Jones' cancer in 'complete remission'

Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones, who has successfully completed radiation and chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer, has been given a clean bill of health heading into the final stretch of her Democratic campaign for governor and the Sept. 1 primary.

Jones was joined by Dr. Joseph Quagliana, who supervised the mayor's last chemotherapy treatment over the weekend, Tuesday when she spoke at UNLV's Tam Alumni Center.

"The chemotherapy and radiation treatments started in January, and now we can report that she is in complete remission," Quagliana said. "Now we will follow her progress and hope that the cancer never comes back."

Jones underwent a lumpectomy to remove the cancer and then started radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

With the seven-month battle against cancer behind her, Jones must still answer questions regarding her health and whether it will hurt her chances of winning the governor's seat.

"It's completely gone and I'm not worried about anything except my family and running this race," Jones said. "I used my energy to beat cancer and I don't have any to waste on foolish worries."

Quagliana said that Jones has reacted well to the treatments from the beginning, and has shown no ill effects.

"I was really surprised that she did so well," Quagliana said. "We had a schedule set up for treatments and she never missed one.

"She'd bounce into the office and conduct her mayoral business on a cellular phone while undergoing the treatment. She's been amazing."

Quagliana said he was even more impressed with Jones because she has had to weather the mental stress of allegations of ethical impropriety while going through the physically draining treatment sessions.

Jones was cleared of ethical misconduct Friday when the state Ethics Commission unanimously ruled that there was no evidence that she provided special treatment to a bank she sided with on a controversial vote in May against a gourmet restaurant.

The main factor in Jones' recovery from cancer was that it was found in the first stage, Quagliana said. Jones said that if elected governor she plans to make changes that will allow Nevada women easier access to mammograms and other preventative cancer treatments.

"Nothing is more important to women and families than good health, and too often access to first-rate care can be a problem," Jones said. "There are changes we can make, such as ensuring that women have ready access to their obstetrician and gynecologist without being delayed by a referral process. That will provide greater access to preventative and diagnostic care.

"Studies have shown that early detection reduces health care costs as well as saving lives."

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