House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) has issued a statement revealing that he’s been diagnosed with myeloma, a blood cancer.
Scalise revealed his diagnosis in a statement to Punchbowl News.
The Republican congressman told the outlet:
“After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done.
“The results uncovered some irregularities and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer.
“I have now begun treatment, which will continue for the next several months.
“I expect to work through this period and intend to return to Washington, continuing my work as Majority Leader and serving the people of Louisiana’s First Congressional District.
“I am incredibly grateful we were able to detect this early and that this cancer is treatable.
“I am thankful for my excellent medical team, and with the help of God, the support of my family, friends, colleagues, and constituents, I will tackle this with the same strength and energy as I have tackled past challenges.”
NEWS: House Majority Leader @SteveScalise has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. @PunchbowlNews text is out. Special edition from me and @bresreports out shortly pic.twitter.com/gX2tiuTQ89
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) August 29, 2023
Scalise also confirmed the news in a statement from his Twitter/X account.
After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done. The results uncovered some irregularities and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer.
I have now begun treatment, which will…
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) August 29, 2023
According to The American Society of Hematology:
Myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce disease- and infection-fighting antibodies in your body.
Myeloma cells prevent the normal production of antibodies, leaving your body’s immune system weakened and susceptible to infection.
The multiplication of myeloma cells also interferes with the normal production and function of red and white blood cells.
An abnormally high amount of these dysfunctional antibodies in the bloodstream can cause kidney damage.
Additionally, the myeloma cells commonly produce substances that cause bone destruction, leading to bone pain and/or fractures.
Myeloma cells are produced in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside your bones. Sometimes myeloma cells will travel through your bloodstream and collect in other bones in your body.
Because myeloma frequently occurs at many sites in the bone marrow, it is often referred to as multiple myeloma.
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