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ABC:

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., said today he will undergo surgery this morning at Duke University Medical Center in Durham N.C., as part of his treatment for a cancerous brain tumor.

Kennedy, 76, was diagnosed last month with a malignant glioma, an often lethal type of brain tumor.[..]

After consulting with his doctors and his wife, Vicki, Kennedy "decided the best course of action for my brain tumor is targeted surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation," he said.[..]

When his treatment ends, Kennedy said, "I look forward to returning to the United States Senate and to doing everything I can to help elect Barack Obama as our next president."

UPDATE: NY Times:

"I am pleased to report that Senator Kennedy's surgery was successful and accomplished our goals," Dr. Allan Friedman, chief of the division of neurosurgery in the surgical department at Duke in Durham, N.C., said in a statement about 2 p.m.

Dr. Friedman said after the procedure that Mr. Kennedy should "experience no permanent neurological affects from the surgery."

About Nicole Belle
Nicole Belle's picture
Mom, Wife, Media Critic/Political Analyst, Blogger, Austen Fanatic, Unapologetic Liberal NicoleBelle@crooksandliars.com
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77 Comments
Marge's picture

They just announced it was a success..Thank goodness. I hope he has no lasting effects.

Liberal AND Proud's picture

Marge @ 1:

They just announced it was a success..Thank goodness. I hope he has no lasting effects.

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH!!!!

displaced's picture

Buh.... After I had a plate put in my arm I felt like crap (general anesthesia and I are not on good terms.) I can only imagine how bad abdominal or brain surgery would make you feel. At least Senator Kennedy is optimistic.

L.A. Confidential's picture

Setting aside "Slick Barry" here's the scoop

DURHAM, N.C. - Sen. Edward M. Kennedy underwent what his doctors called successful surgery Monday to treat his cancerous brain tumor, and told his wife shortly after that he felt "like a million bucks," a family spokeswoman said.

http://tinyurl.com/47gonq

woodguy's picture

It is sad to think that no other Senator comes even close to Kennedy's passion and eloquence.

Our thoughts are with you and your family. Let's hope for a speedy recovery and a return to the Senate.

Good news! Get healthy Ted! We need your voice back in the Senate.

L.A. Confidential's picture

Unfortunately us commoners can't afford a Dr.Friedman -- one of the best neurosurgeons in the United States, or the kind of top flight facilities the super rich can afford.

Maybe this is a calling for Ted to try to get us some help "down here".

Malcontent's picture

Congratulations Sen. Kennedy! Honestly, I'm quite surprised because I was under the impression that the cancer was inoperable.

Yellow Elephant Safari's picture

Meanwhile, heads are exploding over at little green slimeballs. Nothing like a little good news about someone named Kennedy to set the mouth breeders pulses all aflutter.

L.A. Confidential's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

Numinous's picture

With right wing neocons, and Hillary Clinton, 'hinting' that bad things could happen to Obama, even to the point of including a Kennedy....

I would make sure that certain people aren't allowed even NEAR Mr. Kennedy. The last thing we need is for him to be 'suicided' for the right winger's convenience.

I don't think ANYTHING is beneath them. If I followed religion at all, I'd say that some neocon authoritarians are the rectal spawn of Satan.

Just my two cents (which is becoming worth less with every passing second)

bethy's picture

I just read... after the surgery he told his wife he felt like a million bucks. So glad to hear it. Brain surgery is an iffy proposition, no matter your age.

Here's hoping he comes back to the Senate soon, with stories of how every American deserves the top-notch health care he received. Get well soon, Teddy.

Rusty Shackleford's picture

Hell yes successful! Way to go, Ted!

General_Rennenkampf's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

accountability's picture

displaced @ 3:

Buh.... After I had a plate put in my arm I felt like crap (general anesthesia and I are not on good terms.) I can only imagine how bad abdominal or brain surgery would make you feel. At least Senator Kennedy is optimistic.

I know.
I had a gall bladder out and other than the pain of the GB attack itself, which I would have gladly died to escape from it took a couple of months to fully get on my feet, not the couple of weeks they promised.

But he is a tough guy, a "survivor" as they say.(don't like that expression.)
A fighter and a live wire!
PLUS he has so much support, love in his life and a lot from a lot of the public as well. That sometimes can make a difference.

There have been double blind (?)studies done on the power of prayer in healing, even by strangers.

They have also done them from just hopeful, positive thoughts being directed towards a patient with equal results.

Sending them out.
I'm so glad he came through it successfully.

I am struck by how much older he seems in the phot above then his normal look.
Maybe it is just knowing what he's going through affecting my perception or maybe I'm so used to seeing him standing tall, confident and pissed off!
LOL

ChrisM70's picture

Obama needs to save a place for Kennedy in his cabinet!!!

