A priest is sick 神父病了

Fr. William mentioned about the ill health of Fr. Anthony Chan during Easter vigil.

I went to see him this afternoon. He just returned from hospital after radiotherapy.

About six years ago, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Operation was done to remove the cancerous growth. Doctor did not recommend any further treatment such as radio- or chemotherapy due to his advance age. He lived happily after the operation.

Four months ago, he was coughing badly. A check up revealed the cancerous cells has spread to his upper torso, especially neck and lungs. Lately he was in pain and the doctor recommended radiotherapy on his neck.

He has to undergo a course of 20 treatment to shrink a growth in his neck. Today is the 9th treatment.

He looked tired and subdue but managed to smile and said a few words. He is not eating well due to the treatment and lost 10 kg since the radiotherapy. He did not complain of any pain but need suction to clear his phlegm.

He is well looked after by Mrs Lee (72), a Kelang parishioner. She is there during day time taking care of his needs.

Before I left, I held a hand of Fr. Chan and said that he has been taking care of God's people all his life, it is time for God to take care of him. He smiled and nodding his head.

17-4-1988

在复活节守夜弥撒时，威廉神父提到为陈安当神父的健康祈祷。

今天下午，我去探访他。他刚在医院接受了电疗后回来。

大约在六年前，陈神父患了大肠癌。医生动手术切除了受影响的部分，但因神父的年事已高，所以没有推荐电疗或化疗。他就健康快乐的过了几年。

四个月前，因为严重咳嗽不止，去检验身体，被发现癌症细胞已经扩散到整个上半身，特别是肺和颈部。后来因为痛，所以医生就决定要他去做颈部电疗。

这个疗程共有20 次，是要电缩颈部的肿瘤。今天是第九次了。

他看来非常的疲倦，静默但还是展现了他的笑容，及简短的说几句话。电疗使到他丧失胃口，自电疗后，已经瘦了十公斤。他没有任何疼痛，但有很多痰，需用机器帮助吸出。

目前有一位吧生教友李太太（72岁）悉心照料陈神父。她会在白天陪伴神父及照顾他的需要。

临走前，我怃住陈神父的手，告诉他说，过去他毕生照顾天主的子女，现在应该轮到天主照顾他了。他展颜一笑的点点头。