With her father hospitalized, Meghan McCain goes 'home to Arizona'

Yvonne Wingett Sanchez | The Arizona Republic

Show Caption Hide Caption McCain photo shows daughter and dad Meghan McCain has posted a photo on social media of her with her father, Sen. John McCain, saying there's "no place I would rather be." The 81-year-old Arizona Republican has been battling brain cancer. He was diagnosed last summer. (March 20)

PHOENIX — Meghan McCain returned to Arizona this week to be with her ailing father, Sen. John McCain, who is battling a deadly form of brain cancer and has been in the hospital after surgery.

The younger McCain, a political commentator and co-host of ABC's The View, tweeted the news Wednesday.

"I am going home to Arizona today to be with my family for the rest of the week but will return Monday," she wrote.

She thanked followers for their "kind words and prayers" for her dad: "it really means so much for my family."

McCain's family and Senate office said Monday that the six-term Arizona Republican and 2008 GOP presidential nominee was in stable condition after undergoing surgery for an intestinal infection related to diverticulitis. Patients can be at greater risk for the condition when their immune systems are suppressed, as is the case with patients undergoing chemotherapy, medical professionals say.

Such a compelling few days on @TheView! I've really enjoyed it. I am going home to Arizona today to be with my family for the rest of the week but will return Monday. Thank you all again for your kind words and prayers for my father - it really means so much to my family. — Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) April 18, 2018

McCain has been in Arizona since Dec. 17. The disclosure Monday of the surgery at the Mayo Clinic was the first official update on his health since that date.

McCain's office has not put out an updated statement on the senator's condition.

After the news of McCain's hospitalization earlier this week, his wife, Cindy McCain tweeted he was "doing well." She wrote the couple was anticipating a return to their property in Cornville, Ariz., near Sedona.

April 19: With John McCain in hospital, Arizona lawmakers push bill to delay vote to replace him

April 16: Sen. John McCain undergoes surgery at Mayo Clinic; condition called stable

It is unclear whether the senator, or his family members, will attend the McCain Institute for International Leadership's annual Sedona Forum. The McCain Institute is part of Arizona State University.

The exclusive conferences typically focus on foreign policy and global security issues. Past headliners have included then-Vice President Joe Biden, former British prime minister Tony Blair and former secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The event is private.

A spokesman for the forum said details about the event would be available at its conclusion, on Sunday.

Follow Yvonne Wingett Sanchez on Twitter: @yvonnewingett

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