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Senator says he’ll continue active lifestyle as he again tackles Hodgkin’s disease.
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., says he will begin chemotherapy next week.
AP photo
WASHINGTON — Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter says a recurrence of cancer is just another bump in the road that won’t slow him down.
The five-term Republican says he learned of the early recurrence of Hodgkin’s disease on Tuesday and will begin chemotherapy next week. Hodgkin’s is a cancer of the lymphatic system.
President Bush called Specter on Wednesday from the Oval Office. “You beat it once, and you’ll beat it again,” the president told him.
Specter was straightforward and unemotional as he spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill.
The 78-year-old was treated for the same kind of cancer three years ago. He was later given a clean bill of health.
“I’ve had a lot of bumps, and I’ve got good shock absorbers,” he said. During his discussion of the cancer, he made jokes with his characteristic dry humor.
In 2005, Specter was bald from chemotherapy treatments as he served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee during the confirmation hearings for John Roberts, who is now chief justice of the United States.
Specter recently published a book, “Never Give In: Battling Cancer in the Senate,” in which he credited hard work with getting him through the six months of chemotherapy.