Rep. Randy Schobinger, R-Minot, said Tuesday he will be keeping up with his legislative duties despite starting treatment for esophageal cancer next week.

He begins five weeks of radiation treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, on Monday, and surgery is planned several weeks after the treatment ends. Schobinger said he will be participating in legislative committee meetings remotely with the support of legislative leadership.

Schobinger, 53, stressed that he feels as healthy as ever despite the serious diagnosis. His only symptom was a little difficulty swallowing, which cropped up during the past legislative session. Due to the limited availability of a specialist in Bismarck, he arranged to see a specialist in Tennessee, where he owns a house, in June. Tests uncovered cancer at the entrance of the esophagus into the stomach, and he has followed up with a physician at Mayo.

“The way the doctor says it, we can not only beat this but thrive for many years on the other side of it,” Schobinger said. “But getting there is bumpy.”

His family has started a GoFundMe account.

Schobinger has represented District 40 in the House since 2017. He previously represented Minot in the Senate from 1995-2006.