Sen. John McCain to discontinue cancer treatment

PHOENIX — The family of U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona said in a statement Friday that he was discontinuing treatment for brain cancer that was diagnosed a year ago.

“Last summer, Senator John McCain shared with Americans the news our family already knew: he had been diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma, and the prognosis was serious. In the year since, John has surpassed expectations for his survival. But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict. With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment. Our family is immensely grateful for the support and kindness of all his caregivers over the last year, and for the continuing outpouring of concern and affection from John’s many friends and associates, and the many thousands of people who are keeping him in their prayers. God bless and thank you all.”

McCain, 81, has been home in Arizona since December undergoing further cancer treatment.

The Republican, in his sixth term in the Senate, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer in July 2017.

Surgeons removed a 2-inch blood clot from his brain and he began chemotherapy shortly after.

Typical survival periods for this cancer is 12 to 15 months post diagnosis.

While he was undergoing treatment, the two-time presidential campaigner had surgery in April for an intestinal infection. Around the same time, in an excerpt from his memoir, “The Restless Wave,” McCain wrote that this would be his final term in office.

In an interview with “60 Minutes” last September, the senator called his prognosis “very poor.”

“The prognosis is very, very serious,” McCain said.

“Some say 3 percent, some say 14 percent. It’s a very poor prognosis. So, I just said, ‘I understand, now we’re going to do what we can, get the best doctors we can find, and do the best we can.’ And, at the same time, celebrate with gratitude a life well-lived.”

His wife, Cindy McCain and one their children, “The View” co-host Meghan McCain tweeted out:

I love my husband with all of my heart. God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey. pic.twitter.com/v27sEbboii

— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 24, 2018

My family is deeply appreciative of all the love and generosity you have shown us during this past year. Thank you for all your continued support and prayers. We could not have made it this far without you – you've given us strength to carry on. pic.twitter.com/KuAQSASoa7

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 24, 2018

Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement:

“John McCain is an American hero, always putting country before self. From Vietnam to the halls of the U.S. Senate, the spirit of service and civility that has guided Senator McCain’s life stands as a model for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Angela and I had the great privilege of visiting with Senator McCain and Cindy in May. Then and now, our prayers and our hearts are with them and their entire family.”

Should McCain resign his seat or die during his term, Ducey, also a Republican, would name a replacement to serve through the 2020 election. The winner of that election would serve the remainder of McCain’s term through 2022.

The Navy veteran continued to work from the family ranch near Sedona, releasing statements on current events and posting to social media.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization. The Senate passed the $716 billion measure in June.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow @KTAR923