Queensland parliament's Speaker Tony McGrady says he feels more comfortable with his diagnosis of a brain tumour despite being told he may have to undergo surgery.
Mr McGrady, a former Mt Isa mayor who has represented the north-western region in the state parliament for the past 17 years, first learned of the tumour on his pituitary gland last Wednesday after undergoing a CT scan for pain to his neck and shoulders.
He has dismissed thoughts of retirement and vowed to soldier on.
Mr McGrady, who is turning 62, met his surgeon on Monday.
He said the doctor explained exactly where the tumour was and possible treatments, including surgery.
He was warned that he could lose his eyesight if the tumour grew.
"I feel more comfortable now than I did before I went to see the surgeon," Mr McGrady told AAP.
"He's explained to me exactly what the problem is, and I think once you know and understand the problem you feel a lot more relaxed, you're not going into the unknown.
"I've got a series of further tests this week and I go back to see the surgeon next week.
"When he has the information from these tests we can start making some decisions."
Mr McGrady said he would take his usual speaker's seat for this week's sitting of state parliament, which resumes on Tuesday, but said it was still unknown how long he would need off work.
His position as speaker will be temporarily filled by former speaker Jim Fouras.
Mr McGrady dismissed suggestions of retirement, simply saying: "Talk of my demise is somewhat premature."
Doctors said the tumour could be the cause of Mr McGrady's depression, agitation and anger over the last six months, which has raised questions from the opposition over his behaviour in parliament.
Mr McGrady said he had experienced side effects such as lethargy from the tumour and feared for his life when initially diagnosed.
"I was worried, I was scared, I went through the normal 'Why me'?, but that's usual," he said.
"But I feel a million dollars, in fact I feel like going home and having a few drinks tonight."
The speaker is the fourth Labor MP in Premier Peter Beattie's team to be diagnosed with cancer over the last year, including Communities Minister Warren Pitt who has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, backbencher Bonny Barry who is suffering breast cancer and Bundaberg MP Nita Cunningham who is battling skin cancer.
Former premier Wayne Goss required surgery to remove a brain tumour after he retired from politics.
Mr Beattie wished Mr McGrady well as asked that the illnesses of each colleague suffering cancer not be politicised.
"People are entitled to some dignity and respect and courtesy, and they are entitled to go through whatever surgical procedures are required and they have a chance to recover," he said.
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