Jimmy Carter discloses he has cancer
Former President Jimmy Carter disclosed Wednesday that he has cancer.
{mosads}”Recent liver surgery revealed that I have cancer that now is in other parts of my body,” Carter said in a statement released by his nonprofit center.
“A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week,” he added.
Carter said he would be rearranging his schedule to undergo treatment at Emory Healthcare in Georgia. He underwent an operation earlier this month in Atlanta to remove a “mass” from his liver.
Aides did not disclose any more details, only describing the mass as small. His prognosis at the time was deemed “excellent.”
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama offered their wishes for a fast and full recovery.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosalynn and the entire Carter family as they face this challenge with the same grace and determination that they have shown so many times before,” said the president in a statement.
“Jimmy, you’re as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you,” he added.
Obama spoke to Carter on Wednesday evening to wish him “a full and speedy recovery” on behalf of himself and the first lady, according to White House spokesman Eric Schultz.
Vice President Joe Biden took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to discuss his phone call with Carter:
Spoke with President Jimmy Carter tonight. A great man, always upbeat and optimistic. We’re praying for him.
— Vice President Biden (@VP) August 13, 2015
Carter, 90, is the second-oldest living president behind George H.W. Bush. Carter has recently been on a media tour to promote a new book.
– Jordan Fabian contributed
This story was updated at 8:59 p.m.
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