Hirono plans to seek re-election in 2018 after treatment for kidney cancer

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono has been diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer and is scheduled to undergo surgery today to remove one of her kidneys.

Hirono, 69, says she expects to make a full recovery and plans “without question” to run for re-election in 2018.

“I will continue working during my recovery, and look forward to returning to the Senate as soon as possible,” Hirono said in a news release Tuesday. “I face this fight with the same determination I’ve fought for the people of Hawaii. And I never quit, especially when things get tough.”

Hirono was preparing for an April eye surgery when, during a routine preoperative physical, her doctor detected an abnormality in a chest X-ray, according to the news release. After follow-up tests she was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which had spread to a rib.

The cancer is classified as Stage 4. After the removal of her kidney, Hirono is scheduled to have the lesion on her rib removed in June through a noninvasive, outpatient procedure that involves intensive radiation.

“At the conclusion of this treatment, there will be no identifiable disease left untreated,” Hirono said. “My doctor expects I will make a full recovery from these treatments.”

Hirono’s treatment is being overseen by Dr. Michael Atkins, a kidney cancer specialist and deputy director of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of Georgetown University and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Atkins suggested in remarks provided by Hirono’s office that patients such as Hirono can do well in the long term.

We “are fortunate that there are multiple, new systemic treatments that have been developed over the past decade for patients with advanced kidney cancer that are greatly improving the outlook for these patients,” Atkins said.

Hirono, a Democrat, said in an email to constituents that the diagnosis has not swayed her plans to run for re-election in 2018, suggesting there is too much at stake politically with President Donald Trump in office.

“You know me. I am prepared to fight and win this battle,” she wrote. “And here’s what I also want you to know: I am, without question, running for re-election in 2018. The stakes are too high and our shared values are under attack like never before.”

Hirono has been a vocal critic of Trump, criticizing his health care proposals, calling his ban on immigrants from Muslim-majority nations “despicable” and “immoral,” panning his decision to fire FBI Director James Comey and calling on a special prosecutor to investigate any collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Hirono was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006 and the U.S. Senate in 2012, taking the seat left vacant by U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, who retired from office.

She became Hawaii’s first female senator in Congress and up until this year was the only Asian-American woman in the U.S. Senate.

Hirono’s colleagues in Washington and political leaders back in Hawaii released statements Tuesday wishing Hirono well.

“I join all of Hawaii in wishing Senator Hirono a rapid recovery,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in a statement. “Mazie’s courage and fortitude are matched only by her love for our state and people. I look forward to continuing to work together with Mazie on the issues that reflect our Hawaii values and priorities.”

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “I send my warmest aloha, prayers and well wishes for a quick recovery to Senator Hirono as she undergoes treatment for kidney cancer. I talked with Mazie today, and she was upbeat and fearless as she takes on this fight. I look forward to seeing Mazie back at the Capitol soon to continue our work together on behalf of the people of Hawaii.”

Gov. David Ige said in a statement, “Mazie is a fighter, and I know that she brings that spirit to this latest challenge. Dawn and I pray for Sen. Hirono’s full recovery and we send our best wishes to her and her family.”