Tony Snow’s Cancer Returns
by Pamela LeaveyOn the heels of the news that Elizabeth Edwards’ cancer has returned comes the news that White House Press Secretary Tony Snow’s cancer has also returned.
Snow’s deputy, Dana M. Perino, broke into tears at an off-camera briefing this morning as she announced that the cancer has spread to his liver. Doctors discovered it when they operated on Snow on Monday to remove a small growth that had developed in his lower abdomen…
Snow, 51, who underwent surgery and months of chemotherapy for colon cancer two years ago, plans once again to “go after it as aggressively” as he can, Perino said, but it was unclear when or whether he would be able to return to work.
“Of course, we’re pulling for Tony,” Perino said. “We certainly gain strength from his optimism. We know he’s going to beat it again.”
Sad news. The truth is cancer knows no boundaries. I don’t think I know anyone at this point who’s live has not been touched by cancer directly or indirectly. In my life, both of my parents, now gone for many years, had cancer. A few months ago a friend lost his battle with lung cancer just 2 years after losing his wife to lung cancer. With in a few days of losing that friend to cancer another was diagnosed with in-operable, in-curable stomach cancer and another dear friend found that her kidney cancer had traveled to her one adrenal gland, and that was subseqently removed.
My hope with the recent news of both Elizabeth Edwards and Tony Snow is that Congress will work to get more funding for cancer research. It’s sorely needed. The WaPo reflected today with the news of Tony Snow, on his openness “about his past battle with cancer.”
He constantly wears a yellow wristband that marks him as a cancer survivor, and he teared up at his first briefing from the White House podium last year when recounting his experience and what it meant to him. Just last week, when Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of Democratic presidential contender John Edwards, announced that her own cancer had returned, Snow offered effusive praise for the dignity and optimism she exhibited.
“As somebody who has been through this, Elizabeth Edwards is setting a powerful example for a lot of people, and a good and positive one,” Snow said from the podium. “She’s being aggressive. She’s living an active life. And a positive attitude, prayers, and people you love are always a very good addition to any kind of medicine you have. So for Elizabeth Edwards, good going. Our prayers are with you.”
I hope that both Tony Snow and Elizabeth Edwards live long and happy lives.
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Nicely done. Good writing in all senses of the word.
G. Weightman
Thank you. It’s really about Tony Snow. My dad had colon cancer. I really do hope Congress will take the example of these two well know people in politics and push for more funding for research.
One thing about disease and natural catastrophes. They really are non-partisan.
In order to come up with more money for research, I think it would be very appropriate to cut subsidies and tax cuts to businesses that make cancer causing products. A lot of the food industry is not helping the move towards more fiber and less processed foods with fewer additives.
The reality of two successful and well known people getting struck in their prime years could well be a tipping point for many to start practicing healthier lifestyles.
Tony Snow is a real gentleman. He has a positive attitude that goes far in fighting adversities such as this.
I appreciate your sentiments and concerns for he and Mrs. John Edwards.
I pray for success in their fight against this insidious disease that is indiscriminate as to who it will attack.
We are all affected by cancer sooner or later and I also pray no harm will come to you and yours.