Second oldest U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg diagnosed with cancer

New Jersey Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg, the second oldest United States Senator, has been diagnosed with stomach cancer.

The United States Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, 86, has been diagnosed with curable lymphoma in the stomach and will require treatment over the next several months, according to Press of Atlantic City. However, spokesperson for Lautenberg, Caley Gray, said the Senator will not be resigning. Independent doctors have agreed that Lautenberg’s condition is treatable and will undergo between six and eight chemotherapy treatments. Prior to his diagnosis, Lautenberg was taken to the hospital on Tuesday and was treated for a bleeding ulcer, which doctors believe was also an accurate diagnosis. Sharon Schulman, the director of The William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Galloway Township , said, “He may not be on the Senate floor for (some) votes but he's also in very good physical shape. He may very well be on the floor in between treatments.” Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said Lautenberg is a fighter and expects him to beat the cancer, according to New York Daily News. Reid has served many terms with Lautenberg, “I’m encouraged by the positive statements of his doctors, and I am confident that Frank will be back in the Senate fighting for New Jersey soon. I wish him and his family all the best as he recovers.” Most are expecting Lautenberg to return to the Senate, notes Business Week.