McCain What if McCain leaves office? Then what?

His outlook for treatment, Senate work still unclear

the incident is connected because McCain seemed fine after the hearing.

What is glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of brain cancer that is difficult to treat, experts say.

Glioblastoma is one of several types of tumors known as glioma that start in the cells that form the structure of the brain. Glioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor, meaning tumors that begin and generally stay in the brain.

Glioblastoma is the most malignant form of glioma. Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and Beau Biden, the son of former Vice President Joseph Biden, both died of glioblastoma.

Michael Berens, deputy director of the Translational Genomics Research Institute who has studied glioblastoma for 30 years, said patients who get the cancer and undergo surgery, radiation and chemotherapy live on average 16 to 18 months.

What happens next?

That seems to depend on McCain’s treatment options. He has indicated he and his family are reviewing these with his team at Mayo Clinic.

Is John McCain stepping down?

McCain said he planned to get back to work soon. On Thursday morning, McCain tweeted, “I greatly appreciate the outpouring of support — unfortunately for my sparring partners in Congress, I’ll be back soon, so stand-by!”

If McCain steps down before his term ends in 2022, Gov. Doug Ducey would appoint his replacement. Ducey would have to appoint a Republican, as McCain is, and that senator would serve until the next general election, which happens every two years in Arizona. Whoever won that election would then serve the remainder of McCain’s term.

How is Washington reacting?

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is still expected to hold a vote next week to proceed on legislation to repeal “Obamacare” even though it’s unlikely McCain will be back in Washington to vote. His absence makes it even more challenging for McConnell to round up the votes to pass a bill.

For his part, McCain seemed to suggest he is trying to conduct business as usual for now. He issued a statement Thursday condemning the Trump administration’s reported decision to end aid to Syrian rebels.

Not surprisingly, President Donald Trump and former presidents, as well as politicians of both parties quickly shared their well wishes for McCain on social media. McCain’s near-term absence would seem to complicate the Senate’s agenda, which was already sputtering after the evident collapse of the GOP health-care bill this week. With August approaching and no clear legislative path forward, Republicans are lamenting a stalled agenda.

John McCain, the senior senator from Arizona who is battling brain cancer, tweeted Thursday that he intends to “be back soon.”

McCain’s update follows the news his office revealed Wednesday that he has an aggressive brain tumor, which doctors identified after he had surgery to remove a blood clot near his left eye. His medical leave immediately roiled work in the Senate, where action on healthcare legislation had been delayed pending his return.

Now, his outlook for treatment and return to work remain unclear.

Here’s what we know as of Thursday.

What is McCain’s diagnosis?

Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of brain cancer that is difficult to treat, experts say. The disease spreads fingerlike projections into the brain. Health care: Senate will go on with vote despite McCain’s absence. 10A Online: See photos of McCain through the years at azcentral.com.

Did he have any symptoms?

That is still unclear, though immediate speculation revolved around his erratic questions at a June 8 Senate hearing with former FBI Director James Comey. Some medical experts doubt