WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released Monday after more than two weeks at Walter Reed Military Hospital, the Pentagon said in a statement.
“I am grateful for the excellent care I received at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and want to thank the outstanding doctors and nurses for their professionalism and support,” he said. “Now that I am recovering and continuing to perform my duties from home, I am eager to make a full recovery and return to the Pentagon as soon as possible.”
Austin had been hospitalized since January 1 with complications from prostate cancer treatment. He and his staff waited days to tell the White House, top national security officials and even some senior Pentagon officials about the hospitalization.
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In a statement, the two doctors who cared for him at Walter Reed said Austin was “progressing well” and “regaining strength.”
“He underwent a series of medical tests and evaluations and received non-surgical care during his stay to address his medical needs, including some lingering leg pain. He was discharged with scheduled physical therapy and regular follow-up. The secretary is expected to make a full recovery,” said Dr. John Maddox and Dr. Gregory Chesnutt.