The team of doctors would like to build Father Martinez’s strength to withstand the chemotherapy and will focus on weight gain this week. Aggressive chemotherapy treatments to begin next week.
Confirmation
During an appointment at MD Anderson, the original diagnosis was confirmed: stomach cancer, stage 4, incurable. With this second opinion they will begin aggressive chemotherapy on Tuesday.
Diagnosis
A few days ago, Father TJ Martinez, SJ, Founding President of Cristo Rey Jesuit, was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital where he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. His team of doctors was hopeful that the cancer was localized enough where they could operate immediately and begin his recovery process quickly. Various tests were ordered, including two CT Scans, and it was discovered that his cancer had metastasized. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer and was given one year to live. Father Martinez will be treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center by a team of expert physicians. He is under strict orders of isolation and bed rest. His entire family has flown to Houston to be with him and he remains in contact with the leadership at Cristo Rey Jesuit and the New Orleans Province of the Society of Jesus. As anyone who has met Father Martinez knows, his energy is irrepressible, his outlook is joyful, and his faith in Christ is fervent. Just as he used these gifts to lead the founding of Cristo Rey Jesuit, he will use them to defy the odds and beat cancer.
We ask for your prayers for our Founding President, Father Martinez, to the Blessed Miguel Pro — a Jesuit martyr who believed so deeply in spreading the word of Christ and to whom Father Martinez has a special devotion. Miguel Pro suffered with stomach problems and his beautiful last words were Viva Cristo Rey! We are ready for a miracle in motion and pray for his intercession – please see the prayer in the right column.