Sen. Debbie Smith worried, not in pain in advance of brain surgery

Nevada Democratic state Sen. Debbie Smith says she’s apprehensive but not in pain as she prepares for a Friday surgery to remove a brain tumor.

Smith’s daughter, Erin Marlon, said that the surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston will determine whether Smith’s tumor is cancerous.

The longtime lawmaker said she sought medical attention about a month ago when her she realized her hands were shaking.

She learned she had a tumor last Thursday at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas.

Smith said she didn’t want to miss the first day of the Legislature on Monday, but decided her health needed to come first. She said she’s been overwhelmed by hundreds of messages of support she’s received since announcing her condition.