Illinois State Rep. Larry McKeon, D-Chicago, has rectal cancer and is beginning chemotherapy and radiation treatments the week of May 16, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.
In a conversation with Windy City Times, McKeon confirmed the item. 'I was hospitalized over [ the General Assembly's ] spring break for an unrelated issue [ from which he has recovered ] when the doctors found it,' he said.
According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men in the U.S., after skin, prostate, and lung cancer. It is also the fourth most common cancer in women, after skin, lung, and breast cancer. Possible signs of rectal cancer include a change in bowel habits, bloody stools, diarrhea, constipation, constant exhaustion, inexplicable weight loss, and vomiting.
McKeon said the treatments will last five to six weeks—and will probably be all that he needs. Although surgery is an option, he said that it is 'not generally necessary.' However, he added that possible side effects of the chemotherapy and radiation could include nausea, diarrhea, and skin irritation. In addition, McKeon emphasized that the cancer itself is 'very painful.'
Fortunately, he has high hopes regarding treatment. 'The prognosis is very good. The doctors have been very encouraging ... this [ disease ] is very treatable,' McKeon added. It should be noted that the main reason that McKeon's case is so treatable is that doctors caught the malignancy early.
McKeon said people need to listen to themselves. 'We need to pay attention to our bodies,' he said. 'We need to know that there are other things going on. These cancers happen regardless of HIV status,' stated McKeon, who is HIV-positive.
Even with the treatments, McKeon may be down—but he certainly will not be out. He intends on fulfilling as many obligations as possible. When asked if he will attend Chicago's Gay Pride Parade on June 26, he said that he will—even if people have to carry him down the parade route.
