FR. TOM UPDATE: Dec. 3

The following message was sent this afternoon by Jesson Mata, Director of Liturgy and Music at Blessed Sacrament. Please keep Fr. Tom and his brother, Steve, in your prayers as they embark on their travels together.

Greetings family and friends of Fr. Tom:

Fr. Tom is preparing for a 10-day trip to see his family and friends beginning on Monday, December 8. He will fly out to California to spend some time with Christina, his sister, and many other relatives who live in the area. Then he will travel to Mexicali, Mexico with his brother Steve to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. He will then head over to Arizona with Steve to see some friends and then return to Seattle.

In preparation for this trip, we have consulted with Fr. Tom's caregivers to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to make the trip as comfortable as possible. His family has been working hard to prepare for Fr. Tom's visit. His brother Steve will accompany him throughout the majority of the trip. We are confident that Fr. Tom will have a relaxing, enjoyable, and most blessed trip.

Fr. Tom has decided to resume chemotherapy. The treatment will consist of an infusion today, followed by pills that he will take orally. This round of chemotherapy is for palliative purposes. Its intended goal is to manage Fr. Tom's quality of life. There have been no serious side effects of the chemotherapy in the past, except for some fatigue, which Fr. Tom has managed very well. We hope that this treatment will hold the cancer at bay and allow Fr. Tom to travel and to do what he loves most: to be with the people of God. Please pray for his continued strength and perseverance.

I noted in the last email that Fr. Tom has not been sleeping well. With the help of an adjustable bed and some pills, Fr. Tom has improved his sleeping significantly.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Should you have any specific inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Always,

Jesson

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More information at:

1. frtomupdate@bspwa.org (inquiries may be sent via this email, which people may use to request to get on the "update email list")

2. (206) 732-7350 (pre-recorded message line with updates on Fr. Tom's condition)

3. www.caringbridge.org/visit/frtomkraftop (Fr. Tom's personal website, which he regularly updates with journal entries)