Sen. Claire McCaskill says she has breast cancer
Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Missouri Democrat, announced Monday afternoon she has breast cancer.
McCaskill said in a tweet: “I very recently learned that I have breast cancer...”
I very recently learned that I have breast cancer... - https://t.co/VYOi5pohqP
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) February 22, 2016
McCaskill said she’d be in St. Louis, Missouri, for three weeks for treatment, and that her staff would assist state residents. She also said she would submit questions for Senate hearings in writing.
She also wrote, “I will be posting on my Senate website (McCaskill.senate.gov) how I would have voted on any matters that come before the Senate during my absence—which I’ll also enter into the Congressional record.”
McCaskill’s colleagues from both sides of the aisle responded quickly with good wishes.
Praying for a quick and speedy recovery for @clairecmc. https://t.co/0u3DU1L3W4
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) February 22, 2016
My thoughts are with you @clairecmc in your fight against breast cancer. I’m praying for a full and speedy recovery.
— Dean Heller (@SenDeanHeller) February 22, 2016
Among them were those who also have had breast cancer. North Dakota Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, using McCaskill’s Twitter handle, tweeted, “From one breast cancer survivor to another soon-to-be survivor – you’re a fighter and I’m cheering for you all the way, @clairecmc.”
MSNBC talk show host Rachel Maddow tweeted, “I swore and threw something when I saw this. God bless you, Senator @clairecmc...”
McCaskill, 62, was elected to the Senate in 2006 as the first female senator from Missouri.
This story was originally published February 22, 2016 at 4:15 PM with the headline "Sen. Claire McCaskill says she has breast cancer."