(CNN) - Former longtime Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter was battling for his life Monday after recently being diagnosed with a "serious form of cancer," a source close to his office told CNN.
Specter, who has overcome numerous serious illnesses over the past two decades - including a brain tumor and non-Hodgkins lymphoma - was diagnosed six weeks ago with the new form of cancer, the specifics of which are being closely held by his family.
Specter had "a big flare up" of the disease Monday night, the source said.
FULL STORY
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
Praying for your good health back.
Get well soon!
I'm very sorry. He seems like a decent guy who worked hard and tried to do the right thing. He has had far more than his share of serious illnesses. How old is he?
Sad news.
Thoughts and Prayers are with him. You have devoted your entire life to this country. We NOW think of, pray for and appreciate you......
I don't much like Arlen Specter's political positions, but he is one tough carachter and I wish him well
in his struggle with this latest illness. Hang in there Arlen!
I wish him well.
Specter had a mean streak, and a very mixed record. Though I disagreed with him fairly often, he was also on the right side of issues a lot of the time too. In the end, the wingnuts overtook him with big Koch money.
Today, Spector's brand of republicanism is almost quaintly antique. Its a shame.
Get well soon, Senator.
Although I have been very disappointed in Sen. Specter over the years I wish him well and my prayers are with him and his family. I hope he wins the battle! Cancer is such a ugly disease and I have had family members affected by it. I would not wish it on anyone.
....so are millions of others. I guess a former senator's story is more important though.
Arlen Specter is probably the greatest US Senator of the modern political era. I hope he makes it out okay!
That's too bad. Cancer sucks.
He's still a human being though he supported policies which denied others the right to life.
I'm very sorry to hear this. I wish him only the best.
Becoming a Democrat does that.
Best wishes Sen. Specter. I hope you can overcome this new outbreak. You are a brave man and have never neglected your work even in the face of so many of your illnesses. God Bless.
Prayers for him and all families affected by cancer.
Good luck to Senator Specter and his family. Take comfort in each other and give each other strength.
Sorry to hear it, I hope he does well and has years in the future to enjoy.
Feel better! Mittens You have My Vote : )
Senator Specter, my prayers are with you and your family. I always admired you, Senator, for looking at the bigger picture, other than just party affiliation.
Sounds like Specter has a ghost of a chance.
Thank you sir for your service. Hang in there! We love you.
He gets the best medical care on the planet, completely free. He did not have to participate in Social Security. How many people die of cancer every day? Without the best medical care available to Senators, for life?
Sir and Family,
My family's prayers of Mercy and Grace come to you. Be at Peace in Christ.
Wow. Arlen, please take care, and do what you can with this new understanding.