Senator Ted Kennedy's Battle
Posted May 20, 2008, 2:47 pm in Conditions & Diseases by Growing BolderEditor's note: To send a note to Senator Kennedy, click here.
Senator Edward Kennedy has served in the U.S. Senate since 1962.
BOSTON (AP) -- 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. His treatment will be decided after more tests but the usual course includes combinations of radiation and chemotherapy.
The 76-year-old senator has been hospitalized in Boston since Saturday, when he was airlifted from Cape Cod after a seizure at his home.
His wife and children have been with him each day but have made no public statements.
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.
Kennedy is the senior U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, after taking office in 1962. He's the second-longest serving member of the Senate, and one of the most well-known living members of the Kennedy family. Ted Kennedy is the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy; both of the older brothers were assassinated.The 76-year-old senator has been hospitalized in Boston since Saturday, when he was airlifted from Cape Cod after a seizure at his home.
His wife and children have been with him each day but have made no public statements.
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.
Recently, Kennedy made headlines for endorsing presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Here's more information on brain tumors from the National Cancer Institute:
What are adult brain tumors?
Adult brain tumors are diseases in which cancer (malignant) cells begin to grow in the tissues of the brain. The brain controls memory and learning, senses (hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch), and emotion. It also controls other parts of the body, including muscles, organs, and blood vessels. Tumors that start in the brain are called primary brain tumors.
What are metastatic brain tumors?
Often, tumors found in the brain have started somewhere else in the body and spread (metastasized) to the brain. These are called metastatic brain tumors.
What are the symptoms of an adult brain tumor?
A doctor should be seen if the following symptoms appear:
* Frequent headaches.
* Vomiting.
* Loss of appetite.
* Changes in mood and personality.
* Changes in ability to think and learn.
* Seizures.
What tests are used to find and diagnose adult brain tumors?
Tests that examine the brain and spinal cord are used to detect (find) adult brain tumor. The following tests and procedures may be used:
* CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
* MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord. A substance called gadolinium is injected into the patient through a vein. The gadolinium collects around the cancer cells so they show up brighter in the picture. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
Adult brain tumor is diagnosed and removed in surgery. If a brain tumor is suspected, a biopsy is done by removing part of the skull and using a needle to remove a sample of the brain tissue. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found, the doctor will remove as much tumor as safely possible during the same surgery. An MRI may then be done to determine if any cancer cells remain after surgery. Tests are also done to find out the grade of the tumor.
What is the grade of a tumor?
The grade of a tumor refers to how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. The pathologist determines the grade of the tumor using tissue removed for biopsy. The following grading system may be used for adult brain tumors:
Grade I
The tumor grows slowly, has cells that look similar to normal cells, and rarely spreads into nearby tissues. It may be possible to remove the entire tumor by surgery.
Grade II
The tumor grows slowly, but may spread into nearby tissue and may become a higher-grade tumor.
Grade III
The tumor grows quickly, is likely to spread into nearby tissue, and the tumor cells look very different from normal cells.
Grade IV
The tumor grows very aggressively, has cells that look very different from normal cells, and is difficult to treat successfully.
The chance of recovery (prognosis) and choice of treatment depend on the type, grade, and location of the tumor and whether cancer cells remain after surgery and/or have spread to other parts of the brain.
Adult brain tumors are diseases in which cancer (malignant) cells begin to grow in the tissues of the brain. The brain controls memory and learning, senses (hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch), and emotion. It also controls other parts of the body, including muscles, organs, and blood vessels. Tumors that start in the brain are called primary brain tumors.
What are metastatic brain tumors?
Often, tumors found in the brain have started somewhere else in the body and spread (metastasized) to the brain. These are called metastatic brain tumors.
What are the symptoms of an adult brain tumor?
A doctor should be seen if the following symptoms appear:
* Frequent headaches.
* Vomiting.
* Loss of appetite.
* Changes in mood and personality.
* Changes in ability to think and learn.
* Seizures.
What tests are used to find and diagnose adult brain tumors?
