August 1, 2009
On top of all of his problems in the Senate and with his approval rating of 33% at home, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He announced it yesterday in a press conference with his wife, Jackie Clegg Dodd, who appears to be a lovely woman. He states that it was caught very early and that it in “no way affects re-election plans” but he will undergo surgery to have his entire prostate removed. He uses the opportunity to mention healthcare.
firedoglake
I’m running for re-election. I’ll be little leaner and a little meaner — I’ll be running without a prostate. Who knows, maybe I’ll make a better candidate.
SENATOR DODD written stateemnt:
Thanks for being here.
I wanted to let you know that I’ve been diagnosed with an early stage of prostate cancer.
It’s something that’s very common among men my age. In fact, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their life. And that’s why, every year when I get my annual check-up, I get a routine blood test called a PSA.
This year, the results of that test led my doctor to order a biopsy, and that’s how I learned of the disease.
Now, let me say three very important things, and then I’ll be happy to answer your questions.
First, I feel fine. As you have probably noticed, I’m working some long and hard hours lately. And that will continue.
Second, I’m going to be fine. We caught this early. The biopsies I had showed a minimal amount of cancer, and that it hasn’t spread. My prognosis is excellent.
Third, as a Member of Congress, I have good health insurance. I was able to seek the opinions of highly skilled doctors, consider all the available options, and choose the treatment that’s right for me.
When the Senate adjourns at the end of next week, I’m going to have surgery. After a brief recuperation at home, I’ll be back at work.
My hope is that we will pass the Health Care bill that we passed in the HELP Committee in the Senate so that every American will be able to get an annual physical and talk to their doctor about screening so that problems like this can be caught early and treated.
His physician, DR HOWARD SCHER:
Senator Dodd has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was found in an early stage and the prognosis for his full recovery is excellent. While there are many treatment options available for people with prostate cancer, after consultation with his physicians the recommended course of treatment for Senator Dodd is surgery. He will have the surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He is expected to return to full activity within a few weeks of the surgery.
