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Bishop undergoes lung surgery
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Posted on May 07 2008
Bishop Tomas A. Camacho underwent surgery Wednesday to remove a section of his lungs that had become affected by lung cancer.
According to Dr. Mark Grattan, Camacho’s cardiothoracic surgeon at the Straub Hospital in Honolulu, the lung cancer was at an early stage (Clinical Stage 1), with no clinical evidence of spread, “and it was completely removed.”
After the surgery, Camacho was alert and in stable condition, according to Dr. James U, Hofschneider, his primary care physician on Saipan.
Camacho would still need to remain in Hawaii for another two weeks in order to recuperate.
Fr. Nonoy Recaido said it is great news that the bishop is doing very well and is recovering quickly.
“We really need someone like Bishop Camacho who is well directed when it comes to spiritual matters and who is concerned when it comes to people’s needs,” Recaido said. “He is the kind of person who will not turn his back on you, or turn you down and I think that is the reason why many people are praying for his full recovery.”
“Not only is he a father to the Diocese, but a father to the entire community,” he added.
Last Tuesday, a special Mass of embida was held for Camacho, who left for Hawaii to undergo surgery.
While in Hawaii, Camacho underwent medical evaluation and doctors decided that surgery would be necessary.
Recaido said he feels that prayers shared by the community the past two days were heard.
According a statement issued yesterday by Fr. Manual R. Corcuera, Bishop Camacho “wishes to thank all the people in our Commonwealth for their prayers and support.
“The Bishop asks for your continued prayer for all the members in or community who are ill and suffering, their health care providers (doctors, nurses, etc.), and the family members that help care for them.”
