One has to wonder if this will impact his decision on the 2008 presidential race – and the level of support that he will draw.

Former Tennessee Republican Sen. Fred Thompson told FOX News on Wednesday that he's in remission from lymphoma cancer.

The "Law & Order" star who is considering a run for the White House in 2008, said he was diagnosed with indolent lymphoma in 2004 after a routine physical. He said the cancer is "fortunately a good kind if you can ever call something like that a good kind" and treatable.

"I have had no illness from it, or even any symptoms. My life expectancy should not be affected. I am in remission, and it is very treatable with drugs if treatment is needed in the future — and with no debilitating side effects," Thompson said in a personal commentary following the interview.

According to the American Cancer Society, this year doctors will diagnose about 63,000 new cases of indolent lymphoma, a slow-growing type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, the part of the body that helps regulate the immune system.

Thompson has a favorable prognosis, said Dr. Bruce Cheson of Georgetown University Hospital. Thompson had been on a cancer therapy called Rituxan, but is not currently in treatment.

Now let’s be real clear here – this is not a form of cancer that is life threatening. Indeed, according to doctors it is more likely that Thompson will die of old age than of the cancer. But the specter of the “C Word” may be sufficient to cool the ardor of many conservatives towards a Thompson candidacy. We’ll have to wait and see if this turns out to be the case.

And regardless, we all need to keep Fred Thompson in prayer.

Posted by: Greg at 02:31 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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