AP : Rehnquist's Status Still a Mystery

[jefferson_dem]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist's health is shrouded in mystery, the extent of his thyroid cancer a closely guarded secret. Several coming events could give the public an idea about the seriousness of his condition.

Since announcing his illness in a statement on Oct. 25, the 80-year-old Rehnquist has run the nation's highest court from his home in suburban Virginia.

He rules on cases by reviewing transcripts of arguments and passing along his votes to justices. Opinions are largely researched and drafted by law clerks. Administrative tasks fall to a top aide.

The only update on his condition came in a short statement from the court three weeks ago. It said he was receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which some doctors familiar with thyroid cancer said suggests Rehnquist has a fast-growing cancer.

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http://apnews.myway.com/article/20041121/D86GD4A01.html

[Warpy]

1. They don't do permanent tracheostomies

unless the cancer has invaded at least the vocal chords, and propabaly the surrounding trachea. My guess is that it's not strictly thyroid cancer and that it's a lot more advanced than anyone has admitted.

He's probably learning how to use an electronic "voice" and healing from the surgery. I doubt he'll last too much longer before he retires.

(the grossest thing in the world is watching a cigarette addict smoke through a hole in his neck, gags me every time..)

[Massachusetts]

2. Pass the embalming fluid please....

Norman Bates is working on him.:evilgrin:

[Krs216]

3. And as soon as he passes away, or retires

shrub is going to appoint the most conservative, racist, anti-choice member of the KKK that the bench has ever seen.

[Zynx]

5. So, you mean there won't be a change?

Rehnquist is a piece of work.

[Zynx]

4. Sounds like anaplastic thyroid cancer

Which means he's dead meat.