Despite being diagnosed with cancer in late July, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) appeared to be in good spirits on Friday, looking content while grilling ribs on a barbecue.
Meghan McCain, the Arizona lawmaker’s daughter, posted an image of her father cooking on Twitter, writing in a caption: ‘The highlight of my day.’
The former military officer can be seen wearing a Navy baseball hat and a blue long-sleeve dress shirt as he sprinkles pepper on the slabs of still uncooked meat.
Arizona Senator John McCain was picture grilling ribs by his daughter Meghan on Friday
The 81-year-old was diagnosed with brain cancer in July after doctors discovered a brain tumor when the lawmaker underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from above his left eye.
He underwent treatment including radiation therapy at home in Arizona during the summer break.
The 81-year-old looked to be in good spirits just weeks after his cancer diagnosis
Though McCain described the cancer as particularly ‘vicious’ last month during an interview, the former POW was still sanguine about the future.
‘I’m fine. The prognosis is pretty good,’ McCain told CNN’s State of the Union.
The Republican 2008 presidential nominee added that ‘all the results so far are excellent’ and he has ‘more energy than ever.’
Meghan McCain posted the image to social media less than 24-hours after announcing she will be leaving her TV hosting duties with FOX News.
‘I’m so thankful to Fox News for the chance to be on ‘Outnumbered,’ but I’m leaving to focus on other things,’ the 32-year-old said in a statement.
‘I have no doubt the show will continue to do well and wish all my friends and colleagues at the network nothing but success.’
Social media users bombarded the McCain family will support and love following the post
‘This makes my heart happy!! Much love to you and your family,’ one Twitter user wrote following Meghan’s post
Meghan McCain posted the image to social media less than 24-hours after announcing she will be leaving her TV hosting duties with FOX News
It remains unclear why Meghan McCain decided to leave her afternoon broadcast job with the network.
Twitter users showered the McCains with support following the post, with well wishers and fans sending their love to the family.
‘This makes my heart happy!! Much love to you and your family,’ one user said.
‘Looking good Meghan. Much respect to you and your father,’ posted another.
McCain is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and he aims to spend the coming week shepherding the all-important defense spending bill through the chamber.
But with cancer, the feisty legislator in the twilight of his career acknowledged he was in one of the fights of his life.
It remains unclear why Meghan McCain decided to leave her afternoon broadcast job with the network
‘The fact is, you know, I’m facing a challenge,’ he said. ‘I’ve faced other challenges. And I’m very confident about getting through this one as well.’
McCain, a former US Navy pilot, was shot down over Hanoi in 1967 and spent five and a half years as a prisoner of war.
The lawmaker said he was feeling ‘no side effects’ from his cancer treatment other than increased energy levels.
He said he expects to have an MRI scan taken on Monday.
‘So far, all indications are very good.’
The tumor, known as glioblastoma, is a particularly aggressive brain tumor affecting adults. It is of the same category of cancer that led to the death of another Senate icon, Ted Kennedy, who died in 2009 at age 77.