McCain was recently diagnosed with brain cancer.
Washington DC (KM). “He’s one tough guy” is how Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen (Md) describes his colleague, Senator John McCain (Az) . The Republican lawmaker was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. “I think like all Americans we have tremendous admiration for John McCain,” Van Hollen says. “He’s overcome a lot battles and a lot struggles. So if anybody can beat this cancer, he can.”
“He’s an example of a great American patriot. And I know all of our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” Van Hollen continues.
Doctors found a tumor called glioblastoma in his brain after surgery to remove a blood clot above his eye. It’s an aggressive type of cancer and the prognosis for patients is usually poor. It was the same kind of brain cancer which killed Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy in 2008.
McCain and his family are considering their options which include a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
McCain was a two-time presidential candidate and a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
Senator Van Hollen says it will take a lot to bring down Senator McCain. “Here’s somebody whose been held in a prison camp in Hanoi. He’s been on the battlefield. If anybody can lick this thing, it’s John McCain,” he says.
McCain sent out a message on Twitter saying he’s grateful for the outpouring of support following his diagnosis of brain cancer. He’s promises he will be back soon.
By Kevin McManus