PHX Reporter

Former Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon announced that he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of cancer, after he had complained of intense pain in his lower back.

Gordon, who served as Mayor mayor from 2004 until 2012, shared updates on his diagnosis and treatment on social media.

"To my Facebook friends who have been part of my life since I entered public service first as Mayor’s Chief of Staff, then District 4 Councilman and lastly as Mayor of Phoenix I have some news about my health to share," Gordon wrote in a post on Oct. 1. "In June I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer following excruciating pain in my lower back. It is called multiple myeloma."

Also called Kahler’s disease, multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer that forms in the white blood cells and accumulates inside bone marrow, according to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation's website.

"I am being treated by Dr. Fonseca at Mayo Clinic and Dr. Patrick Soon Shiong from California - the 2 best doctors in the country for this type of cancer," Gordon said on Twitter. "I’ve been doing chemo weekly and meds daily since diagnosis including a drug that runs $165,000 a year!"

Current Mayor Kate Gallego said Gordon "has the strength and tenacity as he fights cancer. Let’s stand with him on a path to wellness."

"In November, I will start a stem cell transplant that will take 3 months," Gordon continued. "I intend to beat this and am beating the odds so far."

Gordon stressed the cost and expense that will go into his treatment in the post.

"There is a major cost to this battle, despite insurance coverage, from doctor visits, hospital stays, 24/7 health care and a weekly nurse for managing all the medications," he said. "While I’m unable to work I am able to accumulate large bills and go into debt. Never had to before but am now and still how fortunate I am still."

Gordon continued by thanking those who had supported him.

"Again thank you who have prayed for my recovery, visited, called or dropped off food or coffee," he wrote. "Too many to name but Dave Fischer Rich Bauer Jay Thorne, Paul Johnson Pat Cantelme Mayor Kate Tony Pete Gorritize Mike Bieliki Patrick Soon Shiong Dr. Fonseca Deb Christa and my kids check in or visit 1-2 x’s weekly and Rich, Ashley and Jeff daily.

"Thank you all who have checked in and hold me in your daily prayers. I am humbled and grateful for true friends and support," Gordon added.