No. 2 Home Republican Steve Scalise is identified with blood most cancers and present process remedy

Rep. Steve Scalise, the No. 2-ranking Home Republican, mentioned Tuesday that he has been identified with a type of blood most cancers often called a number of myeloma and is present process remedy.

Scalise, 57, mentioned he’ll proceed to serve within the Home. He described the most cancers as “very treatable” and mentioned it was detected early.

The Louisiana Republican was amongst a number of folks wounded in 2017 when a rifle-wielding attacker fired on lawmakers on a baseball area in Alexandria, Va., exterior Washington. Scalise was shot within the hip and endured prolonged hospitalizations, a number of surgical procedures and painful rehabilitation.

The most cancers analysis got here, Scalise mentioned, after he had not been feeling like himself within the final week. Blood checks confirmed some irregularities and after further screening, he mentioned he was identified with multiple myeloma.

“I’ve now begun remedy, which is able to proceed for the following a number of months,” Scalise mentioned in an announcement. “I count on to work via this era and intend to return to Washington, persevering with my work as Majority Chief and serving the folks of Louisiana’s First Congressional District.”

Scalise additionally thanked his medical workforce and mentioned he was “extremely grateful we have been in a position to detect this early and that this most cancers is treatable.”

“I’ll sort out this with the identical power and vitality as I’ve tackled previous challenges,” Scalise mentioned.

Colleagues within the Home and members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation supplied Scalise and his household their encouragement in response to the announcement, some recalling his dedication following the 2017 capturing.

“The identical religion, household assist and inner power that made Steve such an inspiration to others after he was shot will carry him via this sickness and as soon as extra encourage us all,” mentioned Sen. Invoice Cassidy (R-La.).