Sen. Craig Thomas (R- Wyoming) has acute myeloid leukemia, returning to Senate

[npincus]

http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/12/04/news/wyoming/30-thomas.txt

There is no reason to believe that a member of the Senate, in recovery or in treatment for, a serious illness, cannot resume his duties when he/she feels able. A current member of the Senate, Craig Thomas (R-Wyoming), was diagnosed with leukemia on election day, November 7th, was released from the hospital on Dec. 2nd.

Funny, the MSM wasn't in the kind of tizzy they are in now, about Thomas' health and sepculation about his future, though the govenor of Wyoming is a Democrat, Dave Freudenthal.

I hope for swift, complete recovery and long life to both senators.



Sen. Craig Thomas


Thomas, 73, was released Saturday from Bethesda National Naval Medical Center, according to the statement. He began treatment for leukemia on Nov. 9. Previously, Thomas said he didn't expect to return to the Senate until January.

Thomas won re-election last month to a third term while he was in the hospital, easily beating Democrat Dale Groutage with 70 percent of the vote.

After three weeks of treatment, Thomas said he continues to take medication and undergo tests to see how effective the treatment has been.

<snip>

Thomas was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia is cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and AML is the most common form of the disease. More than 11,900 new cases of AML are diagnosed in the United States each year, according to the National Marrow Donor Program.

[MonkeyFunk]

1. two points...

Sen. Thomas' condition is not nearly as acute as Sen. Johnson's, so he could very well continue to serve while receiving treatment.

Second, Wyoming law requires that the Governor appoint a replacement from the same party as the previous senator.

[npincus]

5. thanks, the second point on Wyoming law

interesting, and puts that one to rest.

I wouldn't want to compare the prognosis of either. Leukemia in a 73 year-old man vs. recovery from a brain hemmorage and surgery. The latter unknown is too unknown, at this time. It's possible he can make a full recovery. Waiting and hoping.

[LittleClarkie]

2. Is that a long term leukemia or a quicker variety

I actually don't care about the political ramifications for either sick Senator. I just want both to get well soon.

[Nite Owl]

3. It would be the latter

Acute means sudden, it isn't going to be fun for him, this is a very serious form of leukemia. I wish him and his family well.

[LittleClarkie]

6. Shit. Well, I sent him good wishes, and got a nice reply back.

Hopefully he responds well.

My great uncle died of leukemia. He was supposed to be gone in a couple months, but he lasted a year and a half. I come from tough stock.

[Jack from Charlotte]

4. I wish him a speedy recovery. And is the Governor of Wyoming a Dem or a Rethug? (nfm)

*

[MonkeyFunk]

7. He's a Democrat

but Wyoming law would require him to appoint a Republican to the seat.