AP: Senator Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor

Wow (0.00 / 0)

I am numb right now.

My sincerest thoughts go out to the Senator and his entire family.

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by: Wookie @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:32:48 PM CDT

This part is not good: (0.00 / 0)

Average survival can range from less than a year for very advanced and aggressive types - such as glioblastomas - or to about five years for different types that are slower growing.

:(

Let me get this straight: Democrats protest war, Republicans protest health care?

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by: tblade @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:37:40 PM CDT

Our Hopes and Prayers (0.00 / 0)

...are with Senator Kennedy and his family. Very sad day today.

ProgressiveMan

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by: ProgressiveMan @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:39:14 PM CDT

Sad news (0.00 / 0)

My family's hopes and prayers are with our senior Senator and his family as well.

Sincerely,
Wayne Wilson
Roslindale

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by: warrior02131 @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:46:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hoping for the best (0.00 / 0)

My hopes for the best possible health and spirits to the Senator, his family, and to all others fighting cancer.

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by: fieldscornerguy @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:46:25 PM CDT

Very sad news (6.00 / 5)

If Senator Kennedy fights this cancer half as hard as he fights in the Senate, the tumor doesn't stand a chance.

Nevertheless, he'll be in my prayers.

.08 Acres
.0000016% of Massachusetts Political Commentary

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by: sco @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 13:18:26 PM CDT

At least he's getting the best care possible (0.00 / 0)

My thoughts go out to him and his family.  

On a more personal note, last year a friend of mine went through cancer treatment at Mass Gen, and I have no doubt that it saved her life.  It's a wonderful hospital, and along with a great staff, they have the most advanced technology at their fingertips.  I'm confident that he's getting the best care available.  That, combined with his upbeat personality, is sure to bode well.

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by: rst1231 @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 13:37:46 PM CDT

Sincerest (0.00 / 0)

best wishes to Senator Kennedy and his family.  

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by: lolorb @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 13:42:44 PM CDT

Echo all these best wishes (0.00 / 0)

My thoughts and prayers are with Sen. Kennedy and the Kennedy family. Along with everybody else here, I am hoping for the best in this difficult time.

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by: afertig @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 13:49:41 PM CDT

Nothing to say ... (0.00 / 0)

but to chime in and say we're pulling for the Senator and his family.

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Blue Mass. Group
Call Scott Brown's office at (617) 565-3170, or (202) 224-4543 to support a cap on carbon emissions: 350ppm by 2050
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by: Charley on the MTA @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 13:57:04 PM CDT

Thoughts and Prayers! (0.00 / 0)

All of our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Edward Kennedy and his Family at this time.

He is a great man!

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by: peabody @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 14:19:20 PM CDT

Damn. (0.00 / 0)

May he live to sail his blue Concordia sloop a few more times.

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by: elfpix @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 14:31:43 PM CDT

Mass General Neurology treated me for dozens of years. (0.00 / 0)

He's in the hands of the very best.

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 14:33:54 PM CDT

As Peter Says (0.00 / 0)

the neurology department at Mass General is the best in the world.  He's in good hands.

My dad had a pituitary tumor and Lowell General botched his post op care.  We got him to Mass General via ambulance and things turned around.  The difference in the level of care was stark.

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by: EaBoClipper @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 14:38:35 PM CDT

Thoughts and hopes for a quick and full recovery. . . . (0.00 / 0)

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by: papicek @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 15:13:09 PM CDT

Damn (0.00 / 0)

Wow I had no idea things drastically took such a turn for the worst. Well he has friends in the Senate who've battled this kind of thing-Arlen Specter most recently. I am sure he can fight through it and recover. Thoughts and prayers as always.

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by: jconway @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 15:59:42 PM CDT

Speaking of friends in the Senate (6.00 / 1)

Have you seen Robert Byrd's reaction?

.08 Acres
.0000016% of Massachusetts Political Commentary

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by: sco @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 16:14:52 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

One way to honor the work of Ted Kennedy is to help carry it on until his return (5.67 / 3)

Improved Medicare-for-All is what Senator Ted Kennedy has spent much of his life working for, including a bill he filed not long ago to expand age-eligibility for Medicare gradually until the entire U.S. population is covered (this is also known as single payer health care).

