Joan Kennedy recovering from breast cancer surgery

Joan Kennedy, former wife of Sen. Edward Kennedy and mother of Rep. Patrick Kennedy, was recovering Wednesday from breast cancer surgery.

Kennedy, 69, underwent a lumpectomy Tuesday at Massachusetts General Hospital, according to a person close to the family who, at the family's request, spoke only on condition of anonymity.

Edward Kennedy said Wednesday that he was optimistic his former wife would beat cancer.

"Joan's a fighter and she has the great love of her children and support of all of us," he said. "We're very hopeful of the outcome. We obviously send her our love and wish her the best."

The surgery comes just months after a legal battle with her children, who argued she was unfit to care for herself due to chronic alcoholism.