MD Senate President Will Work During Prostate Cancer Treatment

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland state Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. announced Thursday that he has prostate cancer and will undergo treatment during the legislative session.

Despite the diagnosis, Miller — who is starting his 33rd consecutive year as president of the Senate — said he will continue to carry out his responsibilities.

"I fully intend to fight this disease, as so many have, and to fully carry out my Senate responsibilities," Miller said in a statement at Thursday morning's floor session, according to The Baltimore Sun.

The 76-year-old Democrat choked up while he spoke about his diagnosis.

"It's a recent diagnosis," Miller said, according to the outlet. "I wanted to get it out as quickly as possible. … You look in the morning and see if your hair is still there."

Miller was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July and was prescribed medication and physical therapy. When he later reported a sharp pain in his leg, he had to undergo a series of tests at Johns Hopkins University. The oncologist told him that more aggressive measures needed to be taken to fight the cancer. Miller said he has opted for chemotherapy.

Following his announcement, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who is in remission from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer, issued the following statement:

"My heart goes out to President Miller on what I know must be one of the toughest days he's faced. I know firsthand how hard it is to receive a diagnosis like this. But I also know firsthand that Mike Miller has earned his place in Maryland political history because he's a fighter who always gives it everything he's got, no matter how tough things get. Mike's tenacity, bravery, and perseverance will ensure that he wins this battle, and he has my full support.

Yumi and I send our heartfelt prayers to Mike, his wife, Patti, and his family during this difficult time."

Miller was elected to the House of Delegates in 1970 and to the Senate four years later. He has led the Maryland Senate since 1987.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller speaks in the State Senate chamber in Annapolis, Md., Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, the first day of the state's 2019 legislative session. The session begins with 60 new members to take up issues involving health care, education and the minimum wage. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)