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 frontrunner within the Congressional Households Most cancers Prevention Program, ensures I keep vigilant about preventative screenings and care. Freezing irregular bumps is customary, however a name from my physician modified all the pieces: ‘When will you be again in California? You could are available for a collection of exams,’ ” he stated.
“Thus started my journey with early stage a number of myeloma, a type of treatable blood most cancers.”
In accordance with the Cleveland Clinic, a number of myeloma occurs when wholesome plasma cells turn into irregular and produce irregular antibodies, resulting in medical points and circumstances that may have an effect on bones, kidneys and the physique’s means to make blood cells and platelets.
Garamendi, 79, stated he’s present process chemo-immunotherapy as an outpatient within the Sacramento space.
“With early detection, wonderful medical doctors, and the love and help of Patti, our whole household, my extraordinary workers, and congressional colleagues, I do know I’ll get by way of this whereas persevering with to serve my constituents and advance American democracy,” he stated.
Garamendi stated he has a “lengthy listing 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 stated. “My medical doctors have cautioned me to attenuate 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 a protracted 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 gained a seat within the U.S. Home of Representatives, the place he’s now in his eighth time period.
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