Md. Gov. Larry Hogan Diagnosed With Cancer Of Lymph Nodes
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- A shocking announcement from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan--he has stage III lymphoma, a rapidly spreading cancer.
Political reporter Pat Warren was at the State House when the governor broke the news.
It had been apparent to some that the governor wasn't up to usual speed since his return from Asia, canceling his Board of Public Works meeting last week and missing other meetings and appointments. We thought maybe he had picked up a bug. We found out Monday he was busy with doctors on a cancer diagnosis.
It is unusual for the governor's family to attend a news conference and even more unsettling to hear this kind of news:
"A few days ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. It's an aggressive, B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma—to be specific. And it's a cancer of the lymph nodes," the governor said. "The truth is that I've learned over the past few days that this cancer is very advanced and very aggressive."
Governor Hogan says that prior to leaving on his trip to Asia, he noticed a lump in his neck while shaving.
"I didn't really have any symptoms. I saw one thing pop out. I had a little bit of pain in my back, which I thought was like a pulled muscle. It turns out, it was a tumor pressing up against my nerves," he said.
He had it checked out when he returned.
"Then they found 12 more of these things in my neck and chest and said they wanted to do a full MRI. They found 20 or 30 more in my core area, in my groin area. It was one test after another after another. It was like peeling an onion. 'Let's send you for this test. Oh, that's bad. Let's send you to this test. That doesn't look so good,'" Gov. Hogan said.
The governor says he will undergo aggressive treatment--which started Monday with a bone marrow extraction.
"They say you're going to go through hell and back again, but you're going to love it when you get back--and the results are going to be good," he said.
During the course of treatment, Gov. Hogan says he will continue his work in office--like millions of other Americans do who also have cancer.
"As I climb this hill, I remain comforted by my abiding faith that the Lord continues to bless me and will be by my side with every step," Gov. Hogan said. "Granting me the strength to defeat this disease and the wisdom and the judgment to be the public servant—public steward—that I was elected to be."
Gov. Hogan says he wants to be up front with the people of the state of Maryland because that's just what he does.
"It's my hope that being candid and transparent about my battle--that I will be able to help raise awareness that could ultimately benefit others," the governor said.
Doctors say the cancer is beatable and treatable.
"My odds of getting through this and beating this are much, much better than the odds I had of beating Anthony Brown to become the 62nd governor of Maryland," he said.
Whatever duties the governor may not be able to perform during his treatment will be handled by Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford.
Watch Gov. Larry Hogan's Announcement:
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued this statement regarding the governor's announcement:
"I was saddened to learn of Governor Hogan's cancer diagnosis this afternoon. This is a moment for all of us to stand together in unity and prayer behind our Governor. I got to work very closely with Governor Hogan during the recent unrest, and we all know that if there is anybody tough enough to beat cancer, it is Governor Hogan. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time."
D.C. Congressman Andy Harris released the following statement:
"My thoughts are with Governor Hogan and his family. I hope all Marylanders will join me in praying that he has a speedy and complete recovery. We have made dramatic advancements in treatment of this disease and I am sure the Governor will get the best care available."
Many others say they were shocked to hear about the governor's illness.
Stay with WJZ and CBSBaltimore.com for the latest on this developing story.