McCain says he’s feeling well, vows return in January

WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. John McCain on Monday expressed thanks for the overwhelming support as he battles brain cancer, saying he is feeling well and looks forward to being back on the job in January.

The 81-year senator returned home to Arizona after being treated for a viral infection at Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland. He had missed votes last week and will miss a crucial vote on the GOP tax bill this week.

McCain tweeted on Monday: “Thanks to everyone for your support & words of encouragement! I’m feeling well & looking forward to returning to work after the holidays.”

His wife, Cindy, tweeted earlier Monday: “Nothing beats the feeling of being home in Arizona for the Holidays!” with a photo of a Christmas tree.

A statement from his office late Sunday said he would undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Now in his sixth Senate term, McCain underwent surgery in mid-July to remove a 2-inch (51-millimeter) blood clot in his brain and was diagnosed with glioblastoma.

McCain’s closest friend in the Senate, Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he hadn’t spoken to McCain but planned to do so over the holidays.

“The steroids and chemotherapy have been tough — be tough for anybody,” Graham told reporters Monday night. But he said he’s “encouraged that John’s going to be back in January and be good to go.”