(RepublicanJournal.org) – Multiple myeloma is a rare form of blood cancer. Fewer than 200,000 people are diagnosed with the condition, also known as Kahler’s disease, each year. The cancer forms in the plasma cell, a type of white blood cell, and symptoms often include bone pain, fever, and loss of appetite. A US congressman recently revealed he has started treatment for it.
Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) released a statement on his website and in a video on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday, July 8, noting his recent diagnosis of early-stage multiple myeloma following routine screening. He has started chemo-immunotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which works to boost the immune system at the same time.
However, due to the effects of chemotherapy, which include weakened responses, his doctor advised him to minimize his risk of contracting the flu or other viruses. Garamendi said in order to achieve this, his appearances in DC and at public events will be infrequent. The treatment will not, however, stop him from doing his work in the state.
Despite the diagnosis, Garamendi said he is “confident that the treatments will be effective, allowing [him] to continue serving impacted families and [his] constituents in Congress for years to come.” The representative first joined Congress in 2009 after winning a special election. In 2022, he won by a whopping 76%, beating out Republican Rudy Recile. The two are set to face off again on November 5, with Garamendi favored to win the heavily Democratic 8th Congressional District.
Geramendi is not the only congressman to be diagnosed with cancer this year. In April, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) announced he had the disease, too, but would continue to work while undergoing treatment. He did not disclose the type of cancer. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) revealed she has pancreatic cancer, but like the others, will push forward in serving her constituents.
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