CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Cardinal Francis George is trying to stay positive, now that he's facing chemotherapy treatments for cancer. He said he's in a good place mentally and spiritually, as he begins this physical test.
The 75-year-old cardinal appeared in good spirits during a service at Loyola University Tuesday. He even joked about his upcoming chemotherapy treatments.
"I feel good right now. You know how it is," the cardinal said. "People say when you're taking chemo, you don't always feel so good. I stopped by the Loyola University gift shop where they're giving wigs. I said, 'Can I get a wig?' and they said, 'Sure, Medicare will pay for it.'"
Earlier this month, doctors found cancer cells in his right kidney. They removed a cancerous nodule on his liver on Aug. 15. Tests show there is no more cancer in his liver.
Cardinal George will begin receiving chemotherapy treatments Sept. 5. He will have six sessions each, lasting three weeks.
He plans to continue to work but will scale down on public events.
"That depends on how much I can keep up my energy level, which is good now," Cardinal George said. "[It also] depends on my immune system third week off chemo, because my immune system will be down."
The cardinal said he feels good now, and wants to keep up a regular schedule during his treatments, depending on how he feels.
This is the Cardinal's second bout with cancer. In 2006, he had his bladder removed. Although his future with the church remains unclear, the cardinal expressed his gratitude for all the prayers.
"The big thing about disease is your physical health, but also disease can capture people and isolate them," Cardinal George said. "It's very important we keep in contact with people who are ill and I'm pretty sure I'll be in contact."
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