Let's honor Ted Kennedy, and every other person in the U.S.--doesn't every life count, and push for what's right and what's smart and demand improved Medicare-for-All NOW.  

In addition to Sen. Kennedy, our future President Barack Obama wants and needs us to create a groundswell for real universal healthcare, so let's get on with it.

Please help by getting informed and signing on at http://www.GuaranteedHealthcar... or http://www.Healthcare-Now.org

For MA state level reform (as opposed to the state sanctioned insurance fraud that's being disguised as "reform" with the individual mandate law) in Massachusetts, see http://www.MassCare.org

Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) has a monthly Healthcare Reform/Medicare-for-All/Single Payer organizing conference call that happens to be on for tonight. Join the movement!
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Time: 9:00 pm EDT, 8 pm CDT, 7 pm MDT, 6 pm PDT
Conference Call #:  (605) 990-0400 Code: 968483#
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Sending heartfelt supportive and healing energy to Senator Kennedy and to his family and friends...

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by: AnnEM @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 16:16:12 PM CDT

Way to politicize someone's terminal cancer (4.00 / 4)

I find it beyond unseemly.  Disgusting.  

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by: bostonshepherd @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 18:39:12 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It's not "politicizing someone's cancer" to both recognize and to honor his commitment to an issue that is far from solved (4.33 / 3)

Senator Kennedy worked tirelessly to enact a national health program so that every person, be they a Senator, a janitor, or an artist, whatever, would have health security for themselves and their family.  Ted Kennedy was there for my family when my sister was denied life-saving care and finally, at our wits end and very desperate, we called his office. The day after he got involved, my sister was finally able to receive the care that had been prescribed and that we had been fighting for for months. Countless other patients and families suffer similar cruelties that are entirely preventable--and that would not occur--if the U.S. would finally join the rest of the world and enact a national health program focused on care instead of on profit.

What is "unseemly" and "disgusting" is the lack of a civilized and humane health care program in this country.  I think Senator Kennedy and his family would agree.  

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by: AnnEM @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 19:22:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

There is a time and a place (6.00 / 1)

to push one's causes, and I don't think that this is the time. You're kind of reinforcing that old stereotype of liberals:  care about the cause, don't care about the people.  Plenty of time later for this (surprised you didn't start an analysis of the political blocks to fall in MA).

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by: Mike from Norwell @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 21:42:21 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The cause and the people are inseparable--health care in the U.S. is a violation of human rights on the grand scale (4.00 / 2)

By the way, this isn't "my cause", it's a national cause. In fact, it's way more than that, it's a universal cause.  This health care is a human right thing is not about politics, it's about love for my fellow human beings and about having a reverence for life.

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by: AnnEM @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 22:42:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Unseemly and opportunistic. (0.00 / 0)

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by: MCRD @ Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:24:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Very sad news... (0.00 / 0)

Hearing this news felt like a kick in the stomach...my thoughts and prayers are with Sen. Kennedy and his family.

Massachusetts and this nation have been lucky to have this guy fighting for us for so long...hopefully, he can fight and win this personal battle with brain cancer as well.

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by: bluetoo @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 16:57:42 PM CDT

edward kennedy is a fighter (0.00 / 0)

if anyone can beat this thing, it's him.

our thoughts, prayers, and best expectations are with him and his family.

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by: fairdeal @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 17:47:57 PM CDT

Oh (bleep) (0.00 / 0)

I spent most of the afternoon working on my 90-year-old mother's Medicaid and VA Aid and Attendance paperwork. It didn't escape me that the two benefit programs wouldn't be what they are without Senator Kennedy's hands on the legislation, making help and funds available for the elderly. I couldn't stop weeping thinking about all the good he's done for us and the future for all the people who need Senator Kennedy standing up for them.

Get better, get back to work, and keep fighting for us, Senator.

