WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, a Deomocratic powerhouse, is "recuperating well" from brain surgery and should be released within a week from Duke University Medical Centre, his office said on Tuesday.
"He is experiencing no complications, and has been walkingthe hallways, spending time with family and actively keeping upwith the news of the day," Kennedy's office said in astatement.
Kennedy, 76, underwent surgery on Monday to remove acancerous tumour and is expected to be released from thehospital in Durham, North Carolina next week.
"He looks forward to returning home to Cape Cod soon, andis thankful for all the prayers and well wishes," the statementsaid, adding that an update will occur when Kennedy isdischarged.
Kennedy was diagnosed on May 17 with a malignant braintumour called a glioma, which usually kills within three years.
There was no word when he would be able to return to theSenate where he was elected in 1962 to fill a seat vacated byhis brother, President John F. Kennedy.
Widely viewed as one of the most effective legislators inCongress and hugely influential within the Democratic Party,Kennedy has been a key supporter of presidential candidateBarack Obama.
In his absence from the Senate, Kennedy has asked Sen.Christopher Dodd of Connecticut to take the lead on some of hispending legislation, including a bill to upgrade insurancecoverage of mental illnesses.
Dodd is the second ranking Democrat on the Health,Education, Labour and Pensions Committee chaired by Kennedy.
(Writing by Thomas Ferraro; Editing by Chris Wilson)
