The small growth in Tony Snow’s lower abdomen turned out to be cancer that had metastasized from the original colon cancer to the liver.

The cancer, originally in his colon, has spread to his liver, said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino. Snow spoke to President Bush Tuesday morning, who told Snow he and first lady Laura Bush are praying for him.

Bush struck an optimistic tone about Snow’s mood, adding that he looked forward to the day when Snow returns to the White House.

“His attitude is one that he is not going to let this whip him,” Bush said during a brief statement to reporters in the Rose Garden. “My attitude is that we need to pray for him.”

Mr. Snow, who is married with 3 young children, is consulting with his doctors to determine the best course of treatment. He seems to be in good spirits, but it is not really known if he will be able to return to his job as Press Secretary.

Doctors determined that the growth was cancerous, and that his cancer had metastasized, or spread, to his liver, Perino said.

“It is hard news for us,” Perino who broke into tears during her announcement, said in briefing with White House reporters. “President and Mrs. Bush and the whole White House team has him in our prayers.”

Snow will go after the cancer as aggressively as he can, and he’s going to beat it again, Perino said, describing his attitude. She added that he also gave her some instructions to pass on to reporters: “Tell them not to bug me,” and he thanked reporters and others for the well wishes.

“He said he’s going to beat it again,” Perino said. “When I talked to him, he was in very good spirits.”

Please keep Mr. Snow and his family, along with Elizabeth Edwards and her family in your prayers. While you’re at it, remember all the millions of less famous people who are battling cancer and pray for them too.

Others blogging on this topic:
Betsy Newmark of Betsy’s Page
Sister Toldjah
Wizbang
Musing Minds

Written by ~J~

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