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by: MetroWest Dem @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 17:56:59 PM CDT

Recollections (0.00 / 0)

Redmassgroup had a few people posting there with recollections of some the fast and great constituent services the Senator offered. It seems that good ole Teddy was second to none when it came to getting his constituents fast and high quality services. From someone who asked for a postcard copy of JFKs presidential portrait who instead got several portraits of all the Kennedy brothers and a signed letter from the Senator thanking him for his interest in his family. To someone interning for Senator Thompson who would arrange the weekly radio debates Thompson and Kennedy had who got a personal note from the Senator saying he was sorry that his father has passed away.

I have a few little memories myself. My grandmother always donated $150 every year to two organizations she cherished: The Archdiocese of Boston and the Democratic Party. Even though she was not a big donor Kennedy for whatever reason, perhaps because my grandfather had some minor political connections with his good friend and neighbor who was a former State Senate President, perhaps because my grandpa had been a veteran, or maybe he just did this for everyone, but she would get a Christmas card from the office every year that while a generic thank you for supporting the party and merry christmas was personally signed every year. Kerrys needless to say were not.

In 7th grade we were told as part of an english project to send formal letters to companies, potential employers, celebrities, etc. to practice letter writing which my teacher felt was a dying art in an email age (truth to form I can't remember writing a letter since then) and I sent mine to the Senator asking him to vote against drilling in the ANWR. Not only did I get a reply with a full two page letter on official Senate letterhead that had (likely a form copy) letter telling me the Senators record on the environment which included protecting ANWR with an actual personal signature at the bottom, his office also called my house (we did include phone #s in our letter) and made sure the letter had arrived and reiterated the Senators position.

There have been so many right wingers on tv saying how much of a class act Ted has been. Certainly he has had his personal issues, a bad first marriage, Chappaquiddick, a drinking problem, but he has definitely cleaned up his life and found new hope with his wife and her young children and more importantly he has consistently maintained a fast response system to let people back home know he cares. He gets re-elected with 70% of the vote, rarely has competitors, won't seek higher office, he doesn't need to do this. But he does. And it seems that he and Byrd are the last of a breed of great men in the august chamber.  

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by: jconway @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 18:23:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Although never a Kennedy fan (0.00 / 0)

I will concede this to Sen Kennedy. I have never----ever---heard or had knowledge of Sen Kennedy, or anyone in his office, fail to deliver immediate and thoughtful  assistance to a constituent (the Tip O'Neill School of Government). Even letters disagreeing with policy, votes, or positions were responded to with a polite response and often a thoughtful rebut. All things being equal, although I digress vehemently with many of his positions, I respect the man for the courage of his convictions.

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by: MCRD @ Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:35:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Godspeed (5.00 / 1)

Although there is nothing I agree with Sen. Kennedy politically, my prayers are with him.

My mother-in-law had exactly this type of cancer.  It was discovered when she had seizures -- one at home and another in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.  Growth of the tumor was very rapid, and she lasted less than 2 months.

I hope the press and the public stay as far away from the Senator and his family as possible and allow them the utmost privacy.  

That's advice I'd like to give the good folks at BMG, too.

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by: bostonshepherd @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 18:47:28 PM CDT

What, (5.00 / 1)

were you afraid we'd be staking out his house?

Come on, shep.

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by: David @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 19:52:10 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No so much BMG (0.00 / 0)

... but most media.  Cable, local news, etc.  There's going to be a constant drip-drip-drip of Kennedy Death Watch.

I'm no political fan of the senator, but having lost a family member to exactly this type of tumor, I cannot image assisting a loved one in their final months with satellite vans parked outside.

All the best of luck to Senator Kennedy.  Godspeed.

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by: bostonshepherd @ Thu May 22, 2008 at 06:34:29 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

But ... but (5.00 / 1)

I hope the press and the public stay as far away from the Senator and his family as possible and allow them the utmost privacy.

What makes you think that's what they want? Public people often thrive on public support at difficult times like these. They're not like you and me.

