Whitley Circuit Judge Paul Braden diagnosed with stomach cancer

The area’s most senior Circuit Judge is hospitalized today, but expected to make a full recovery after undergoing surgery late last week for stomach cancer.

Whitley Circuit Judge Paul E. Braden said Tuesday he would be away from the bench for four to six weeks while he recovers from surgery performed at Baptist Regional Medical Center last Friday to remove cancerous tumors in his stomach.

"They tell me it was in the very early stage. They believe it is completely removed," Braden said from the hospital Tuesday. "This whole thing was absolutely a surprise to me. I had no problems or no symptoms at all. It was almost a miracle they found it when they did."

Braden, who serves in the 34th Judicial District covering Whitley and McCreary Counties, said he expects to be in the hospital until later this week. He added that he was anxious to return to his Woodbine home to convalesce and catch up on some work.

"I can work from home and I plan to," Braden said. "The luck thing is that there is a really light trial schedule this month so it won’t be too bad."

Braden said a Senior Status Judge would handle his caseload until he returns. He has been an outspoken advocate of the Senior Status Judge program, which essentially allows retired judges to oversee cases for no pay except increased retirement benefits. The program is expected to expire at the end of this year.

Braden, who is 70-years-old, said the cancer was detected following his routine annual physical. The physical led to other tests.

In February, Braden was appointed as Chief Regional Circuit Judge for the Cumberland Region of Kentucky, which includes Adair, Bell, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Lincoln, Marion, McCreary, Monroe, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Taylor, Washington, Wayne and Whitley Counties. One of the principal responsibilities of chief regional judges is assigning special judges in cases of conflicts or vacancies and may serve in the absence of any judge within their region. These judges supervise the administrative business of the courts in their region and provide general direction and supervision to the non-judicial personnel assigned to those courts. The vice chief regional judge manages the administrative functions of the courts when the chief judge is unavailable. Regional judges are appointed for two-year terms and may be reappointed.

Braden said that he has been inundated with calls from concerned friends, family and citizens wishing him well.

"I really appreciate all the concern that everyone has given me," Braden said. "I’ve gotten so many calls from a number of people, from Justices on the Kentucky Supreme Court on down. I’m really thankful for that."

Braden has served as Circuit Judge for 13 years. He is currently three years into an eight-year term.