this man who has given so much fights this fight as he has fought so many others. From what we know of the old "lion" he will do just that. Best wishes Senator Kennedy, may the wind be at your back.

: amen (none / 0) (#47)
by Capt Howdy on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:22:31 PM EST

Parent

May God be with you, Senator. (5.00 / 2) (#53)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:33:52 PM EST

May God be with you.

i was standing in line at lunch and (5.00 / 2) (#54)
by hellothere on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:33:52 PM EST

saw the television. so very sorry and sad about this. i'll say a prayer for him and his family.

You all have said (5.00 / 2) (#56)
by camellia on Tue May 20, 2008 at 02:21:57 PM EST

everything, and much better than I could. God be with you, Teddy.

Sad news (5.00 / 2) (#58)
by txpolitico67 on Tue May 20, 2008 at 02:52:04 PM EST

Of course all here want nothing but a speedy and full recovery for Senator Kennedy.

A footnote: I cruise right blogs and Michelle Malkin's blog is FULL of nothing but well wishes for Ted Kennedy. I have to say I am shocked. Gives me a whole new respect for the conservatives.

Michelle Malkin asked everyone to put aside political differences and asks for prayers for Senator Kennedy.

Bravo Michelle.

: I was surprised about Malkin's site too (5.00 / 2) (#60)
by stefystef on Tue May 20, 2008 at 03:08:11 PM EST

I was waiting to read alot of negative posts, but none there.
Well done Michelle.

Parent

Is there any idea how long he has had tumor? (5.00 / 2) (#61)
by Exeter on Tue May 20, 2008 at 03:20:19 PM EST

Does anyone know how these type of things progress before they are detected? Symptoms, ect?

I am sorry to hear this news (none / 0) (#6)
by stefystef on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:34:59 PM EST

Despite my feelings and disappointment about Kennedy's actions during this primary season and his treatment of Senator Clinton, I am sorry to hear that he has a cancerous tumor.

Boston has some of the best hospitals in the world and he will get top-notch treatment.

But the question will be, how long will he be able to stay in the Senate? If Arlen Specter can stay on the job, so can Kennedy.

So, hope Kennedy will have a safe recovery.

A possible cure (none / 0) (#55)
by SeeEmDee on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:59:40 PM EST

Yes, for the same kind of cancer Senator Kennedy and who knows how many are suffering from. And from a surprising source:Pot Shrinks Tumors; Government Knew in '74

The actual study.

You have to wonder how many people's lives could have been saved if this had received the attention it never had. It's even worse when Uncle sits on it and it has to be rediscovered years later in a foreign country...but still isn't getting the attention it deserves in this country, thanks to the DrugWar. Politics trumping science; what else in news in 'Murikah?

: FYI (5.00 / 2) (#57)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue May 20, 2008 at 02:23:13 PM EST

The study you linked to was about treating a certain form of cancer, which is NOT the form of cancer that Teddy has.
There are many forms of cancer, each requiring different treatments. There is no one chemotherapy agent that treats all.
There is no one miracle cure-all for any disease. If there was, don't you think the drug manufacturers would be all over it? They would not try to hide it, they'd use it to make big bucks.

Parent

Theresa, that's just ONE study (none / 0) (#64)
by SeeEmDee on Tue May 20, 2008 at 08:46:28 PM EST

There have been others, like this 1994 study, (which you also have never heard about) all dealing with various cancers (yes, and the very same kind of gliomas, too) ...and finding that cannabis is highly effective in retarding growing tumors by starving them of sustenance. They shrivel up, and in some cases, die outright. Without causing any damage to the surrounding tissues.

This search string might help you to understand the extraordinary potential this represents. This article is very good at explaining the basic concepts. The research makes it quite clear that this is a treatment of extraordinary safety and effectiveness against a great many cancers. It should go without saying that such research threatens bureaucracies and industries that stand to lose political and economic power in this society, were this discovery to receive the attention it should have.

After all, if after having spent hundreds of billions of taxpayer's dollars in both cancer research and the DrugWar, only to learn the rationale for both government efforts were nullified (if not exposed as outright fraud) by the 'inconvenient truth' of cannabis's antineoplatic effects, it could prove more than a little embarrassing, don't you agree?

Sen. Kennedy Has Malignant Brain Tumor | 63 comments (63 topical)

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