Bob Novak was diagnosed with brain cancer in July, and today he writes about his battles with the disease. It’s a fascinating and heartwarming column, written in Novak’s blunt style. He’s made plenty of enemies through the years, so he was somewhat surprised by the outpouring of support. His situation also led him to make connections with people who were on the opposite side of the political spectrum.
After reviewing my case, Friedman said a resection — that is, a removal of the tumor — was possible by surgery. He performed a similar operation this summer on Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.
In today’s world, it is up to the “informed patient” to make many decisions affecting treatment. My dear friend Bob Shrum, the Democratic political operative, asked Sen. Kennedy’s wife, Vicki, to call me. I barely know Mrs. Kennedy, but I have found her to be a warm and gracious person. I have had few good things to say about Teddy Kennedy since I first met him at the 1960 Democratic National Convention, but he and his wife have treated me like a close friend. She was enthusiastic about Dr. Friedman and urged me to opt for surgery at Duke.
The Kennedys were not concerned by political and ideological differences when someone’s life was at stake, recalling at least the myth of milder days in Washington. My long conversation with Vicki Kennedy filled me with hope.
It’s a fascinating read. Novak is a huge Maryland fan, but he had his surgury at Duke, a school he despised.
I always enjoyed Novak as a columnist and a commentator. I hope he’s able to recover and resume his writing.
