Lawmakers React To News Of Menino's Cancer Battle
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has been diagnosed with an advanced form of an unknown cancer.
The Boston Globe said in a story posted on its website Saturday that doctors were unable to find the source of the cancer that had metastasized. The cancer was discovered in February by Menino's primary physician, Dr. Charles A. Morris, the newspaper reported.
On Sunday, Menino made an appearance at a book signing in Dorchester. He called the diagnosis 'a bump in the road.'
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
Former Police Commissioner Ed Davis on Menino
The 71-year-old Menino, the longest-serving Boston mayor who retired from the office a year ago, has had many health problems in recent years. He said Morris, after making the discovery, was more shaken that Menino.
"My attitude really is, we'll get through it," Menino told the Globe.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
Lawmakers React To News Of Menino's Cancer Battle
Mayor Marty Walsh released a statement Saturday saying his thoughts and prayers are with Menino and his family.
"I've never known Tom Menino to back down from a fight, and I don't expect him to start now," the statement said. "Mayor Menino has always been here for the people of Boston, and we're behind him today, 100%."
On Sunday, House Speaker Robert DeLeo released a statement:
"Knowing Mayor Menino's fighting spirit, I expect him to face this challenge as he has so many in his life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mayor Menino, Angela and his entire family."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mary Blake reports
Lawmakers Confident Menino Will Fight Cancer
Several politicians voiced their support of Menino Sunday morning, during the annual St. Patrick's Day breakfast in South Boston.
Menino was admitted to the hospital several times while in office.
In 2003, he underwent surgery to remove a rare sarcoma on his back. The following year, his doctors confirmed he has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease.
He spent six weeks in the hospital in 2012 for a series of ailments, including a respiratory infection. While he was in the hospital, he suffered a compression fracture in his spine and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
In May 2013, he was back in the hospital for surgery for an enlarged prostate.
Menino served as Boston mayor for more than 20 years. Health problems forced him to decline to run for a sixth term.
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