Ted Kennedy’s brain tumor, plus the “Sheets” sob video
Okay, first things first. I didn’t write about Ted Kennedy earlier because 1) I wouldn’t wish a brain tumor on anyone. I’ve seen that kind of thing up close and it’s not a picnic, to put it mildly (absurdly so). Obviously, I hope Ted Kennedy kicks this thing. I’d be more than happy to have him out of the Senate, but I’d rather that happen due to an election loss or retirement - NOT this. This is, in a word, horrible. And 2) I thought I’d find it impossible to write about Ted Kennedy without saying, “Mary Jo Kopechne could not be reached for comment,” but with the brain tumor diagnosis, I won’t say it. Nobody deserves a brain tumor.
So I do pray for a recovery, a miracle, or whatever it takes. Nine years ago, I was given a similar death sentence - as in, three months to live - because of a supposedly-malignant tumor, but the doctors were quite obviously wrong. (Just FYI, it was an oligodendroglioma in the spinal cord, not the brain, and thankfully it turned out to not be malignant/anaplastic.*) In this case, they still need a pathology report, and until then, they won’t know for sure what kind of tumor it is - and the type of glioma matters. I always choose to believe in the best possible outcome, and the Kennedy family fortunately has the means to get the best treatments out there. They aren’t uneducated or uninquisitive people, so they’ll know how to get what he needs. That alone can make all the difference (remember that - knowledge is power, and it can save your life). It won’t be an easy ride for him even if the tumor is benign, but it isn’t necessarily a death sentence. My prayers are with the Kennedys for a fast, firm diagnosis and successful treatment, and for strength to get them through this ordeal. They’ll need it.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to ask you to support cancer research, too. Cancer sucks.
Now, the lulz:
Oh, shut up, you know it’s funny as hell watching old Sheets Byrd sobbing like a baby.
A word to those dropping in via Google or whatever: I’ve seen the asinine comments at YouTube and you get this one warning - Act like one of those Kos jackanapes cheering on political opponents’ personal tragedies, and you get nuked. I can’t stand Kennedy’s politics either, but this isn’t the time for that crap. I’m not kidding. Needless to say, I expect better behavior from conservatives, and do not expect to have to do any nuking, but the warning stands.
You are, of course, free to pile on Sheets to your heart’s content. ;)
* You have no idea how difficult it is to find information on teh internets to simply describe what I had. Srsly. Maybe some day I’ll post a pic of my back when it had the looooong line of staples down the spine after surgery. It’s kinda creepy, but I’m proud of my battle scars! ;-P
sierrahome says:
One of the toughest things is watching an old man cry even if it is “Sheets”.
TC says:
I lost my mother to cancer back in early 1991. I lost my uncle to a brain tumor in 1993. My best friend’s father recently passed from cancer. Yes, cancer does suck. I HATE cancer.
While my overall opinion of Ted Kennedy is far from positive, I do wish him and his family the best as they fight this affliction.
As for those that openly express ill will and negative sentiment toward Ted… STFU. Don’t be classless a$$holes. People who use such opportunities to insult others show a good bit about their own character (or lack thereof).
Beth says:
Well said, TC.
Am I heartless for thinking the Sheets clip is hilarious?
raz0r says:
I don’t wish him any ill, at least not physical ill will, especially due to cancer. Been through it with family. The worst was Elizabeth. Diagnosed just before her third birthday. Fought the cancer for three years. Nothing describes the pain we all went through.
sierrahome says:
So often the ones we like the least are the ones that need our love the most.
TC says:
No, Beth. The Sheets footage is quite amusing, but it did tug at my heartsrings.
“Ted… Ted… My dear friend… I love you. And I miss you. ”
Senator Robert Byrd - Eschewing coherent thought since sometime back, in… oh…. maybe the 1980’s?
Jennifer says:
If you can’t say anything nice……
PaulW says:
Aunt Gert, my dad’s older sister. Last time I saw her was at Disney World, she was there to see her grandkids and nephews, she was so pale, her hair had gone and she wore a bandana the whole time.
Cancer’s never good for anyone.
Lord Bitememan says:
Normally I’d take any opportunity available to bash a blubbering Democrat, but when I was 18 I watched my mother die of a brain tumor. So, I’ll give Byrd a pass on this one because just reading the news articles talking about the treatments sent back way too many unpleasant memories.