Rochester Hills City Councilman J. Martin Brennan was scheduled to undergo surgery for prostate cancer May 26. But five days earlier, a lump suddenly appeared. When he went in for surgery, he showed it to his doctor. The surgery was postponed and, after a series of tests, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“It’s battling cancer on two fronts now,” he said. “They want to take care of this one first.”
In May, Brennan announced that he would not run for re-election to the District 2 seat he won in 2007 because he didn’t feel he would be able to run an effective campaign while he recuperated from surgery. Four people have filed to take his place on council.
His doctors“seem pretty optimistic” that the lymphoma was caught early, he said. “It just occurred. It was just a major surprise.” Though disappointed, of course, “There’s no bitterness or anger on my part,” he said.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin’s disease) is a cancer that originates in the lymph cells, part of the immune system. Its cause is unknown. Treatment will start with chemotherapy.
Brennan, an attorney who operates a solo legal practice, said he will cut back during treatment.
“I’ll reduce the caseload. I’ve got a wide circle of friends in the profession that have volunteered to help,” he said.
With two months of chemotherapy tentatively ahead of him, Brennan said he’s hopeful he will be able to finish his term. Surgery for the prostate cancer will come at a later date. As an elected official, he said he feels his constituents have a right to know what’s going on.
My best wishes to Marty for a full recovery.