I hope he can beat the cancer and live an even longer life.  

BUT... I think he should resign from the Senate and let the governor appoint a replacement.  He's about to turn 81 years old.  Even if he does beat the cancer and recover from this, it will be a slow, long slog with long stretches away from the Senate.  If he were younger with the prospect of a long career in the Senate afterward, it would be a different matter.  But let's face it -- he's long past that point now.  

He'd just be doing a disservice to the Senate, the country, and his party if he doesn't step down and hand the reigns to someone else.  Especially now, while his party has a slim 52 seat majority where as we've seen, just a few Senators on each end of the spectrum can torpedo legislation.  Even one vote is HUGE.   

We thank you for all your great contributions and sacrifices to the country, Senator.  You're a true American hero.  Please don't put a black mark on the end of that record now.