Rep. Long's daughter being treated for lymphoma

WASHINGTON--Rep. Billy Long disclosed Tuesday his 26-year-old daughter is being treated for lymphoma, a type of cancer that attacks part of the body's immune system.

"Feels like the right time to say thank you for your prayers & support for Kelle," Long, R-Springfield, said in a message posted on Twitter Tuesday afternoon. "Had her 3rd Chemo yesterday & her 26th birthday is tomorrow."

The 27-word Tweet was Long's first official comment about his daughter's illness since he learned of the diagnosis this year.

Keith Beardslee, a spokesman for Long, said Kelle Long was diagnosed with classic nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma in late February.

"She has undergone three of twelve semimonthly chemotherapy treatments," Beardslee said in a statement to the News-Leader. "Her spirits are great, and she's already feeling better."

Beardslee said her doctors have told her they expect "a full recovery" and that this type of cancer "responds well to chemotherapy."

Lymphoma occurs when certain immune system cells--a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes--"grow and multiply uncontrollably," according to a description on the Lymphoma Research Foundation's website.

The foundation says the disease usually affects adolescents and adults under the age of 50. "The majority of patients are cured with current treatments," the website states.

"The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support, thoughts and prayers for Kelle," he said.