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

Sen. John McCain is in stable condition after undergoing surgery for an intestinal infection related to diverticulitis, his family and Senate office said Monday.

McCain, 81, who is battling a deadly form of brain cancer, has been in Arizona since Dec. 17.

His family offered hopeful messages Monday.

Cindy McCain, McCain's wife, said on Twitter that McCain was "doing well after his surgery" and they were "looking forward to getting back to Hidden Valley," the family's property in Cornville, near Sedona.

Meghan McCain, the couple's daughter, tweeted that McCain "is in stable condition — he continues to inspire me everyday with his intense grit and determination. Thank you to the doctors at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and to everyone who is praying for him."

Complications are common, doctors say

Doctors not involved in McCain’s care said that such complications are common in people undergoing brain-cancer treatments.

“We are seeing diverticulitis in more and more brain cancer patients,” said Nader Sanai, a neurosurgeon and director of Barrow Brain Tumor Research Institute.

Sanai said a handful of factors can contribute to intestinal infections.

Older adults, particularly those in their 70s and 80s, are at higher risk for diverticulitis.

Drugs such as steroids can suppress a brain cancer patient’s immune system, which can put the patient at greater risk for diverticulitis.

It’s unclear what type of treatment McCain is getting to treat his brain tumor. But a new class of immunotherapy drugs used to stimulate a brain-cancer patient’s immune system to attack tumors also can create side effects such as swelling. Steroids used to treat the swelling can put a patient at risk for other infections.

Also, temozolomide, a standard drug used on people with glioblastoma, can weaken a patient’s immune system, putting them at greater risk for other medical problems.

“For brain tumor patient, particularly those who are older, it is always a question of balancing the aggressive therapy with the potential of the detrimental side effects,” Sanai said. “It is tightrope you walk.”

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, said he had discussed McCain's condition with Cindy McCain and noted, "I look forward to seeing him again."

The latest on McCain's health

Diverticulitis is an intestinal condition in which pouches form to obstruct the colon wall. It can bring on pain and nausea and, in severe cases, requires surgery, according to information from the Mayo Clinic's website.

While his family and colleague offered relatively upbeat assessments, McCain's office issued its first official update on the six-term Arizona Republican's health since last year.

"On Sunday, Senator McCain was admitted to Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, and underwent surgery to treat an intestinal infection related to diverticulitis. He is in stable condition."

"Over the last few months, Senator McCain has been participating in physical therapy at his home in Cornville, Arizona, as he recovers from the side effects of cancer treatment. He has remained engaged on his work as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and has enjoyed frequent visits from his family, friends, staff and Senate colleagues.

"Senator McCain and his family are grateful to the senator’s excellent care team, and appreciate the support and prayers they continue to receive from people all over the country."

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McCain disclosed in July that he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Since then, he has battled other health issues.

In November, his office reported at the time the senator had suffered a minor tear in his right Achilles tendon, leading him to wear a walking cast.

He also was hospitalized in December for a viral infection and for side effects to his ongoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

But McCain has continued to monitor national and world events. Last week, he weighed in on the suspected chemical gas attack in Syria and other issues, seemingly displaying a vigorous engagement in public affairs despite his health problems.

Last month, McCain missed an Arizona State University event outlining his vision for development of a 40-mile stretch of the Rio Salado. McCain has made the "Rio Reimagined" a legacy project.

His wife attended the event in his absence.

McCain recorded a short statement for a video about the project. His voice in the video sounded weaker than his July address on the floor of the Senate, when he delivered a memorable speech about the lack of collegiality ahead of his dramatic thumbs-down vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act.

This is a developing story. Return to azcentral for updates.

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