Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2nd Republican in the House of Representatives, said Tuesday

That

he has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer known as multiple myeloma and is undergoing treatment.

Scalise, 57, said he will continue to serve in the House of Representatives. He described the cancer as highly treatable and said it was detected early.

The Louisiana Republican was one of many people injured in 2017 when a gun-wielding assailant fired at lawmakers at a baseball field in Alexandria, US.

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.

, outside of Washington. Scalise was shot in the hip and endured lengthy hospitalizations, multiple surgeries and painful rehabilitation.

The cancer diagnosis came, Scalise said, after not feeling himself in the

l

as week. Blood work showed some irregularities and after additional screening he said he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

I have now started treatment, which will continue in the coming months,” Scalise said in a statement. I expect to work through this period and plan to return to Washington where I will continue my work as Majority Leader and serve the people of Louisiana’s First Congress. Neighbourhood.

Scalise also thanked his medical team and said he was incredibly grateful that we were able to detect this so early and that this cancer is treatable.

I will tackle this with the same vigor and energy as I have tackled previous challenges, Scalise said.

Colleagues in the House of Representatives and members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation offered their encouragement to Scalise and his family in response to the announcement, with some recalling his determination following the 2017 shooting.

Same faith, support from family

,

and the internal strength that made Steve such an inspiration to others after he was shot will see him through this illness and inspire us all again,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.).