Former Texas Gov. Richards diagnosed with cancer

JonInMiddleGA · 03-08-2006, 08:59 PM

http://apnews.myway.com//article/200...D8G7OK7O2.html

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Former Gov. Ann Richards said Wednesday she has cancer of the esophagus and will undergo treatment at the world-renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Richards, 72, went in for tests Monday and got the diagnosis Tuesday, said spokesman Bill Maddox. The former governor is waiting to hear from M.D. Anderson how advanced the cancer is and what her chances are.

The disease is rare and often fatal in women.

"She's facing this challenge," Maddox said.

Richards, a Democrat, was governor from 1991 to 1995, losing a re-election bid to George W. Bush. Since 2001, she has been an adviser at a public relations and lobbying firm.

Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, said that esophageal cancer will be diagnosed in about 3,300 women this year and that about 3,000 of them will die.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer include long-term heavy alcohol drinking and tobacco use. Richards has acknowledged getting treatment in 1980 for alcoholism and for once being a heavy smoker.

Maddox said he did not know whether Richards had a specific problem that sent her to the doctor or whether the cancer was discovered during a routine visit.

Richards first grabbed the national spotlight with her keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention.

She's a feisty old broad & I sincerely wish her the best and a speedy recovery.

Franklinnoble · 03-08-2006, 09:07 PM

Agreed. Cancer is a b*tch.

cartman · 03-08-2006, 09:12 PM

To this day, I don't know how she lost the election to Bush. Her approval ratings before the election were in the 70% range.

I did get the chance to meet her a couple of times while she was governor, and she was a hoot. She was always one to definitely speak her mind.

At least she is going for treatment to one of the preeminate cancer treatment centers in the world. That is a nasty cancer, though. It took a family member a few years back. He died 5 months after diagnosis.

sterlingice · 03-08-2006, 10:58 PM

That's a shame. I always liked her

SI

JeeberD · 03-09-2006, 09:41 AM

Senator · 03-09-2006, 10:24 AM

Best of Luck on her recovery.

colt45 · 03-09-2006, 10:36 AM

Talk about the epitome of a Texas broad... It's a shame when horrible things happen to great people.

03-08-2006, 09:12 PM	#3
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	To this day, I don't know how she lost the election to Bush. Her approval ratings before the election were in the 70% range. I did get the chance to meet her a couple of times while she was governor, and she was a hoot. She was always one to definitely speak her mind. At least she is going for treatment to one of the preeminate cancer treatment centers in the world. That is a nasty cancer, though. It took a family member a few years back. He died 5 months after diagnosis. __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

03-08-2006, 10:58 PM	#4
sterlingice Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Back in Houston!	That's a shame. I always liked her SI __________________ Houston Hippopotami, III.3: 20th Anniversary Thread - All former HT players are encouraged to check it out! Janos: "Only America could produce an imbecile of your caliber!" Freakazoid: "That's because we make lots of things better than other people!"

03-09-2006, 09:41 AM	#5
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	__________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

03-09-2006, 10:24 AM	#6
Senator FOFC's Elected Representative Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The stars at night; are big and bright	Best of Luck on her recovery. __________________ "i have seen chris simms play 4-5 times in the pros and he's very clearly got it. he won't make a pro bowl this year, but it'll come. if you don't like me saying that, so be it, but its true. we'll just have to wait until then" imettrentgreen "looking at only ten games, and oddly using a median only, leaves me unmoved generally" - Quiksand

03-08-2006, 09:07 PM	#2
Franklinnoble Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Placerville, CA	Agreed. Cancer is a b*tch.

03-09-2006, 10:36 AM	#7
colt45 n00b Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Dallas	Talk about the epitome of a Texas broad... It's a shame when horrible things happen to great people.

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