Make a full recovery Ted!

L.A. Confidential's picture

Liberal AND Proud @ 15:

He can back any candidate he wants...can't he. Or is he another Judas?

Obama/Richardson '08

Ted can do whatever he wants.

Besides, Obama said today he and Clinton are going to work together. At a town hall pitch in Michigan.

accountability's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

Left&Left's picture

L.A. Confidential @ 7:

Unfortunately us commoners can't afford a Dr.Friedman -- one of the best neurosurgeons in the United States, or the kind of top flight facilities the super rich can afford.

Maybe this is a calling for Ted to try to get us some help "down here".

You picked the worst example and time to spew more of your miserable negativity. Sen. Kennedy is a renowned champion of the poor and dispossessed, minimum wage, immigration reform, etc. All of your posts are negative...reflecting your dead soul. Somebody or something beat you down, now you're a sorry old man. You don't believe in shit...except doomsday.

Good for the doctors and good for Senator Kennedy. Sounds like they had a winning team. Here's hoping the news just keeps getting better and better!

L.A. Confidential's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]
I like Ted. He's done a lot of good things. But no HUMAN BEING IS perfect. Contrary to what the media wants us to believe.

ysbaddaden's picture

I wonder what's worse recovering from brain surgery

Or a long drinking binge?

I only have experience with the latter.

L.A. Confidential's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

L.A. Confidential's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

General_Rennenkampf's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

liberal traitor's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

Teddy, glad to see things went well, proud to have you (and to continue having you) as my Senator!

Bring back the Lion!

fastfeat's picture

Thanks to the surgeons and medical team for your skills. Best of luck to Ted and his family on his recovery.

WE ALL LOVE A LITTLE BUSH's picture

In a related story, President Dubya Bush had the assurance from his doctor that he will never have to worry about Brain Cancer...
he will also not have to worry about....... heart ailments....... spinal issues.......
.................................so much for the benefits of being a brainless heartless spineless president

Power to Teddy... a champion showing that wealth does not necessarily remove your humanity

accountability's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

accountability's picture

WE ALL LOVE A LITTLE BUSH @ 23:

In a related story, President Dubya Bush had the assurance from his doctor that he will never have to worry about Brain Cancer...
he will also not have to worry about....... heart ailments....... spinal issues.......
.................................so much for the benefits of being a brainless heartless spineless president

Power to Teddy... a champion showing that wealth does not necessarily remove your humanity

ROFLMAO!
Hit the nail on the head.

I hope he doesn't use that to try to extend his coup.

accountability's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

ysbaddaden's picture

I read L A Confidential's comments on 4 and saw nothing particularly disturbing. In one brief line, he acknowledged his usual "Slick Barry" commentary, and then moved on to a brief synopsis of the procedure Ted Kennedy underwent, and provided a link to the story.

It is those who cannot laugh at themselves that are truly miserable.

Comment #7 on the otherhand would've be more relevant if it were dick cheney going in for treatment, because he's one that fights against National Health Care plans, not for.

[I'm taking suspect stuff off the board, reviewing it, and sticking it back. I have no way knowing where a 'tiny url' is directing me to, so when people quit trashing each other, and going off topic, I can decide what the deal is with an anonymous link-Sitemonitor]

liberal traitor's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

How about on this one thread we keep the subject out of the gutters of politics and stick with the good thoughts we are sending to Senator Kennedy and his family during his time of his recovery?

Ben's picture

L.A. Confidential @ 6:

Unfortunately us commoners can't afford a Dr.Friedman -- one of the best neurosurgeons in the United States, or the kind of top flight facilities the super rich can afford.

Maybe this is a calling for Ted to try to get us some help "down here".

Dr Friedman works on any number of different people, and certainly does not ignore work on the "commoners". So maybe you ought not to talk badly about men that you've never met.

ysbaddaden's picture

I think the Kennedy's in general, and Teddy specifically, best represents the concept of Noblisse Oblige.

Remember how conservatives would argue that tax breaks to the wealthy would solve everything, but how could Kerry or Edwards be for the poor when they're rich?

accountability's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

ysbaddaden's picture

pissed off patricia @ 24:

How about on this one thread we keep the subject out of the gutters of politics and stick with the good thoughts we are sending to Senator Kennedy and his family during his time of his recovery?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf5uGPdFnpk

editor's picture

Success just means they cut out most of the tumor without major complication or affecting the patient neurologically. But if stem cells of the tumor remain it could start growing somewhere else.
Its ultimately grim; 4 years if he is lucky....

liberal traitor's picture

apologies to the sitemonitor for wasting your time. First time I've ever had comments removed for going off-topic. Apologies all around I suppose.

Here's hoping for a quick recovery for Ted, and I'll leave it at that from now on.

RancidVenison's picture

Go Ted, Go!

