U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin announced Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which he called “a serious but curable form of cancer.”
The Democrat who represents Maryland’s 8th District said he will undergo a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
According to Raskin, the prognosis for people with this form of cancer and undergoing four months of treatment is excellent.
“I expect to be able to work through this period but have been cautioned by my doctors to reduce unnecessary exposure to avoid COVID-19, the flu and other viruses. In addition to destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy impairs natural antibodies and undermines the body’s immune system. I am advised that it also causes hair loss and weight gain (although I am still holding out hope for the kind that causes hair gain and weight loss),” he said in a statement that was sent to MyMCM.
“With the benefit of early detection and fine doctors, the help of my extraordinary staff, the love of Sarah and our daughters and sons-in-law (actual and to-be) and family and friends, and the support of my beloved constituents and my colleagues in the House, I plan to get through this and, in the meantime, to keep making progress every day in Congress for American democracy,” he said.
This is not his first cancer diagnosis. Several years ago, he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, for which he underwent radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.
Raskin recently was elected as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee. He succeeds Carolyn Maloney of New York.
“My love and solidarity go out to other families managing cancer or any other health condition in this holiday season—and all the doctors, nurses and medical personnel who provide us comfort and hope,” Raskin said.
When hearing of the news, County Executive Marc Elrich issued a statement. “As our nation has seen over the past six years, Jamie Raskin is a fighter. We have seen Jamie fight for our County, fight for our state, and even fight for the soul of our nation. And now as he prepares to to fight cancer once again, we send him and his family the love, the support and the hope that they have always given to us.”
When he learned of the news, County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz tweeted, “I am keeping @RepRaskin and his family in my thoughts and prayers of strength and positivity during this challenging time. We are incredibly grateful for his perseverance to continue working during treatment, and we hope for a speedy return to health. 
“
