SACRAMENTO – Bay Space Congressman John Garamendi revealed Monday he’s battling a uncommon blood most cancers.
Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, introduced his prognosis in a assertion and a video posted to social media.
“My spouse Patti, a pacesetter within the Congressional Households Most cancers Prevention Program, ensures I keep vigilant about preventative screenings and care. Freezing irregular bumps is normal, however a name from my physician modified every little thing: ‘When will you be again in California? You should are available in for a collection of checks,’ ” he mentioned.
“Thus started my journey with early stage a number of myeloma, a type of treatable blood most cancers.”
Based on the Cleveland Clinic, a number of myeloma occurs when wholesome plasma cells change into irregular and produce irregular antibodies, resulting in medical points and circumstances that may have an effect on bones, kidneys and the physique’s capability to make blood cells and platelets.
Garamendi, 79, mentioned he’s present process chemo-immunotherapy as an outpatient within the Sacramento space.
“With early detection, glorious medical doctors, and the love and assist of Patti, our whole household, my extraordinary employees, and congressional colleagues, I do know I’ll get by means of this whereas persevering with to serve my constituents and advance American democracy,” he mentioned.
Garamendi mentioned he has a “lengthy checklist of tasks and objectives” for his constituents in Contra Costa and Solano counties, and he plans to proceed working whereas receiving therapies.
“Nonetheless, alongside destroying most cancers cells, chemotherapy weakens pure antibodies and the immune system,” he mentioned. “My medical doctors have cautioned me to reduce publicity to COVID-19, flu, and different viruses, so I’ll restrict journey to Washington and public occasions throughout the therapy course of.”
Garamendi has loved an extended profession in politics, beginning along with his election to the California State Legislature in 1974. Along with 4 phrases within the state senate, he served as insurance coverage commissioner from 1991 to 1995 and once more from 2003 to 2006.
In 1995, Garamendi was appointed deputy secretary of the inside by President Invoice Clinton. He was then elected lieutenant governor in 2007. Two years later, he received a seat within the U.S. Home of Representatives, the place he’s now in his eighth time period.
Test again for updates.
