ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Monday that he has been diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes, calling it “very advanced and very aggressive.” Hogan vowed to continue to work, though he acknowledged that he will miss some days while he undergoes intensive chemotherapy treatments. Here are five things to know about Hogan’s announcement: ___ THE CANCER Hogan said he’s been diagnosed with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer of the lymph nodes. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 71,850 new cases of this type of cancer have been diagnosed in the United States in 2015 so far. This cancer is one of the most common types, accounting for roughly 4 percent of all cancer cases. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma starts in the lymphatic system. It causes tumors to develop in the lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system and found inside lymph nodes — small organs situated throughout the body. Hogan said the cancer has spread to multiple parts of his body. He said he first noticed it when he felt a big lump on his neck while shaving, before leaving on a trade trip to Asia late last month. Hogan said he has had few symptoms, except tumors and some back pain stemming from a tumor pressing against his spine. ___ TAKING TREATMENT Treatment involves intravenous combination chemotherapy plus the immune therapy drug Rituxan, usually six cycles, every three weeks, as an outpatient. The main side effects are hair loss, possibly fever and low white blood cell counts, which often can be prevented with other medicines. During the news conference, an upbeat Hogan joked that he’ll likely lose his “beautiful gray locks” and shed a few pounds as a side-effect of the chemotherapy. Although the treatments themselves are very strong, it is unlikely “that he won’t be able to continue to manage most, if not all, of his responsibilities,” according to Dr. Kevin Cullen, Director of the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, adding that the survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is roughly 70 percent. http://www.salon.com/2015/06/23/maryland_governor_plans_for_cancer_treatment_staying_on_job/
Oscar-winning composer James Horner has died after his plane crashed near Santa Barbara in California A single-engine plane has crashed near Quatal Canyon in Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara, killing the pilot. The aircraft was registered to the James Horner, the Hollywood composer who won two Oscars for his work on the film Titanic. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department, as well as air support, were reportedly sent to the scene after an emergency call at around 9.30am. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wor...te-where-Titanic-composers-plane-crashed.html
