Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Undergoing Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

The longtime Texas congresswoman said it is likely that she will be occasionally absent from Congress while undergoing treatment.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) announced Sunday that she is currently undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, but said that she remains committed to fulfilling her legislative duties.

Ms. Jackson Lee, who has held Texas’ 18th Congressional District seat since 1995, lost her bid to become mayor of Houston to state Sen. John Whitmire, a Democrat, last year. However, she later won the Democratic primary for her congressional seat in March.

“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year,” the 74-year-old lawmaker said in a statement.

“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me,” she added.

Ms. Jackson Lee said that she will “likely” be “occasionally absent” from Congress while undergoing treatment, but gave an assurance that her office “will continue to deliver the vital constituent services.”

The congresswoman added that she remains committed to working with the Congressional Leadership, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the speaker of the House to be “present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people.”

“As a member of Congress, I’ve been honored to be one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all; especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed. Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage,” she stated.

“By God’s grace, I will be back at full strength soon. Please keep me and my family in your prayers as you have always done. Know that you will remain in mine,” Ms. Jackson Lee added.

The Democrat did not disclose the severity level of her pancreatic cancer in the statement. Pancreatic cancer is rarely detected in its early stages as the disease typically does not cause symptoms until it has spread to other organs, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Back in 2012, Ms. Jackson Lee revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer but had fully recovered after undergoing extensive treatment that included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.