Before Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 74, disclosed her health diagnosis, she first affirmed her faith and commitment to the fight for justice and equality, which she will bring to the personal battle ahead. Jackson Lee, who serves Texas’ 18th Congressional District, revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me,” she wrote.
“To the constituents of the 18th Congressional District: Serving as your representative in Congress for 30 years is one of my greatest honors. Your hopes and aspirations inspire my efforts on behalf of our community every day. As I pursue my treatments, it is likely that I will be occasionally absent from Congress, but rest assured my office will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect,” she continued.
We know you join us in sending prayers of strength and healing to Representative Jackson Lee as she, her family, doctors, loved ones, and the community support her through this journey.
About Pancreatic Cancer
It’s not clear what causes pancreatic cancer. Doctors have found some factors that might raise the risk of this type of cancer. These include smoking and having a family history of pancreatic cancer.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there may not be symptoms of pancreatic cancer until it is in its advanced stages. Those may include:
- Belly pain that spreads to the sides or back.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, called jaundice.
- Light-colored or floating stools.
- Dark-colored urine.
- Itching.
- New diagnosis of diabetes or diabetes that’s getting harder to control.
- Pain and swelling in an arm or leg, which might be caused by a blood clot.
- Tiredness or weakness.
According to the Pancreatic Action Network, more than 64,000 will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year.
