Brigham Young University President Rex E. Lee, who beat cancer once, has developed another form of the illness.
Unlike his previous bout, which put him in the hospital for four months while he underwent chemotherapy treatment, the new cancer is less severe and will allow him to remain president of the LDS Church-owned university, he said in a press conference Tuesday.Lee said doctors detected a form of skin and lymph gland cancer in biopsies taken two weeks ago. The cancer, mycosis fungoides, can be treated but is incurable.
The news, though not the best, came as a surprise to Lee and his family, who had been informed a few days earlier that a skin biopsy showed significant T-cell involvement. That meant he could have the same type of cancer that has now been in remission for more than two years, T-cell immunoblastic lymphoma.
"Instead of spending the next three or four months in Provo, Jerusalem, Lake Powell and at the WAC meetings in Honolulu, my world would consist of a little hospital cubicle, tied to an IV pole. And worst of all, there was the very real possibility that that hospital experience would be my final chapter."
But a closer look at the biopsies from two lymph nodes that were removed from under his left arm and skin showed a low-grade, indolent, long-lasting T-cell lymphoma with which the patient can live a fairly normal life for years.
"Over the next three months and also for years beyond I will be doing the things that I want to do with a family that I love and working at a job that is the most enjoyable I have ever had in my life.
"The only real difference will be my heightened levels of enjoyment, gratitude and appreciation."
Lee became emotional several times during the address to students, faculty and staff. His wife, Janet, remained solemn. A standing ovation by the audience, however, brought tears to both.
Lee said treatment will have no effect on his ability to serve as BYU president. The drugs taken internally to combat the illness do not depress the bone marrow or result in noticeable side effects.
"The bottom line for BYU should be that you and I can look forward to a normal term as BYU president, normal in its duration and normal in my ability to do what I have been asked to do."
Lee told those in the audience that they could help by remembering the Lees in their prayers and by not telling them how bad they feel that this has happened. "Don't be sad for us. Be happy with us."
The third point he suggested was that students, faculty and staff do the best they can at carrying out their BYU responsibilities.
"I cannot think of anything that will help more than to have these next few years be the very best that BYU has ever had; the best teaching, the best mentoring, the best watching over our students' total needs, the closest colleague relationships, the most beautiful campus, everything.
"If you want to help, just drink freely and deeply from all of the waters that flow from the BYU spring; the spiritual, the intellectual and the emotional. If you will do that, you will make my life fuller, and maybe even longer."
Lee was named BYU's 10th president on May 12, 1989, and officially stepped into that role July 1, 1989.