ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WUSA9) -- Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer.
He was surrounded by his family when he made the announcement at a press conference on Monday.
Hogan will not step down as governor. He said he may miss a few meetings, but he will continue to work while he receives his 18-week treatment. Hogan said Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford will step up and do more when the governor can't be present.
Hogan joked that the odds of beating this form of cancer, which he described as aggressive but treatable, are better than the odds of beating Anthony Brown, his opponent in the governor's race. He said his chance of survival is strong.
The governor will undergo multiple rounds of aggressive chemotherapy in the coming months to treat the cancer, which he said was either an advanced stage three or stage four. Hogan said he did not show any symptoms, but discovered a lump in his neck while shaving.
"Most likely I'm going to lose my hair. I won't have these beautiful grey locks," he joked. He said he will beat the disease and be a better, stronger person and governor on the other side.
Hogan said he has been feeling fine and is not in terrible pain. He missed scheduled appearances last week to due various doctor's appointments.
Hogan, a Republican, has only been in office since January following his upset win over Brown, the Democratic lieutenant governor at the time.
Following Hogan's announcement, Brown tweeted that he was wishing for "strength and a swift recovery" for Hogan.
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