Tests that examine the brain and spinal cord are used to detect (find) adult brain tumor. The following tests and procedures may be used:
* CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
* MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord. A substance called gadolinium is injected into the patient through a vein. The gadolinium collects around the cancer cells so they show up brighter in the picture. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
Adult brain tumor is diagnosed and removed in surgery. If a brain tumor is suspected, a biopsy is done by removing part of the skull and using a needle to remove a sample of the brain tissue. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found, the doctor will remove as much tumor as safely possible during the same surgery. An MRI may then be done to determine if any cancer cells remain after surgery. Tests are also done to find out the grade of the tumor.
What is the grade of a tumor?
The grade of a tumor refers to how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. The pathologist determines the grade of the tumor using tissue removed for biopsy. The following grading system may be used for adult brain tumors:
Grade I
The tumor grows slowly, has cells that look similar to normal cells, and rarely spreads into nearby tissues. It may be possible to remove the entire tumor by surgery.
Grade II
The tumor grows slowly, but may spread into nearby tissue and may become a higher-grade tumor.
Grade III
The tumor grows quickly, is likely to spread into nearby tissue, and the tumor cells look very different from normal cells.
Grade IV
The tumor grows very aggressively, has cells that look very different from normal cells, and is difficult to treat successfully.
The chance of recovery (prognosis) and choice of treatment depend on the type, grade, and location of the tumor and whether cancer cells remain after surgery and/or have spread to other parts of the brain.
GrowingBolder.com has one of the world's most comprehensive collection of cancer survivor stories. Here are some of the people who have battled back from devastating health problems, and are now inspiring others.
Jane Dulieu survived a brain tumor -- after doctors removed it, she had so much trouble walking, she took up swimming. Now, she is a champion. Click the link to hear more about her story.
Barbara Hillary is a 75-year-old cancer survivor who recently became the first black woman to reach the North Pole.
He was 57 before he ran his first marathon, and he was running strong until a double whammy threatened to end his running career. Now, at 62, Bob Becker is back.
Doctors gave Sean Swarner two death sentences, but now he's on top of the world. The two-time cancer survivor only has one functioning lung, and 15 years after doctors gave him two weeks to live, he climbed the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest.
When news anchor Wendy Chioji was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, her struggle was closely followed by thousands. Six years later, Wendy is a relentless fundraiser, inspirational spokesperson and fearless competitor. See how she's making a major change in her life here.
Tony Handler isn't supposed to be here. Twenty-five years ago, he was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer and given two years to live. That same year, he completed his first triathlon.
Surviving cancer gives many people a new passion for life, but not many people would use it as an impetus to compete in a grueling, 750-mile bicycle race through the hills of France. But that's exactly what Marc Jarkow of the Villages, Fla., decided to do this past spring.
Karen Einsidler was leading what looked like a storybook life when she was diagnosed with cancer. The mother of triplets was an attorney and active in the master athletes world when she underwent a double mastectomy.
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Posted 12:14 am May 23rd, 2008Here's my prayer for Senator Edward Kennedy and I know the Great Physican is in the miracle-making business. Let's continue to keep Senator Kennedy in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear God, Divine Creator,
Senator Edward Kennedy's body is in a state of dis-ease, and I imagine he is so scared, so weak, and so sad.
Please heal Senator Kennedy, Lord. Whatever the words he is supposed to say, whatever the thoughts that would set him free, please let Senator Kennedy be willing to have them shine into his mind. For he undoubtedly wishes to be released.
Please grant Senator Edward Kennedy a miracle.
Please give him hope.
Please give him peace.
Lift him up beyond the regions of pain and despair.
Please prepare each cell to be born anew into health and happiness, peace and love.
For You, God, are the Power, not this sickness.
You are the Truth, not this illusion.
You Father, God, in Jesus' most precious name, are the Salvation, not the doctor(s).
Let Senator Edward Kennedy be willing to rise,
to let go of false thinking, to release this false condition.
For this is not freedom, and may Senator Edward Kennedy wish to be free.
This is not peaceful, and may Senator Edward Kennedy desire peace.
This is not Your will for Senator Edward Kennedy, that he would suffer
or feel pain.
Please let Senator Kennedy accept Your will for him.
Let him accept your healing.
Let him accept your love.
Please Dear God, help Senator Edward Kennedy.
Amen.
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