WASHINGTON (KFGO) – Former U.S. Senator Larry Pressler of South Dakota says he’s been diagnosed with bladder cancer. Pressler disclosed his illness during an interview with KFGO News.
“I have bladder cancer, but it’s in recess” Pressler said. “I’m 77 years of age and I spent about two years having surgeries and taking chemotherapy at Johns Hopkins University. My cancer was declared to be gone, but I have to go in for a check every 6 months.”
Pressler says the cancer, along with the side effects from being treated, caused him to “feel bad” for quite some time, but says he now feels “much better” and jokes that he has “the energy of a 50-year-old.”
“I did have a pretty serious bout, but Harriet and I thank God for a chance to continue to serve. We say a prayer every morning thanking God for another day” Pressler said.
Pressler lives in Washington and says he’d like to return to the classroom and teach government-related classes at nearby George Washington University or Georgetown University.
Pressler served 18 years in the U.S. Senate between 1979 and 1997. He is also one of the first Vietnam veterans elected to the Senate.