Sen.

Monday, February 19, 2001

Sen. Grace Schwab said doctors will likely release her from Naeve Hospital today if her strength continues to return.

Schwab, R-Albert Lea, said doctors have determined that she has inflammation of the colon, possibly related to food poisoning. The illness is treatable with antibiotics.

&uot;I’m feeling a lot better. I’ve had a lot of well-wishing visitors, flowers and messages from supporters,&uot; said Schwab. &uot;That’s helped a lot.&uot;

If her recuperation goes well, Schwab said she will be ready to return to her work in St. Paul Wednesday. She will continue to take antibiotics and pain medication for at least a couple more weeks.

&uot;I’m relieved the illness isn’t too serious. In the back of my mind, I was worried about a more serious disease,&uot; said Schwab.

A survivor of melanoma nine years ago, Schwab has a history of cancer in her family. She lost both her mother and grandmother to the disease.

&uot;It was a scare, that’s for sure. But I should make a complete recovery,&uot; said Schwab.