MGH statement on Kennedy tumor

[SoxFan]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/05/mass_general_sa.html

Statement from Dr. Lee Schwamm, Vice Chairman, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dr. Larry Ronan, Primary Care Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital:

"Over the course of the last several days, we've done a series of tests on Senator Kennedy to determine the cause of his seizure. He has had no further seizures, remains in good overall condition, and is up and walking around the hospital. Some of the tests we had performed were inconclusive, particularly in light of the fact that the Senator had severe narrowing of the left carotid artery and underwent surgery just 6 months ago. However, preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma in the left parietal lobe. The usual course of treatment includes combinations of various forms of radiation and chemotherapy. Decisions regarding the best course of treatment for Senator Kennedy will be determined after further testing and analysis. Senator Kennedy will remain at Massachusetts General Hospital for the next couple of days according to routine protocol. He remains in good spirits and full of energy."

[nomorewhopper]

1. a great pic of kennedy and obama

wishing the best for his health

he lived a long, incredible life.

[CountAllVotes]

4. Sen. Kennedy is not dead

and your picture is WAY TO BIG!

I ask that you either shrink the picture or remove it.

[nomorewhopper]

9. who said he was dead?

[ej510]

6. Why do these things happen to good people? It seems like evil people live on great health forever.

[izquierdista]

2. RIP Ted

Exactly what my father had. :cry:

[Occam Bandage]

8. It's too early for RIPs. Ted Kennedy, more than anyone in politics, is a fighter.

[izquierdista]

11. This is one he can't win

Although the course of everyone's illness is different, here's what can be expected:
Stage 1) He'll be all right for a few weeks, maybe even a few months, not noticeably different in behavior
Stage 2) The second seizure will happen which will be much more debilitating, after which his behavior will not be normal (e.g. more irritable, confused)
Stage 3) The tumor will increase the intracranial pressure to the point where even the dilantin will not control the seizures.
Stage 4) Comatose with brief periods of lucidity.
Stage 5) Completely comatose with Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Stage 6) Gone.

I watched it take 16 weeks from the first seizure to stage 6. Could be shorter, could be longer, but it always wins. :cry: :cry:

[blogslut]

3. Thank you for the update

Oh, I hate this.

[AllentownJake]

5. This makes me very sad

I know Ted Kennedy and Arlen Spectre are friends even though they serve on opposite sides of the aisle. I hope they reach out to each other during this time as they both battle cancer.

[Occam Bandage]

7. Hopefully he'll beat it.

[SoxFan]

10. He's a fighter and a survivor

If anyone can beat this, it's Ted

[KittyWampus]

12. I'm an optimist. Hope Ted lives past February to see Obama in the WH. Not happy news.