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by: dkennedy @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 20:58:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Kennedys and privacy (5.00 / 1)

Dan, having gone through this last year with my 78 year old father-in-law going from playing hoops with my son over Easter to passing away from advanced Leukemia 7 weeks later, prognosis is not good.  He does need time to say goodbye to family and friends, and not with "the old lion will beat this" type of sentiments that trivialize his condtion.  If surgery is out, then it is time to put his affairs (personal and professional) in order, hopefully far out of the public eye for his and his family's sake.

In passing, I'll always remember having my eyes opened as to the bubble that the Kennedys and other celebrities have to deal with.  We were invited down to one of my wife's friends family house in Hyannisport in '93 across from the Compound.  There was an event going on at the JFK library that weekend, and JFK Jr., Daryl Hannah, and the cousins were staying out at the compound.  I remember going out for a walk down to the HP Yacht Club and along the beach; there is that rock jetty going out about 1/4 mile that you notice on the Nantucket Ferry.  Every once in awhile some goober out on the tip would stand up w/ a camera outfitted w/ a 3 foot lens and start snapping madly towards the compound.  Would anyone else on this board feel comfortable about a**holes taking pictures of them from a quarter mile away while they thought they were just living life?

Let the man and his family have his time.  Never supported him, but I have respect for what he has accomplished and what he is going through.  Whatever his family has to issue to the press is their business, but they all need time to deal with his situation in private.

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by: Mike from Norwell @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 21:38:51 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I don't disagree (0.00 / 0)

But I suspect that as long as he feels well, he'll be out in public just as much as he's ever been. You and Shep may be wishing him a level of privacy that he doesn't want or need.

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by: dkennedy @ Wed May 21, 2008 at 07:33:37 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Just as an FYI (0.00 / 0)

I've had many patients die of this horrific cancer. The pain and suffering is experienced by everyone including the medical staff. It's something I can't even put into words. The Kennedy family may in fact want as much privacy as they are able to achieve.

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by: MCRD @ Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:39:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

This is so sad. (0.00 / 0)

Sorry to hear that Ted Kennedy has a malignant brain tumour--my thoughts, too are with the Ssenator and his family during this difficult time.  Here's hoping that Senator Ted Kennedy beats this thing and gets up and back to work.  He's a rare bird indeed--one of the few politicians that've earned tons of respect and accolades from Democrats and Republicans alike.  

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by: mplo @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 20:22:25 PM CDT

Ted's senate page had a well wishes comment box (0.00 / 0)

if you want to send a message to Ted.

Listening to Charlie Baker talk about fiscal responsibility is like getting lectured on abstinence from Paris Hilton - Tim Murray

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by: johnk @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 20:23:38 PM CDT

Sign a get well card for Senator Kennedy (0.00 / 0)

Here.

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by: avigreen @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 21:10:25 PM CDT

Keep Well (6.00 / 2)

You're a part of Massachusetts Teddy.  

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by: Mugsydog @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 22:10:49 PM CDT

Dammit Ted (6.00 / 4)

I didn't get a chance to know Jackie.
I didn't get a chance to know Bobby.
I mourn them both nevertheless.  But not utterly.

Because I always had you.
I barely know you, but I always had you.
I don't always agree with you, but I knew you'd always fight like hell for what you feel is right.  

And that is what's right.  You fight like hell for people who don't always have a voice.  You give us a voice.

With whatever voice I do have right now, whatever voice you've given me, I say this:  today, I want you to fight like hell for you.

~~~~
Believe it or not, I have even more to say...

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by: sabutai @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 22:27:18 PM CDT

God bless you Senator - hang in there (6.00 / 1)

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by: lanugo @ Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:14:56 AM CDT

Best wishes our great senator and friend. (0.00 / 0)

Ted was an ardent supporter of Best Buddies, which shows you what kind of an intensely decent man he is.  

ttp://www.bestbuddiesmassachusetts.org/site/c.mwL1KkN4LvH/b.1379317/k.BE82/Home.htm

https://www.kintera.org/site/c...

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by: cadmium @ Thu May 22, 2008 at 14:32:28 PM CDT