This photograph of Senator Ted Kennedy surrounded by his family at Mass. General solarium, taken today, is illustrative of the senator’s courage and fighting spirit that his colleagues, friends and family have spoken of today, the day that he learned his seizures were caused by a malignant brain tumor, a malignant glioma.

US Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the veteran lawmaker from Massachusetts who is the last surviving brother in the legendary Kennedy family, has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, his doctors said today.

Specialists in Boston and around the country said the information released indicated that Kennedy has terminal cancer and might have only a limited time to live.

Kennedy’s doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital, who had been investigating the cause of a seizure that led to Kennedy’s hospitalization this weekend, said that preliminary results from a brain biopsy indicated the seizure had been caused by a tumor in the top left portion of his brain.

The usual course of treatment for the tumor — a malignant glioma — includes combinations of various forms of radiation and chemotherapy, Dr. Lee Schwamm, vice chairman of the neurology department at the hospital, and Dr. Larry Ronan, Kennedy’s primary care physician, said in a statement.

The doctors said decisions regarding the best course of treatment for the 76-year-old senator would be determined after further testing and analysis.

Source: Sen. Edward Kennedy diagnosed with brain tumor; prognosis seen as uncertain

Photo credit: Boston Globe – Senator Kennedy was joined in a Mass. General solarium today by his son Patrick; stepson Curran Raclin; son Edward M. Kennedy Jr.; daughter Kara Kennedy; and wife, Victoria.

See also:

• Kennedy’s Brain Cancer: How Bad?
• Senator Kennedy Has Malignant Brain Tumor
• Reaction to Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s malignant brain tumor
• Nation Reacts to Kennedy Brain Tumor News
• Photo Gallery – Senator Ted Kennedy’s career in public service
• Fears and tears for Kennedy
• Emotional Byrd denounces war, pays tribute to Kennedy

Ted Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Patricia Kennedy in 1960

Ted Kennedy is an icon of American politics and a polarizing figure. We are glad to see that people of all political perspectives have set aside politics to express well wishes, concern and prayers for the senator and his family. Ted Kennedy has been a senator since 1962, second to his colleague, Senator Robert Byrd, the longest serving Senator.

John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy

Here is video of tributes paid to Senator Ted Kennedy by Senate colleagues, including Senator Robert Byrd’s emotional tribute on the Senate floor.

Video: Obama Regarding Ted Kennedy: “I Stand On his Shoulders”



John McCain – Ted Kennedy the ‘Last Lion’ of the Senate



Senator Ted Kennedy Has a Brain Tumor – Nation Responds (Video)