Mayor Michael Brennan Underwent Successful Cancer Surgery Over the Weekend
Mayor Michael F. Brennan underwent cancer surgery over the weekend at Maine Medical Center here in Portland. Surgeons removed a carcinoid tumor from his small intestine and his prognosis is excellent, according to a press release from the city’s spokeswoman, Nicole Clegg. The Mayor returned home to recover yesterday and expects to return to City Hall next week on a limited basis until he is fully recovered from the surgery.
Mayor Brennan had sought treatment for recent stomach cramps two weeks ago, during which the tumor was discovered. The tumor was successfully removed and Mayor Brennan will seek additional, non-evasive treatment for lesions found on his liver.
“I am extremely grateful to my pimary care practitioner, surgeon, nurses and other medical professionals who provided me with exceptional care and I thank them for their treatment and the compassion they extended to me and my family,” stated Mayor Brennan.
“Cancer can be an extremely frightening diagnosis and I am fortunate to not only have a treatment plan with a very positivie long term prognosis but as an insured American have barrier free access to the health care system. My personal story illustrates the fundamental need all Mainers have to be able to access the health care system when they need to. If I had waited or left this disease untreated, both the health consequences and cost of treatment would have been significantly greater,” the press release continue.
“With nearly one in four Mainers lving without health insurance, it’s clear to me that we have a moral responsibility to develop policies and strategies that ensure that everyone has access to high quality care including prevention and diagnostic services. The simple truth is that tens of thousands of Americans will find themselves in the same situtation today, tomorrow, or the next day and they should be afforded the same level of care I have been fortunate enough to receive. Lack of health insurance should not force anyone to make a choice between a visit to their primary care physician and groceries or child care or heating oil.”