Rush Limbaugh reveals that he has advanced lung cancer
Rush Limbaugh’s radio show went somewhere unexpected on Monday.
The conservative — and often controversial — political commentator revealed on Monday’s episode of The Rush Limbaugh Show that he has been diagnosed with advanced-stage lung cancer. He said he had dreaded delivering the news.
“I can’t help but feel that I’m letting everybody down with this,” Limbaugh said. “But the upshot is that I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Diagnosis confirmed by two medical institutions back on Jan. 20.”
Limbaugh first suspected something was wrong when he experienced shortness of breath on the weekend of his birthday, Jan. 12. He turned 69, so he thought it might be a heart problem. Asthma was another possibility.
He considered keeping the news to himself, but ultimately decided against it.
“I thought about trying to do this without anybody knowing, because I don’t like making things about me,” he said. “But there are going to be days that I’m not going to be able to be here because I’m undergoing treatment or I’m reacting to treatment, and I know that that would inspire all kinds of curiosity, people wondering what’s going on.”
Already, Limbaugh said he has gotten a lot of support from family and friends. He’s also coping with the diagnosis with prayer.
“I told the staff today that I have a deeply personal relationship with God that I do not proselytize about, but I do,” Limbaugh said. “And I have been working that relationship tremendously — which I do regularly anyway — but I’ve been focused on it intensely for the past couple of weeks.”
The host said his medical team is determining his treatment in the next few days, so he’ll be out until at least Thursday. Limbaugh added that, at the moment, he’s experiencing “zero symptoms.”
Several times, he made a point to say his audience has meant a lot to him.
Shortly after his announcement, Limbaugh trended on Twitter. There was support from several people, including former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly and Republican Rep. Steve Scalise, on social media. Others, including actor Jon Cryer, made sure to note Limbaugh’s previous political positions on healthcare and other issues.
Just heard the news about Rush Limbaugh, a man who loves this country and his listeners dearly, and is a tireless warrior for things he holds dear. Wishing him strength and tenacity as he takes on this new battle w/advanced lung cancer. Do what you do so well, Rush - FIGHT.
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) February 3, 2020
Rush Limbaugh is a fighter. Praying for him and his family as he battles advanced lung cancer. God bless you, Rush. You’re an American icon and your listeners are behind you!
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) February 3, 2020
I personally wish RUSH LIMBAUGH a painless recovery from his LUNG CANCER. And want to thank him for opening the door to so many in talk radio. GET WELL SOON RUSH!
— Michael Savage (@ASavageNation) February 3, 2020
Folks, it's time to start praying for Rush. https://t.co/taO0QuQLZL
— Wayne Dupree 🎙🎥 (@WayneDupreeShow) February 3, 2020
I hope Rush Limbaugh gets the best medical treatment and recovers quickly.
And I hope that while he is doing it he thinks about why he doesn’t think poor people deserve the same thing.— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) February 3, 2020
As a liberal Democrat, I oppose Rush Limbaugh with every fiber of my being. But as a physician, I don’t wish advanced lung cancer on anybody. We must have compassion and empathy for suffering human beings—even for our political enemies. I wish him the most time with his family.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) February 3, 2020
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