Eleanor Mondale begins battle with brain cancer

[rainbow4321]

http://startribune.com/stories/462/5467342.html


Eleanor Mondale is facing brain cancer with the same qualities that made her a favorite media personality: an optimistic spirit and a sharp wit.

The daughter of former Vice President Walter Mondale confirmed Monday morning that she is suffering from the life-threatening disease, less than a week after her marriage to local rock star Chan Poling and just a few hours before her first session of radiation and chemotherapy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.


Mondale, 45, said her vision had bothered her in recent months, but she didn't believe there was anything seriously wrong until a camping trip May 16. Around 4 a.m., she awoke with the first seizure she ever had, followed by another 10 minutes later. There was no cell-phone service in the area, so she and her friend had to wait until the sun rose so they could hike out and call for help.

<snip>

That determination to look forward is one of the reasons why Mondale and Poling, former keyboardist and co-frontman of the Suburbs, moved up their wedding date from the fall to last week. The wedding, at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis, was attended only by family and was followed by a dinner at Lucia's Restaurant.

[enigmatic]

1. Good vibes to Eleanor and Chan

She's a sweetheart, and Chan is a great guy, as well as being in one of the great college bands of the 80's...

[smirkymonkey]

2. Very sad. I went to college with her.

I didn't really know her - she was a senior when I was a freshman - but it was a small campus so I saw her around quite a bit.

I wouldn't wish brain cancer on my worst enemy (well, maybe a few choice republicans...) Hope she comes through it ok.

[ernstbass]

3. Oh shit

This sucks. I wish her all the best for a full recovery. She's a class act.

[lancdem]

4. This is very sad

She's now in my prayers.

[Redstone]

5. Damn, damn, what a shame. I wish the best for her.

Redstone