Trone’s Cancer Revelation Jolts Political World

Congressional hopeful David J. Trone disclosed on Monday that he has been receiving treatment for a cancerous tumor in his urinary tract and that doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery. In a statement, Trone, 62, said test results he received on June 25, the day before the Democratic primary, “confirmed” earlier tests performed during his annual physical.   He began chemotherapy treatment shortly after receiving his diagnosis. In the coming days he will have one kidney removed.   The owner of the Total Wine & More chain, Trone is the Democratic nominee for the 6th District seat being vacated by Rep. John K. Delaney (D). He is being treated by Dr. Phillip Pierorazio, a physician with the Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology at Johns Hopkins, and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. In a statement released by the campaign, Pierorazio said, “David’s prognosis is excellent.”  Congressional candidate David J. Trone  “He is being treated for a localized cancer of the genitourinary system with chemotherapy and planned surgery. The cancer is localized, and the treatment has been aggressive. The chemotherapy has reduced the size of the tumor, and we foresee no complications from the upcoming surgery to remove the kidney.” Pierorazio said Trone’s “underlying health is strong, and he has fully complied with every recommendation of his treatment team. We expect David to fully recover, to return as an active candidate, and, if elected, to carry out all of the duties of a member of the House of Representatives.” The candidate’s disclosure came just days after blogger Ryan Miner reported on “whispers” in political circles that Trone, who has kept a low profile since winning the primary, has appeared to be in ill-health of late. His blog post included photos of Trone with what appeared to be thinning hair. When Miner asked the campaign about the rumors, campaign manager Jerid Kurtz dismissed them as “gossip.” But his inquiry appears to have spurred the Trone team to make its disclosure. The campaign statement said, “David spent the morning notifying friends and professional colleagues of this matter.” Kurtz added, “David has been fully engaged in all aspects of the campaign during the chemotherapy treatment.” Trone added a few more details about what happens next.  “The next step in the recommended course of treatment is to remove the kidney on that side of my urinary tract,” he said. “The treatment team members believe my prognosis is positive. They say I may miss a few days of the campaign immediately after the surgery, but nothing will interfere with my being fully engaged as a candidate and as a member of Congress after the recovery.” “I am confident I will make a full recovery,” he added. Several Democratic leaders issued statements wishing him well. Trone’s Republican opponent, defense consultant Amie Hoeber, said in a statement: “I just left a message on David Trone’s telephone to tell him that I hope he has a speedy recovery from his cancer. In my message I also sent June and the Trone family my wishes for the strength to help him through this. It must be extremely difficult to deal with these matters while in the public spotlight.” Whether Trone’s apparent reluctance to make his condition known becomes a campaign issue remains to be seen. Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2015 and was praised for disclosing his diagnosis immediately. Political analyst Stephen J. Farnsworth, a professor at Mary Washington University, said incumbency matters. “Prompt disclosure is a requirement for someone already in office,” he said. “For a candidate, it’s more of a gray area.” “A person dealing with a health crisis might take a little time to process the news, tell the family, get treatment and see how the treatment is working.” Farnsworth called Hoeber’s statement “total class.” [email protected]

Republish