Republican Sen. Arlen Specter released a statement on Tuesday saying he was diagnosed with an early recurrence of Hodgkin’s disease, a cancer of the lymph system.

Specter, 78, was treated for the same type of cancer in 2005. After treatment, he was given a clean bill of health.

According to the statement, he was surprised to find out his cancer came back as he had no symptoms.

“I was surprised by the PET scan findings because I have been feeling so good. I consider this just another bump on the road to a successful recovery from Hodgkin’s, from which I’ve been symptoms free for three years,” Specter wrote, according to the Associated Press.

He further adds, “An illness like Hodgkin’s serves as a reminder that we have a limited time – and how our time can end when we least expect it. Moreover, the event of death could never eclipse what is most important, which is how we spend the time we have.”

Specter shared his experience with cancer by writing “Never Give In: Battling Cancer in the Senate,” which was released in March this year.

His doctor, John Glick of the University of Pennsylvania said Specter “has an excellent chance of again achieving a complete remission of his Hodgkin’s disease.”

Specter will continue to perform his Senate duties and conduct his campaign for re-election to a sixth term but will also undergo 12 weeks of chemotherapy, the statement said.