Ted Kennedy has brain tumor

[Karen]

That's true, but it is so much slower when the cancer is in the brain. As I mentioned above, my father died of a malignant brain tumor in 1945. He lived 18 months after diagnosis. The survival rate is really not significantly better now - 63 years later. I know there are exceptions, but overall the prognosis is terrible.

Ah, but I know many people who were given a "death sentence" at the time, but live on ... and so I live on in hope, not just for Senator Kennedy, but for everyone facing a cancer diagnosis.

[Grace]

Ah, but I know many people who were given a "death sentence" at the time, but live on ... and so I live on in hope, not just for Senator Kennedy, but for everyone facing a cancer diagnosis.

I like your attitude. My comments come from working many years as a Neuro ICU nurse, where we did not see very many success stories.

[moosmom]

The Mass General doctor was right on the money!!! When my daughter, a 16 year cancer survivor of a malignant brain tumor (pineal blastoma), had her tumor removed at the age of 16, she was operated on by a doctor (the top of his field, we were told) from Duke. I will be forever greatful to that man for saving my daughter's life. That, chemo and radiation along with my daughter's very strong will and positive attitude have allowed her to live 15 years (and running) longer than the doctors prognosed.

Senator Kennedy will be in my thoughts and prayers.