Member of the US House of Representatives Joaquin Castro underwent surgery to remove cancerous tumors

WASHINGTON. US Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery on Monday to remove tumors in his gastrointestinal tract, according to his office.

Castro discovered the tumor last summer and underwent surgery at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. The 48-year-old Democrat plans to stay in San Antonio for a few weeks to recover before returning to Washington.

“My prognosis is good,” Castro said in a statement. “Thank you to the doctors, nurses and medical staff of the Cancer Center. M. D. Anderson and the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio for their care and treatment, and thanks to my family for their love and support.”

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors are rare and often grow slowly without any symptoms in the early stages, according to the National Cancer Institute.

A doctor noted potential tumors after Castro was in a car accident with a wild boar in Bilbao, Spain last July and had an MRI, according to a San Antonio Express-News column by Cary Kluck, who previously served as Castro’s liaison and district director. . Kluck wrote that the tumors had moved from Castro’s small intestine to his liver and that the congressman would continue to receive monthly injections of lanreotide to slow their growth.

Castro has represented his district in San Antonio since 2013 after a 10-year tenure in the Texas House of Representatives. He was appointed by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to build a case against President Donald Trump during Trump’s second impeachment, and currently sits on the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence committees.

He and his family received an outpouring of support following Monday’s announcement.

“Heidi and I pray for your healing” tweeted US Senator Ted Cruz, Texas. “Cancer SUCKS. My mother survived cancer twice – we are with you in your fight against this terrible disease.

“M.D. Anderson is the best – you will surpass that. Good luck”, tweeted U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, who is a cancer survivor himself.

“Ali and I keep you and your beautiful family in our thoughts and pray for a speedy and full recovery.” tweeted US Representative Colin Allred, Dallas State. “We are so happy to hear about the positive outlook and hope you can get some rest. See you soon in Washington, brother.”

“He is recovering well and is looking forward to returning home soon. I look forward to him beating me on the tennis courts again!” tweeted Julián Castro, the congressman’s twin brother, previously served as Mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama. Julian Castro is running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.

Joaquin Castro has three children, including a young daughter born last May.

This story comes from Texas Tribunenon-profit, non-partisan media organization that informs Texans – and engages with them – about public policy, politics, government, and nationwide issues.

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