Sen. John McCain and his family are considering options for treating the tumor, including radiation and chemotherapy. McCain diagnosed with brain tumor McCain and his family are considering options for treating the tumor, including radiation and chemotherapy. 
 
 Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has been diagnosed with a brain tumor following an operation to remove a blood clot above his left eye. 
 
 McCain and his family are considering options for treating the tumor, including radiation and chemotherapy. The 80-year-old McCain has previously successfully been treated for skin cancer. 
 
 Story Continued Below 
 
 “The Senator and his family are reviewing further treatment options with his Mayo Clinic care team. Treatment options may include a combination of chemotherapy and radiation," said a statement from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. “The Senator’s doctors say he is recovering from his surgery ‘amazingly well’ and his underlying health is excellent.” 
 
 A statement from McCain's office said the veteran lawmaker is "in good spirits as he continues to recover at home with his family in Arizona. He is grateful to the doctors and staff at Mayo Clinic for their outstanding care, and is confident that any future treatment will be effective." 
 
 According to the statement from the Mayo Clinic, McCain has a type of brain tumor called a glioblastoma. The American Brain Tumor Association says such tumors are "usually highly malignant," spread rapidly and are difficult to treat. 
 
 There is no word on if, or when, McCain will return to the Senate. His absence from Capitol Hill — while less important than McCain's health — does leave Republicans short a reliable vote as they try to take on health care and other contentious issues. 
 
 McCain currently serves as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) has been serving as chairman in McCain's absence. 
 
 Sign up here for POLITICO Huddle A daily play-by-play of congressional news in your inbox. Email Sign Up By signing up you agree to receive email newsletters or alerts from POLITICO. You can unsubscribe at any time. 
 
 The news shocked senators in both parties. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) — McCain's closest friend in the Senate — came into meeting of Republicans senators on health care to tell them he had spoken to McCain and was told of the grim diagnosis. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) then led them in prayer for McCain's recovery. 
 
 "Talked to John, he said ‘Yeah, I might have to stay here a little bit longer, take some treatments. And I’ll be back,'" a visibly upset Graham told reporters on Wednesday night. 
 
 "And we talked for about five minutes, you know, gonna to be a tough way forward. But he says ‘I’ve been through worse’ and basically then we started talking about health care and the [defense authorization bill]. Literally, it went five minutes until he turned away from what I think most people would have a hard time absorbing and focused on what he loves the best." 
 
 "God knows how this ends, not me," Graham added. "But I do know this. This disease has never had a more worthy opponent.” 
 
 "We've already heard from him and he wants to get back. He's always thinking about the Senate and getting things done," said Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.). "We prayed. It was very emotional. Almost kind of stunned disbelief for a minute." 
 
 McCain called Sen. Jeff Flake, his fellow Arizona Republican, to tell him the news as well, Flake said on Twitter. "Tough diagnosis, but an even tougher man." 
 
 A wave of lawmakers in both parties offered their support and prayers for their longtime colleague in an outpouring of support that demonstrated the deep respect McCain has earned up during 34 serving in Congress. 
 
 President Donald Trump said McCain "has always been a fighter. Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. Get well soon." 
 
 Former President Barack Obama — who defeated McCain in the 2008 presidential race — said McCain "is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've every known. Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John." 
 
 Hillary Clinton, who forged an unlikely but genuine friendship with McCain during their eight years together in the Senate, said McCain "is as tough as they come. Think of John, Cindy, their wonderful children and their whole family tonight." 
 
 But the most poignant comments came from Meghan McCain, the senator's daughter. The younger McCain released an emotional statement of her own. 
 
 "The news of my father's illness has affected every one of us in the McCain family. My grandmother, mother, brother, sisters, and I have all endured the shock of the news, and now we live with the anxiety about what comes next. It is an experience familiar to us given my father's previous battle with cancer — and it is familiar to the countless Americans whose loved ones are also stricken with the tragedy of disease and the inevitability of age." 
 
 The younger McCain described her father — a Navy pilot, Vietnam war hero, 2008 GOP presidential candidate — "as the one of us who is most confident and calm. He is the toughest person that I know ... Cancer may afflict him in many ways, but it will not make him surrender. Nothing ever has." 
 
 Burgess Everett and Seung Min Kim contributed to this report. 
 
 This article tagged under: John McCain 
 
 Senate 
 
 Arizona 

 Tweet with a location 
 
 You can add location information to your Tweets, such as your city or precise location, from the web and via third-party applications. You always have the option to delete your Tweet location history. Learn more 

 Tweet with a location 
 
 You can add location information to your Tweets, such as your city or precise location, from the web and via third-party applications. You always have the option to delete your Tweet location history. Learn more 

 News of Sen. John McCainJohn Sidney McCainSenate's defense authorization would set cyber doctrine Senate Dems hold floor talk-a-thon against latest ObamaCare repeal bill Overnight Defense: Senate passes 0B defense bill | 3,000 US troops heading to Afghanistan | Two more Navy officials fired over ship collisions MORE’s diagnosis of brain cancer loomed over a previously scheduled meeting on healthcare negotiations on Wednesday night. 
 
 Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) led more than a dozen GOP senators in prayer as they found out about the Arizona Republican’s condition during the closed-door talks, with senators emerging from the meeting sober-faced and full of praise for their colleague. 
 
 “We prayed. It was very emotional. It was almost kind of stunned disbelief for a minute,” Sen. John Hoeven John Henry HoevenAir Force One is Trump’s new boardroom Overnight Finance: Trump strikes debt, spending deal with Dems | Deal shocks GOP | Fed’s No. 2 to resign | Trump keeps tax squeeze on red state Dems | House aims to pass budget next week Trump praises Dem senator during tax speech MORE (R-N.D.) said after emerging from the hours-long talk. 
 
 Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) — describing senators as “shocked” and “upset” — added that “we stopped and said a prayer for John and his family.” 
 
 Sen. Lindsey Graham Lindsey Olin GrahamTop Louisiana health official rips Cassidy over ObamaCare repeal bill Senate Dems hold floor talk-a-thon against latest ObamaCare repeal bill Overnight Defense: Senate passes 0B defense bill | 3,000 US troops heading to Afghanistan | Two more Navy officials fired over ship collisions MORE (R-S.C.), one of McCain’s best friends and closest Senate allies, appeared visibly emotional as he recounted a conversation that he had on Wednesday with McCain. 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 "He says I've been through worse,” he told reporters. "So pray. ... This disease has never had a more worthy opponent.” 
 
 McCain’s office announced on Wednesday night that a brain tumor was discovered after the senior Arizona senator underwent a minor procedure last week to remove a blood clot from above his left eye. 
 
 The 80-year-old lawmaker’s diagnosis raced through Washington, sparking offers of support from members of both parties. 
 
 Sen. Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzSenate Dems hold floor talk-a-thon against latest ObamaCare repeal bill Overnight Finance: CBO to release limited analysis of ObamaCare repeal bill | DOJ investigates Equifax stock sales | House weighs tougher rules for banks dealing with North Korea GOP state lawmakers meet to plan possible constitutional convention MORE (R-Texas) emerged from the GOP healthcare meeting recounting McCain’s time as a prisoner of war, calling him “a man who fought and bled and served our nation.” 
 
 “All of us stopped. It was a sobering moment. John is someone we work with, we serve with, we respect, and it is very sad news,” he said. 
 
 Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) noted McCain was as “tough as they come.” Meanwhile, McCain’s Democratic colleagues weighed in through social media praising the senator — who is widely respected in both parties. 
 
 “You are a true fighter [and] I'll be praying for you until you beat this. I know you will,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer Charles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerSenate Dems hold floor talk-a-thon against latest ObamaCare repeal bill This week: Senate wrapping up defense bill after amendment fight Cuomo warns Dems against cutting DACA deal with Trump MORE (D-N.Y.) tweeted. 
 
 Former President Obama, who defeated McCain in the 2008 election and served with him in the Senate, added, “Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John.” 
 
 McCain's office, in its statement, didn’t indicate when the Arizona lawmaker could return to the Senate, but said he is in good spirits and confident any treatments will be effective. 
 
 “The Senator and his family are reviewing further treatment options with his Mayo Clinic care team. Treatment options may include a combination of chemotherapy and radiation,” the hospital that performed the initial surgery said in a statement released by McCain’s office. 
 
 Further considerations with his doctor will determine when he returns to the Senate, according to his office. 
 
 “We’ve already heard from him. He sent word that he wants to get back. ... He’s a real warrior, and he’s a national hero,” Hoeven said. 
 
 Graham added that he spoke to McCain about healthcare and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — an annual defense bill McCain shepherds through the Senate — during their phone call. 
 
 The announcement of McCain's diagnosis came as the Arizona Republican has been absent from Washington this week while recovering from his surgery last Friday. 
 
 The surprise surgery forced Senate Republicans to delay a vote on their healthcare plan, which was initially expected this week, until next week. 
 
 Though GOP senators stressed their top priority is McCain's health, they also acknowledged on Wednesday night that if he remains absent it could complicate their push to pass the legislation. 
 
 “Obviously, I think more people are worried about his health, and not thinking about the math, but, you know, you understand the math, so obviously it makes things difficult,” Sen. Bob Corker Robert (Bob) Phillips CorkerOvernight Defense: Senate passes 0B defense bill | 3,000 US troops heading to Afghanistan | Two more Navy officials fired over ship collisions Senate passes 0B defense bill Corker pressed as reelection challenges mount MORE (R-Tenn.) told reporters after he left the closed-door meeting. 
 
 Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), after praising McCain, added after the meeting it “does complicate things and I just don't know if he can be back next week." 
 
 McCain’s absence from Washington leaves GOP leadership with an even narrower path to passing its bill. 
 
 With all 100 senators voting, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate passes 0B defense bill Overnight Health Care: New GOP ObamaCare repeal bill gains momentum Overnight Finance: CBO to release limited analysis of ObamaCare repeal bill | DOJ investigates Equifax stock sales | House weighs tougher rules for banks dealing with North Korea MORE (R-Ky.) can afford to lose two GOP senators and still let Vice President Pence break a tie. With McCain absent and all other 99 senators voting, he can only afford to lose one GOP senator. 
 
 GOP senators huddled in Sen. John Barrasso John Anthony BarrassoDems force 'Medicare for All' on Americans but exempt themselves GOP sees fresh opening with Dems’ single payer embrace Overnight Health Care: CBO predicts 15 percent ObamaCare premium hike | Trump calls Sanders single-payer plan �?curse on the US’ | Republican seeks score of Sanders’s bill MORE’s (R-Wyo.) office for more than two hours on Wednesday night as they tried to revive their plan to move ObamaCare repeal and replacement in one bill. 
 
 The renewed effort comes after Senate Republicans attended a closed-door lunch with President Trump and emerged pledging to give their healthcare bill one final try. 
 
 "There are going to be some meetings tonight up here with people who have issues, still have outstanding issues. I think the question will be ... can we find a way to yes," Sen. John Thune John Randolph ThuneAviation panel recommends Trump roll back safety rules Overnight Regulation: House moves to block methane rule | Senators wrestle with allowing driverless trucks | EPA delays toxic waste rule Overnight Tech: Senate looks at self-driving trucks | Facebook to keep ads off fake news | House panel calls Equifax CEO to testify MORE (R-S.D.) told reporters earlier Wednesday. 
 
 A source told The Hill earlier Wednesday that Senate Republican leaders are getting ready to propose giving $200 billion in assistance to states that expanded Medicaid. 
 
 Republicans are expected to try to take up a House-passed healthcare bill, which is being used as a vehicle for any Senate action, early next week. GOP leaders will need a simple majority to get on the bill. 
 
 If that is successful, they will either offer as an amendment to the legislation their 2015 repeal-only bill — which doesn’t have enough support to succeed — or, if they can get a deal, they will offer a revised version of their proposal to both repeal and replace ObamaCare. 
 
 — Rachel Roubein, Alexander Bolton and Nathanial Weixel contributed to this story.
– Lawmakers from both parties say they're deeply saddened by the news that Sen. John McCain has an aggressive form of brain cancer. McCain has glioblastoma, a type of tumor that Michael Berens at the Translational Genomics Research Institute in Phoenix has studied for 30 years. He tells the Arizona Republic that the tumor spreads with "finger-like projections," with wandering cells creating "guerilla warfare in the brain." He says that patients who undergo surgery and chemotherapy survive for an average of 16 to 18 months after diagnosis. "When I heard of the diagnosis, my heart sank,” Berens says. McCain is "a man of great courage and endurance. He has a rough journey ahead of him." In other coverage: Sen. Lindsey Graham told reporters he spoke to McCain, a close friend, Wednesday and that the senator briefly discussed his condition before saying, "I've been through worse" and shifting the conversation to politics, Politico reports. "God knows how this ends, not me," Graham said. "But I do know this: This disease has never had a more worthy opponent." Barack Obama was among the many other well-wishers. "John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've ever known," he tweeted. "Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John." President Trump tweeted: "Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. Get well soon." The Washington Post has more on glioblastoma, which killed both Sen. Ted Kennedy and Beau Biden, Joe Biden's son. Experts say that symptoms, including problems expressing yourself or understanding what you're listening to, are often only recognized in hindsight. Deepa Subramaniam, director of the brain tumor center at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, tells the Post that survival times vary widely, with 30% of patients living more than two years after the diagnosis and 10% surviving five years. In rare cases, she says, some patients survive for as long as 15 or 20 years. The Hill reports that Republican senators who were gathered for a meeting on health care negotiations prayed for McCain on Wednesday night after hearing the news. They acknowledged that his absence will make it even tougher to pass health care legislation. McCain's office says he's in good spirits, is "grateful to the doctors and staff at Mayo Clinic for their outstanding care, and is confident that any future treatment will be effective." The office says it will be up to doctors when McCain returns to the Senate. One of the most moving messages in support of the senator came from daughter Meghan McCain, reports the New York Times. "It won't surprise you to learn that in all this, the one of us who is most confident and calm is my father. He is the toughest person I know," she tweeted. "Cancer may afflict him in many ways: but it will not make him surrender. Nothing ever has."