Connecticut’s Governor Has Surgery for Cancer

Gov. M. Jodi Rell underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery Monday at Danbury Hospital, less than a week after previously undisclosed tests confirmed a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Because the cancer was detected early and had not spread to her lymph nodes, the governor was not expected to follow the breast-removal surgery with radiation or chemotherapy, said spokesman Rich Harris.

“Doctors say the procedure went very well, and she is resting comfortably,” Harris said.

Rell, 58, intends to leave the hospital Wednesday and return to the Capitol next week to deliver the State of the State address when the General Assembly opens its 2005 session Jan. 5.

The disclosure of her illness and surgery was a jarring coda to a tumultuous year in which her predecessor, John G. Rowland, resigned in July in the face of an impeachment inquiry, then pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal tax charge.

Unbeknown to the state, Rell learned the previous day she had cancer.

On Thursday, while Rowland was in federal court, Rell broke the news of her illness to her daughter, Meredith O’Connor, who had flown home from Colorado for Christmas. The same day, Rell began telling close friends of the diagnosis and plans for surgery.

Rell’s cancer was not confirmed until Wednesday, a senior gubernatorial aide said.

A routine mammogram conducted about two weeks ago discovered suspected calcium deposits, which were then removed with a needle biopsy.

A follow-up mammogram last week showed a remaining lump. Rell’s doctor, who was not identified by her staff, removed that lump and a second one she discovered while performing a biopsy. The second lump was diagnosed Wednesday as being cancerous.

Rell’s chief of staff, M. Lisa Moody, notified legislative leaders and members of the governor’s own staff Monday morning that Rell was about to undergo surgery.

Before the surgery, Rell said in a statement released by her office that she planned to watch the University of Connecticut football team play Toledo on Monday evening in the televised Motor City Bowl.

“My family is here with me for the holidays, and the doctors and I are ready,” Rell said. “Nothing is going to keep me from cheering for the Huskies.”