Florida lawmaker diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) on Monday announced that he was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, saying in a statement that he intends to continue representing Florida as he undergoes treatment.

Hastings said he is currently undergoing treatment for the cancer at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

{mosads}”I was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and in the midst of this traumatizing news, I found myself wondering not only if I would survive this disease, but also if it wold impact my ability to perform my duties,” Hastings said in the statement.

“Now that I have begun treatment, I feel hopeful about survival and about my ability to continue serving my constituents of Florida’s 20th Congressional district and the nation,” he continued.

I was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and am undergoing treatment at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. I ask for your prayers at this time. Please see my full statement, below. pic.twitter.com/8CUIk1qFVY

— Alcee L. Hastings (@RepHastingsFL) January 14, 2019

Hastings, 82, joined Congress in 1993. He is currently the vice chairman of the House Rules Committee and the co-chairman of the Florida delegation.

Hastings became the longest-serving member of Florida’s congressional delegation following the departure of former Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). 

“My doctors have stated that the advancement in the treatment of cancer is evolutionary and the success rates continue to climb resulting in a dramatic decrease in the number of cancer-related deaths,” Hastings wrote. 

“I have been convinced that this is a battle worth fighting, and my life is defined by fighting battles worth fighting,” he wrote. “Should it become clear that this cancer which has invaded my body cannot be defeated, I will tell you so.”

“I release this statement because I want to be the source providing you with this information,” he concluded. “I ask for your prayers at this time.”