Snow's Cancer Returns

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March 27, 2007 10:05 AM

ABC News' Jon Garcia and Jessica Yellin Report: During this morning's off-camera briefing with reporters, White House Deputy Press Secretary Dana Perino broke down in tears at the podium when she announced that White House Press Secretary Tony Snow's growth is cancerous and the cancer has metastasized to his liver.

Doctors removed the cancerous growth from his lower abdomen on Monday afternoon.

Snow, 51, is consulting with his doctors about the course of treatment and plans to get chemotherapy.

Snow's wife, Jill, was with him when he got the diagnosis. Perino said Snow spoke with President Bush in the 7am hour this morning and the president told him he's in his prayers.

In a six minute conversation with Perino around 9:30 this morning, Snow told her he's "going after it as aggressively as he can", and told her "he'll beat it again."

According to Perino, he's comfortable and has been up, walking around and is in good spirits.

He had this message for the press corps, "tell them not to bug me!"

Laughing, she said that on the phone this morning, "he tried to help me with some talking points" and, joking, "Oh, he's fired up about the supplemental."

Perino, crying this morning in an off-camera briefing with reporters, said "It's hard news for us" and said that she hopes Snow will continue to work while getting chemo.

The entire White House press team was red-eyed and somber.

Snow was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2005.

He had his colon removed and went through a course of chemotherapy. This new growth in his lower abdomen was first spotted in September. Early last week doctors decided it should be removed.

Snow has been very open about his experience with cancer -- commenting on it during his debut briefing at the White House in May 2006.

On his first day on the job at the White House, Snow said his cancer experience made him feel that "every day is a blessing."

"I had cancer last year," Snow told reporters in his inaugural briefing last May 2006, "and having cancer ... was the best thing that ever happened to me."

Snow became emotional and joked, "It's my Ed Muskie moment!"

Snow said he lost his mother to colon cancer when he was 17.

Snow indirectly commented on his cancer just last week, when he praised Elizabeth Edwards saying, "The biggest problem you have sometimes with cancer is flat-out fear," he said. Of Elizabeth Edwards' message: 'I'm going to embrace life and I'm going to move forward,' "that is a wonderful thing," said Snow.

Perino asked reporters to put off questioning about Snow's condition until today's on camera daily briefing and reporters obliged. Nothing else was discussed during the morning gaggle.

President Bush is expected to make on-camera comments about Snow today.

March 27, 2007 in Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (26)

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My thoughts and prayers are with Tony Snow and his family! I only hope the strength he has always shown remain as he starts yet another fight against cancer!

God Bless Tony!
Rebekah

Posted by: Rebekah | Mar 27, 2007 10:24:38 AM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of getting well and pursuing treatment. We have admired your work reporting for the White House and your ability to stand firm at all times. You will beat this. God's blessing on you.

Eugene and Peggy King

Posted by: Eugene and Peggy KIng | Mar 27, 2007 10:28:06 AM

I wish him the best as he faces this battle. Granted I don't agree with some of his stands on issues but this is not the time for partisan politics. I do believe in miracles and I know he can get one this Easter season because of the promise of the resurrection.

Posted by: Maurice Fosso | Mar 27, 2007 11:08:01 AM

I am NOT a fan of Tony Snow, but I DO wish him well in this battle with cancer .......... my prayers for he & his family.

Posted by: David | Mar 27, 2007 11:10:34 AM

Double Stem Cell Treatment might be an option For Mr. Snow if he will contact Tulane University in New Orleans and ask to speak to Dr. Ron Weiner....

I hope this is an answer!!!

My cousin seems to be cured after a number of years having suffered breast cancer with 7 malignant nodes under the arms!!! Doctors did not think she would survive but did with Double Stem Cell Treatment!!!

Posted by: CAROL SHIAMAN | Mar 27, 2007 11:17:17 AM

you are a wonderful man, and god bless you and family

Posted by: p dellinger | Mar 27, 2007 11:39:40 AM

All America will be praying for Tony Snow and his complete recovery from cancer. It is a dreaded disease, but with constant faith, coupled with modern-day medicines and treatments, Mr. Snow has an excellent opportunity to overcome this latest health setback. My sister successfully fought breast, stomach and esophageal cancer for 26 years, and just recently passed away at the age of 84! She had a very fulfilling and enjoyable life despite her health concerns. Good luck, Tony, to you and your family.

Posted by: Jo Anne Behrens | Mar 27, 2007 11:47:15 AM

Many thoughts and prayers to Mr. Snow and his family.

Posted by: me | Mar 27, 2007 11:55:11 AM

I have no inspiring words that I can say, but I will pray for his fast recovery. His (Snow) courage and candor with this tough disease is an inpiration to anyone that reads his story. God bless Tony Snow and his family. Stay strong!

Posted by: Juan | Mar 27, 2007 11:56:26 AM

Those people (Tony Snow and Elizabeth Edwards have so much courage. They are an inspiration to me.

Posted by: kate | Mar 27, 2007 12:06:11 PM

our hearts and prays are with Mr Snow, and his family. make god bless you.

James wheatley

Posted by: james wheatley | Mar 27, 2007 12:41:37 PM

Dear, Mr. Snow

I am very very sorry to know the fact that You are suffering from such cancer.

Here in Korea, I will pray for you with all my heart.

I wish good news would appear on media soon.

God bless you!

Sincerely, Kang, kumryun

Posted by: kumryun, kang | Mar 27, 2007 1:14:20 PM

He'll be fine. He can lie his way out of anything.

Posted by: George W | Mar 27, 2007 2:22:15 PM

You are in my prayers, too - Tony. Hang in there!

Posted by: Mary Ann Sheptock | Mar 27, 2007 2:24:58 PM

I love exclamation points in inappropriate places!

Posted by: Rebekah | Mar 27, 2007 2:37:56 PM

God Bless Tony Snow! I am a colon cancer survivor for 9 years now. Don't give up. You and your family are in our prayers.

Posted by: Deb McClaughry | Mar 27, 2007 3:16:47 PM

Tony and family, May God be with you during this trying time. You have won this battle before and you can do it again. Hang in there!!!

Posted by: judy | Mar 27, 2007 3:50:18 PM

Mr. Snow, you have touched a lot of people positively in your career. But most importantly, you have raised a wonderful family. I hope you can get through this bump in the road. p.s. Now you can tell OReilly what you really think of him.

Posted by: Tom Q | Mar 27, 2007 3:54:22 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you Mr. Snow and your family. Keep a positive attitude. Remember, you are a child of God. Sometimes we all wonder why these things happen and the only answer is that this is part of Heavenly Father's plan. Stay close to the Lord, he will guide you and protect you.

Posted by: Patty Burkhardt | Mar 27, 2007 4:36:11 PM

My husband and I have been big fans of yours for years. Always enjoy your intelligence and wit. You make things in the political mainstream not seem so depressing and negative. Your faith and optimism will carry you through this next journey in life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Posted by: Diane Burrell | Mar 27, 2007 4:37:00 PM

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