US Chief Justice Rehnquist Battles Thyroid Cancer: Still Unable to Work

Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who was diagnosed in October with thyroid cancer, is not present this week as the Court has reconvened to hear oral arguments. According to a court spokesperson, Rehnquist will be away from the court for at least another week, during the court's next session that runs from Nov. 29 through Dec. 10. Rehnquist also missed arguments during the first two weeks of November, though he initially indicated he would be on the bench to serve during that time.

The latest development is more evidence that Rehnquist has not yet recovered from his thyroid cancer treatment, and supports the likelihood that Rehnquist has a serious and advanced form of thyroid cancer. It's reported that Rehnquist continues to take radiation and chemotherapy treatments as an outpatient.

Court watchers will be on the alert for Rehnquist's attendance at two key upcoming events: the court's annual Christmas party, traditionally organized by Rehnquist and scheduled for for Dec. 17, and the inauguation of George Bush on Jan. 20, during which the chief justice usually gives the oath of office.

Given the long recuperation, and the fact that Rehnquist has had a tracheotomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation -- experts believe that the chief justice may have anaplastic thyroid cancer, a fast-spreading form of the disease that often kills patients within a year of diagnosis. The seriousness of Rehnquist's health situation has led to widespread speculation that he will retire in the near future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Follow our coverage and key news on Rehnquist here at About