Kennedy to have surgery today

Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), who was diagnosed in May with a brain tumor, will have surgery Monday at the Duke University Medical Center.

{mosads}"Vicki and I, along with my outstanding team of doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital, have consulted with experts from around the country and have decided that the best course of action for my brain tumor is targeted surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation,” Kennedy said in a statement.

“This morning, I will be undergoing surgery with Dr. Allan Friedman at Duke University Medical Center and expect to remain there to recuperate for approximately one week. Shortly thereafter, I will start radiation treatments at Massachusetts General Hospital and begin chemotherapy."

The longtime Massachusetts senator said he will return to the Senate after completing treatment, and intends to do "everything I can" to help secure the White House for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

"I am deeply grateful to the people of Massachusetts and to my friends, colleagues and so many others across the country and around the world who have expressed their support and good wishes as I tackle this new and unexpected health challenge. I am humbled by the outpouring and am strengthened by your prayers and kindness," Kennedy said.