July 20 (UPI) — Doctors diagnosed longtime Sen. John McCain with a brain tumor during a scheduled eye procedure this week, to remove a blood clot, his office announced Wednesday.
The Arizona senator’s office said he returned home and was in “good condition.” He also is discussing treatment options with Mayo Clinic doctors for treatment options going forward.
“His Mayo Clinic doctors report that the surgery went ‘very well’ and he is in good spirits. Once the pathology information is available, further care will be discussed between doctors and the family. In the meantime, his Mayo Clinic care team will not be conducting interviews,” the statement continued.
McCain said he would be recovering in Arizona over the next week.
The senator’s daughter, Meghan McCain, issued a statement about her father’s illness on Twitter.
“My love for my father is boundless and like any daughter I cannot and do not wish to be in a world without him. I have faith that those days remain far away,” she wrote. “Yet even in this moment, my fears for him are overwhelmed by one thing above all: Gratitude for our years together and our years still to come.”
An outpouring of support followed McCain’s diagnosis — from political friends and foes.
“Senator John McCain has always been a fighter,” President Donald Trumpsaid. “Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. Get well soon.”
“John McCain is a hero to our conference and a hero to our country,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. “He has never shied from a fight and I know that he will face this challenge with the same extraordinary courage that has characterized his life.”
“John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I’ve ever known,” former President Barack Obama, McCain’s opponent in the 2008 election, tweeted. “Cancer doesn’t know what it’s up against. Give it hell, John.”
“As he’s shown his entire life, don’t bet against John McCain. Best wishes to him for a swift recovery,” former President Bill Clinton, a frequent political adversary of McCain’s, added in a tweet.
“John McCain is as tough as they come,” Hillary Clinton said.
“We know he’ll face this diagnosis with courage and strength,” former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain’s 2008 running mate, tweeted.
