Kennedy at Duke for surgery on brain tumor

**Puro Fan** · 06-02-2008, 03:07 PM

Kennedy at Duke for surgery on brain tumor

By MIKE BAKER, Associated Press Writer 2 hours, 26 minutes ago

DURHAM, N.C. - Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was at Duke University Medical Center on Monday for a risky six-hour surgery for his cancerous brain tumor, and faces chemotherapy and radiation treatment following the procedure.

The 76-year-old senator was diagnosed last month with a malignant glioma, a lethal type of brain tumor. A statement from the Massachusetts Democrat's office said the surgery would be performed by one of the nation's top neurosurgeons, Dr. Allan Friedman.

Experts said surgeons will likely try to remove as much of the tumor as possible while balancing the risk of harming healthy brain tissue that affects movement and speech.

"Almost no malignant gliomas are cured by surgery, but many of us believe that the more you get out, the next treatments, whether they be radiation or chemotherapy, have a better chance of working because there's less tumor there to fight," said Dr. Matthew Ewend, neurosurgery chief at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

The surgery was scheduled to begin around 9 a.m., said Anthony Coley, a Kennedy spokesman. The hospital had given no updates by late morning. The senator was expected to remain at the North Carolina facility for one week to recuperate and then will begin further treatments at Massachusetts General Hospital and start chemotherapy.

Not a big fan of Sen. Kennedy, however, I pray for his recovery. Because, no matter what I think of him, somebody out there loves him.

On a side note, why isn't Sen. Kennedy availing himself of the fine healthcare services in the socialist paradise of Cuba? We all know, thanks to Michael Moore, that the healthcare he would receive in Cuba is far superior to what he will receive in the U.S.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080602/...kennedy_cancer

**linda22003** · 06-02-2008, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by greenhoodedb

On a side note, why isn't Sen. Kennedy availing himself of the fine healthcare services in the socialist paradise of Cuba?

Or, more realistically, having his surgery in the Boston area? MGH isn't called "Mankind's Greatest Hospital" for nothing.

**LogansPapa** · 06-02-2008, 03:15 PM

I wish him a speedy recovery.

**megimoo** · 06-02-2008, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by linda22003

Or, more realistically, having his surgery in the Boston area? MGH isn't called "Mankind's Greatest Hospital" for nothing.

It may be that Duke has an expert in this kind of surgery ?These days every big hospital will have an expert on their staff who draws high profile cases to their operating rooms .

**megimoo** · 06-02-2008, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by LogansPapa

I wish him a speedy recovery.

I do also.How does it go hate the sin, love the sinner ?In this case the sin equals working against American interests !

**LogansPapa** · 06-02-2008, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by megimoo

I do also.How does it go hate the sin, love the sinner ?In this case the sin equals working against American interests !

Agreed. But there are times when all of that needs to be set aside. Unless you heart’s not capable.

**megimoo** · 06-02-2008, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by LogansPapa

Agreed. But there are times when all of that needs to be set aside. Unless you heart’s not capable.

Mine is fully capable but if it were George Bush in Kennedys place where would your heart be ?

**megimoo** · 06-02-2008, 03:59 PM

Kennedy out of 'successful' brain surgery

DURHAM, N.C. - Sen. Edward M. Kennedy underwent what his doctors called successful surgery Monday to treat his cancerous brain tumor, and told his wife shortly after that he felt "like a million bucks," a family spokeswoman said.

The surgery at Duke University Medical Center took about 3 1/2 hours. He is expected to undergo chemotherapy and radiation in coming weeks, and will remain at the North Carolina facility for about a week.

The 76-year-old Massachusetts Democrat was diagnosed last month with a malignant glioma, a lethal type of brain tumor. Experts had said Dr. Allan Friedman — the top neurosurgeon at Duke and an internationally known tumor and vascular surgeon — was likely try to remove as much of the tumor as possible while balancing the risk of harming healthy brain tissue that affects movement and speech.

Friedman said the surgery "was successful and accomplished our goals." Kennedy was awake during the procedure, and should not experience any permanent neurological effects, he said.

"After a brief recuperation, he will begin targeted radiation at Massachusetts General Hospital and chemotherapy treatment," Friedman said. "I hope that everyone will join us in praying for Senator Kennedy to have an uneventful and robust recovery."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080602/...kennedy_cancer

**LogansPapa** · 06-02-2008, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by megimoo

Mine is fully capable but if it were George Bush in Kennedys place where would your heart be ?

In the identicle place. And that was a good and honest question.;)

**linda22003** · 06-02-2008, 04:02 PM

"DURHAM, N.C. - Sen. Edward M. Kennedy underwent what his doctors called successful surgery Monday to treat his cancerous brain tumor, and told his wife shortly after that he felt "like a million bucks," a family spokeswoman said. "

Hmmmm, given his net worth, that might mean he's not feeling very well. :(