Dodd Diagnosed With Early Stage Prostate Cancer

by: tparty

Fri Jul 31, 2009 at 12:16:52 PM EDT

Dear Friend,

I wanted to let you know that I've been diagnosed with an early stage of prostate cancer.

This diagnosis is very common among men my age. In fact, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their life.

Luckily, a routine test allowed my doctor to catch it at a very early stage, and my prognosis is excellent - we expect a full and speedy recovery.

I want to assure you that I'm feeling fine. As you know, we've been working hard to pass health care legislation and reform our nation's financial system to protect consumers, and that hard work will continue.

After the Senate adjourns at the end of next week, I'll have surgery to remove the cancer. After a week or two of recuperation, I expect to be right back to work.

After all, as a Member of Congress, I have great health insurance. I was able to get screened, seek the opinions of highly skilled doctors, consider all the available options, and choose the treatment that was right for me.

And I know you'll agree that every American deserves the same ability.

We have health care legislation to pass - and an election to win. And I can't thank you enough for your support.

Sincerely,

Chris

The Courant story is here. A press conference is scheduled for 2pm today.

Update: ConnecticutMan1 says it well in the comments below:

"I am certain that everyone at MLN wishes him the best in his treatment and hopes for a speedy recovery. We need his voice to help fight for changes in health insurance and healthcare so that every American can have a chance to receive the kind of treatment he will receive."

(ctblogger edit: upon learning of Chris Dodd's condition, elected officials send words of encouragement...which you can read below the fold).

I wish my long-time friend and colleague Chris Dodd my best wishes for a speedy recovery.  Thankfully, this type of cancer is relatively common and treatable.

For more than thirty years, Chris has served the people of the State of Connecticut , and we have come to know him as a fighter, so I am certain that he and his wife Jackie will meet this challenge in stride and with success.

My family offers our thoughts and prayers to Chris and his entire family.

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz

"Although I am saddened to hear that Senator Chris Dodd has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, I am grateful that the cancer has been detected early so the prospects for a successful outcome from surgery are good.  All of us who have known Chris throughout his career know what a fighter he has been for family and medical leave, election reform, credit card reform and now for health care reform.  I am sure Senator Dodd will fight just as hard for his own health as he has fought for Connecticut 's citizens and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.  We are all pulling for him."

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro

As a 23-year cancer survivor, I can tell you first-hand that cancer is a beatable disease.  And Chris Dodd is a fighter.

[...]

Importantly, this has been found early, it is a minimal amount of cancer and it has not spread.  Chris will undergo surgery and be back to work fighting for the people of Connecticut. Love and prayers to Chris and his family.

Congressman Jim Himes:

My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Dodd and his family. His prognosis for a quick recovery is strong, and we are lucky he will be able to return to the important work he is doing in the Senate to ensure all Americans have access to the early detection and preventive health care that helped catch his cancer at such an early state.

Congressman Joe Courtney:

I wish my long-time friend and colleague Chris Dodd my best wishes for a speedy recovery.  Thankfully, this type of cancer is relatively common and treatable. For more than thirty years, Chris has served the people of the State of Connecticut, and we have come to know him as a fighter, so I am certain that he and his wife Jackie will meet this challenge in stride and with success. My family offers our thoughts and prayers to Chris and his entire family.

Senator Joe Lieberman

I wish Chris a speedy recovery and I know him as someone who is very strong and vigorous so I am confident he will be back to work as energetic as ever in September. And, of course, he will be in my prayers every day.

Republcian State chairman Chris Healy

All Connecticut residents should be encouraged and relieved that Sen. Dodd's prognosis for a full and swift recovery are good.

[...]

Everyone knows someone who has dealt with serious health issues, and Sen. Dodd deserves our good wishes and prayers duuring his surgery and recuperation. We wish him the very best in his treatment and rehabilitation. Sen. Dodd's diagnosis is a reminder to all to be vigorous in checkups to improve the chances for total remission and full recovery.