I am grateful to God and my doctors

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I write today to inform you about some health challenges that I face and to ask for your prayers.

In the last several months I have experienced some trouble swallowing solid food.  After consulting with my doctor I underwent an endoscopy procedure that discovered a tumor in my lower esophagus that was biopsied and proved cancerous.  A PET scan was then done that showed the cancer present also in one of my lymph nodes.

Earlier this week on Monday I met with a radio-oncologist to see what my prospects were and was glad to learn that the cancer is potentially curable and definitely treatable.  Today I begin a series of 28 radiation treatments over the next six weeks and tomorrow I meet with the medical oncologist to set up a chemotherapy regimen.

I am grateful to God and my doctors that there is a hopeful way forward.  Except for the trouble swallowing I feel like my normal self and am excited to begin the treatment process.

Please pray for me to God that He will guide the medical professionals who are treating me and ask that He will also grant me healing beyond what the medical profession can provide.  I invite you to seek Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk’s intercession for my healing.  While I know that Fr. Andrzej has also asked for his intercession, I also know that Nicholas will need two miracles for his canonization so there should be room for both of us in his prayers.

Servant of God, Nicholas Black Elk, pray for us!
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, intercede for us!

Yours in Christ,
Bishop Peter