Thoughts and prayers going out to Ted Kennedy, who will be undergoing brain surgery today

[beachmom]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-06-02-kennedy-surgery_N.htm

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy will undergo surgery Monday at Duke University Medical Center for his cancerous brain tumor and then faces chemotherapy and radiation treatment, his office said.

...

Anthony Coley, a Kennedy spokesman, said the surgery is scheduled to begin around 9 a.m. and expected to last about six hours. He expects to remain at the North Carolina facility for one week to recuperate and then will begin further treatments at Massachusetts General Hospital and start chemotherapy.

"I am deeply grateful to the people of Massachusetts and to my friends, colleagues and so many others across the country and around the world who have expressed their support and good wishes as I tackle this new and unexpected health challenge," Kennedy said in the statement. "I am humbled by the outpouring and am strengthened by your prayers and kindness."

Kennedy said that over the past few days he and his wife, Vicki, "along with my outstanding team of doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital, have consulted with experts from around the country and have decided that the best course of action for my brain tumor is targeted surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation."

...

After his treatment, 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." Kennedy has endorsed Obama, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Not sure if there is anyone medical here, but I guess it was erroneous when they said at first that it was inoperable. Teddy's surgery starts in about a half an hour (9 AM) so send good thoughts his way, that his surgery is a success.

[Inuca]

1. I heard it when the news first broke

been thinking about him aver since. I suppose that going for the surgery is actually a good sign, very risky nevertheless. Not much into praying, but I did pray this morning... :hug:

[Island Blue]

2. Best wishes to Senator Kennedy.

Duke is one of the very best medical facilities in the world - I know he will receive excellent care. He will certainly be in my thoughts today and as he recovers.

[TayTay]

6. It is one of the bet facilities in the nation

And the news reports say that Duke was chosen because it offers great care and an aggressive approach to treating this form of cancer.

Thanks!

[fedupinBushcountry]

3. Ted Kennedy

is very stronged willed and I know this will help in his recovery. They just said the surgery will take 6 hours so won't know anything until at least 3 p.m. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family today.

[BlueIris]

4. I wish all the best for Senator Kennedy and his family. nt

[MonteLukast]

5. He's very brave.

Surgery's not easy for someone his age. The anesthesia is the riskiest part. It's critical he gets plenty of oxygen all the way through. Especially if that's been the main reason behind Bill Clinton's personality change... a shortage of oxygen during his bypass surgery.

The most important system to monitor during anesthesia is the cardiovascular system, followed closely by the respiratory system. I can't remember: are you in fact MORE likely to suffer oxygen-shortage-induced brain injury for heart operations than brain operations?

If Ted's had healthy circulation that's a big plus. (Similarly, I'm very sanguine about the prognosis should JK or John Edwards have to undergo surgery because they're both in excellent shape!)

[beachmom]

7. Good news! It was successful, and he is out of surgery.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3335375

I am sure there will be more details to follow later on.

[ProSense]

8. Great news.

Here's a diary with updates

Really great news.

[BlueIris]

9. This is excellent.

((((( Senator Ted )))))

[politicasista]

10. Thanks

Hang in there Uncle Ted.

[MonteLukast]

11. Oh, thank God! I am so glad.

"I feel like a million bucks. I think I'll do that again."

He's going to be all right. :grouphug:

[JI7]

12. great, he is such a fighter