Cardinal George hospitalised after medics 'run out of tricks' to treat his cancer

The Tablet (UK)
March 4, 2015

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/1826/0/cardinal-george-hospitalised-after-medics-run-out-of-tricks-to-treat-his-cancer

US Cardinal Francis George, archbishop emeritus of Chicago, was admitted to Loyola University Medical Centre this week to undergo several days of tests.

A statement from the Chicago Archdiocese said the tests were being conducted to evaluate his condition since he stopped treatment for cancer in late January.

"The cardinal continues to count on the prayers of so many who have written to wish him God's blessings," it said.

Until January Cardinal George was taking part in a clinical drug trial to treat his cancer. He was dropped from the trial being conducted by University of Chicago Medicine after scans showed the experimental treatment was not working for him.

At news conference in January he told reporters doctors have exhausted all options in his cancer treatment and have moved on to palliative care.

"They've run out of tricks in the bag, if you like," said Cardinal George, 78.

"But basically, I'm in the hands of God, as we all are in some fashion," he said, adding that he hopes to eventually get off the crutches he has been using since October.

"In some ways, this particular disease, in my case, has not been following the usual pattern in the past. It probably won't follow the usual pattern in the future," the cardinal told reporters.

Like anyone with a terminal illness, he has good days and bad days, he noted.

Last November Archbishop Blase Cupich was appointed to succeed him in running the Chicago archdiocese.