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Dave's picture

Get well soon, Senator!

fastfeat's picture

editor @ 39:

Success just means they cut out most of the tumor without major complication or affecting the patient neurologically. But if stem cells of the tumor remain it could start growing somewhere else.
Its ultimately grim; 4 years if he is lucky....

Four years of life sure beat zero though! (Well, maybe not if we get a third bush term...)

I'm guessing he's got as good a medical team as one could get. Probably worth every penny.

accountability's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

hareli's picture

That's great news.

Guess what destroys glioma or incurable brain tumors: THC.
(It also slowed the growth of lung cancer, breast cancer, and virus-induced leukemia, but the Ford and Reagan governments ordered this research destroyed.)

Pot Shrinks Tumors; Government Knew in '74

And if you smoke cigarettes, you should be adding marijuana to protect your lungs.

Study: Smoking Pot Doesn't Cause Cancer--It May Prevent It!
The Greatest Story Never Told

By FRED GARDNER
May 3/4, 2008

Tequila's picture

So, Ted. When you feel better, how about demanding the rest of the public get the same free life-saving health care you did, buddy?

Ruthless People's picture

Left&Left @ 18:

L.A. Confidential @ 7:

Unfortunately us commoners can't afford a Dr.Friedman -- one of the best neurosurgeons in the United States, or the kind of top flight facilities the super rich can afford.

Maybe this is a calling for Ted to try to get us some help "down here".

You picked the worst example and time to spew more of your miserable negativity. Sen. Kennedy is a renowned champion of the poor and dispossessed, minimum wage, immigration reform, etc. All of your posts are negative...reflecting your dead soul. Somebody or something beat you down, now you're a sorry old man. You don't believe in shit...except doomsday.

Oh. My. God. Talking about going to the alter to testify!

I agree. This is Ted Kennedy not Dick Cheney. Dick Cheney would be flown off Duke for his uptenth triple bypass at taxpayer expense then do everything it is power to insure we don't get as good a treatment as he gets with our own tax dollars instead opting to give our tax dollars to the rich in tax breaks and steer what's left to Halliburton and more oil wars. Kennedy at least tries to help the poor and middle class and does a fine job at it. I wish him a speady recovery so he can't get back to the senate and watch out backs!

miss_kitty's picture

hareli @ 41:

That's great news.

Guess what destroys glioma or incurable brain tumors: THC.
(It also slowed the growth of lung cancer, breast cancer, and virus-induced leukemia, but the Ford and Reagan governments ordered this research destroyed.)

Pot Shrinks Tumors; Government Knew in '74

And if you smoke cigarettes, you should be adding marijuana to protect your lungs.

Study: Smoking Pot Doesn't Cause Cancer--It May Prevent It!
The Greatest Story Never Told

By FRED GARDNER
May 3/4, 2008

I'd twist one up and burn it with Teddy...
:)

Dana's picture

Ted is a fighter! Get well soon Senator you're
one of the last true voices of the American
worker left in the government.

Yellowbird's picture

You can still go to Senator Kennedy's website and on the first page send him a warm message of support.

It really helps give him the strength he needs to know that millions of people love him and are pulling for him.

Please?

Shan's picture

I don't want to be too much of a downer but malignant gliomas aren't "often lethal", they're always lethal.

I worked for a neurosurgical unit and if they're describing the nature of the tumour correctly, then it is always fatal because it's not an encapsulated tumour and you'll never get all of it. Amongst other things, a main reason for the surgery in to relieve pressure effects of the tumour on the surrounding brain tissue.

However, it's not all doom and gloom. Combined with radiotherapy, the mean additional survival time is 18 months to 2 years and if you're lucky, you could get a lot more.

Surgery will usually buy you time and I say all this for only the express purpose of everyone having a realistic picture of what's possibly going on.

accountability's picture

ysbaddaden @ 38:

pissed off patricia @ 24:

How about on this one thread we keep the subject out of the gutters of politics and stick with the good thoughts we are sending to Senator Kennedy and his family during his time of his recovery?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf5uGPdFnpk

Thanks Patricia.
Good reminder and thanks forr the vido.
Priceless.

What a difference a couple of generations makes.

accountability's picture

Yellowbird @ 49:

You can still go to Senator Kennedy's website and on the first page send him a warm message of support.

It really helps give him the strength he needs to know that millions of people love him and are pulling for him.

Please?

Okey dokey.
Good Idea.

accountability's picture

accountability @ 44:

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

Sorry.
UR Right.

accountability's picture

accountability @ 53:

accountability @ 44:

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

Sorry.
UR Right.

OI
Really Right.

Sorry, deep apologies site monitor..

