Harry Reid’s wife diagnosed with breast cancer

The wife of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has been diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer and is undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, in Washington, D.C., the senator’s office confirmed Friday.

Landra Reid, 71, and the senator are high school sweethearts, and have been married for 52 years. The senator is expected to continue his work as majority leader.

“Senator and Mrs. Reid appreciate the thoughts and concerns expressed during this time,” said a statement from Reid’s office. “They ask that they be afforded the respect and privacy that any family would want.”

The diagnosis was first reported by the Las Vegas Sun.

The senator’s wife often joins Reid during official events in Nevada and Washington.

Last year, Landra Reid was in a serious auto accident when the car she was riding in with her daughter was rear-ended on a Washington-area freeway. She recovered and has continued to appear at events with the senator.

The Reids met in high school in Basic, Nev., and have five adult children.