Sen. Arlen Specter Has Hodgkin's Disease

Specter's office announced that he has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. Specter is the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and a key figure in confirmation hearings for judges, and possibly Supreme Court nominees.

Senator Specter is expected to receive ABVD chemotherapy every two weeks over the next 24 to 32 weeks at the Abramson Cancer Center. It is expected that Senator Specter will be able to perform all duties of his office including those related to the chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee.

Senator Specter’s oncologist, John H. Glick, M.D., said: "Senator Specter has an excellent chance of being completely cured of his Hodgkin’s disease. Senator Specter’s Hodgkin’s disease has a five-year survival rate of 70%. He is in superb physical condition, particularly in light of his daily squash regimen."

Senator Specter said: "I have beaten a brain tumor, bypass heart surgery and many tough political opponents; and I’m going to beat this too. I have a lot more work to do for Pennsylvania and America."

I wish him and his family well. It will be interesting to see how he'll be able to manage his schedule.