Batocchio's picture

I was glad to hear this.

sully18's picture

You go,Teddy.I`m praying for you to get better,get back to the Senate,and give `em hell for the rest of your life.

nyguy's picture

Does that mean that he is cancer free? I hope so, he is one of the most decent politician and human beings we know.

Chuckling Canuck's picture

Left&Left @ 19:

L.A. Confidential @ 7:

Unfortunately us commoners can't afford ... the best neurosurgeons in the United States. ...get us some help "down here".

You picked the worst example and time to spew more of your miserable negativity.

WOW!
You 'Merkins sure need to sit down and think through your healthcare policies.
Yes, Kennedy has the money to afford a top surgeon, but surely every citizen in the wealthiest country in the world must have access to equally good care, eh?
You've got to hope that Kennedy makes a full recovery from surgery and lives long enough to help send Bush and his criminal gang to the Hague for war trials.

Ruthless People's picture

Chuckling Canuck @ 59:

Left&Left @ 19:

L.A. Confidential @ 7:

Unfortunately us commoners can't afford ... the best neurosurgeons in the United States. ...get us some help "down here".

You picked the worst example and time to spew more of your miserable negativity.


You've got to hope that Kennedy makes a full recovery from surgery and lives long enough to help send Bush and his criminal gang to the Hague for war trials.

Kennedy or Conyers. Don't expect Pelosi to do anything.

Rick Mack's picture

Great to hear that everything went well....hope he recovers and continues to make more significant contributions in the coming months.

The Very Bitter Ceci Hussein's picture

Thank goodness! After hearing about the death of Bo Diddley, I was very down. But, news of the operation being successful for Mr. Kennedy lifted my spirits. :)

I wish him a speedy and successful recovery. I look forward to seeing him back in the Senate, if he gets better.

ysbaddaden's picture

62 The Very Bitter Ceci Hussein Says: Thank goodness! After hearing about the death of Bo Diddley, I was very down. But, news of the operation being successful for Mr. Kennedy lifted my spirits. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMrKKDNgt5g

marty hill's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

phyllis's picture

Numinous @ 11:

With right wing neocons, and Hillary Clinton, 'hinting' that bad things could happen to Obama, even to the point of including a Kennedy....

I would make sure that certain people aren't allowed even NEAR Mr. Kennedy. The last thing we need is for him to be 'suicided' for the right winger's convenience.

I don't think ANYTHING is beneath them. If I followed religion at all, I'd say that some neocon authoritarians are the rectal spawn of Satan.

Just my two cents (which is becoming worth less with every passing second)

well at least your last sentence is correct

woodguy's picture

L.A. Confidential @ 7:

Unfortunately us commoners can't afford a Dr.Friedman -- one of the best neurosurgeons in the United States, or the kind of top flight facilities the super rich can afford.

Maybe this is a calling for Ted to try to get us some help "down here".

Ted Kennedy has been a tireless advocate for those less fortunate. Why does it not suprise anyone that you have failed to notice or care? What have you done for the poor lately?

woodguy's picture

Tequila @ 46:

So, Ted. When you feel better, how about demanding the rest of the public get the same free life-saving health care you did, buddy?

He's been doing that his whole career. Are you blind? Stupid? or just sub-human? Perhaps a trifecta?

Ratface's picture

woodguy @ 66:

L.A. Confidential @ 7:

Unfortunately us commoners can't afford a Dr.Friedman -- one of the best neurosurgeons in the United States, or the kind of top flight facilities the super rich can afford.

Maybe this is a calling for Ted to try to get us some help "down here".

Ted Kennedy has been a tireless advocate for those less fortunate. Why does it not suprise anyone that you have failed to notice or care? What have you done for the poor lately?

Well said woodguy. LA seldom gets his facts straight plus he
leans Republican. What a sad fellow LA must be. :-(

ysbaddaden's picture

[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]

Proud American's picture

Senator Ted Kennedy;

You have our thoughts, hearts and prayer. May God bless and help you through this trying times.

Nowonmai's picture

My hopes and prayers for a speedy recovery.

GC's picture

...when will ALL Americans have the same health care protection as He???

JustSickOfIt's picture

Good luck Ted, get well soon so you can get back to the Sanate and start kicking repig ass!

Kathleen's picture

Bless Senator Kennedy and his family. We are praying for you Ted. The "people" need you Ted, but get your well deserved rest.

Kathleen's picture

GC @ 70:

...when will ALL Americans have the same health care protection as He???

JustSickOfIt @ 71:

Good luck Ted, get well soon so you can get back to the Sanate and start kicking repig ass!

I can tell you this Senator Ted Kennedy has been trying to get us that health care package for longer than one can imagine. This guy has been trying to kick ass for the common folk for a long time.

Chuck Todd Facts's picture

Ted - I wish you all the best on your recovery. If I prayed, I would pray for you.

Paul's picture

Best wishes, Ted.

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