This is a tough read. The story crossed the wire today that Lura Lynn Ryan has been admitted to the hospital for complications from lung cancer. Here’s the latest from AP: 

Former Gov. George Ryan’s wife is expected to be released from a Kankakee hospital today. Lura Lynn Ryan has lung disease and attorneys say she only has a year or two to live. They’re citing her illness in trying to have parts of the ex-governor’s 2006 conviction thrown out so he can be released early from prison.

The story of the former Illinois’ first lady’s health is front page news because George Ryan is asking to be released early from federal prison.  The item above mentions that attorneys for George Ryan say she only has a year or two to live. But according to her doctor, that timeline is off. She has three to six months. Also, the doctor says “terminal lung cancer,” which is different than “lung disease” mentioned in the AP report.

The letter from her doctor at Rush Riverside Cancer Institute was filed this afternoon in the federal court. It’s a very chilling read. To sum up, the doctor believes that due to her condition and her age that she would not be able to take extensive chemotherapy, therefore she may have three to six months to live.

The letter is attached below. The photo above is of George and Lura Lynn Ryan in front of the Dirksen Federal Building in 2006 (AP/File). WBEZ’s Rob Wildeboer contributed to this blog.