"I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October and was forced to give up many of my regular duties as chief justice of the United States...But I have been able to resume some of them recently. I am happy to take this occasion to thank you and your associates for all of the help that you have given me."
When the word first went out that Rehnquist had thyroid cancer, there was much speculation regarding the nature and severity of his cancer. At the time, various doctors who were not treating the Chief Justice were speculating that the type of treatment being given -- which included radiation, chemotherapy and a tracheotomy -- pointed to the usually fatal and aggressive anaplastic form of the cancer.
While it was expected that Rehnquist would never return to work, he surprised experts, swearing in George Bush for his second term, and returning to work to hear arguments at the Court this spring.
According to the New York Times, the fact that Rehnquist addressed a letter to the American Thyroid Association, which includes many thyroid research experts, may suggest that the Chief Justice is receiving some type of experimental therapy, which may explain his improvement and ability to continue working. A variety of novel drugs are being tested for anaplastic thyroid cancer, including combretastatin, Gleevec and irinotecan. To date, Rehnquist has still not revealed what type of thyroid cancer he has, however.
On Tuesday July 12, Rehnquist was hospitalized for a fever and underwent tests, according to a Supreme Court spokeswoman. It was the second time in less than four months that Rehnquist has been taken by ambulance to the hospital. In March, Rehnquist was admitted with breathing problems, but not hospitalized overnight.
When asked about whether he plans to retire after 33 years on the Court, as late as last Friday, according to the Times, Rehnquist responded: "That's for me to know and you to find out." Rehnquist quelled rumors, however, by releasing a statement on July 14th stating that he would not retire, but would instead remain in his post "as long as my health permits."
