For the past two years or so, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's critics have made him the butt of countless jokes. His admitted drug and alcohol problems, crass speaking style and several high-profile gaffes have made him the go-to politician for ridicule. (Video via YouTube / deadmau5)
But Wednesday's news put a stop to all that.
Dr. Zane Cohen announced that Rob Ford will begin chemotherapy this week for liposarcoma — a malignant tumor that is extremely rare. He also said the tumor is about 5 inches by 5 inches in size.
CRYSTAL GOOMANSINGH ON GLOBAL NEWS: "This is very rare and we heard the doctor really kind of drive home this message that its a tumor not attached to an organ, but rather the fatty tissue cells."
This news comes only a few days after Ford announced he was dropping out of the upcoming mayoral race due to "medical issues," which many outlets reported as a tumor in his abdomen.
Ford was the recipient of an outpouring of well-wishes from local politicians — even opponents — and Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper.
Rob Ford's brother, Doug Ford, who will be running for mayor of Toronto in his brother's place, said in a statement to the Toronto Star, "Rob will beat this."
Cohen says Ford will undergo two rounds of chemotherapy, which will last longer than a month. Doctors will then review how Ford has responded to the treatment.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
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