News Release #317

Released to Media on June 8, 1999

New Ulm – Bishop Raymond A. Lucker, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of New Ulm, was released Sunday, June 6, from St. Mary's Hospital, Rochesta, following modified neck dissection surgery for the removal of 25-30 lymph nodes and muscle. Only one of these nodes was cancerous and all subsequent tests showed no additional progression of the disease. The surgery was considered successful and Bishop Lucka returned home to his residence at the Catholic Pastoral Center in New Ulm on Monday, June 7.

In May, after a biopsy of a swollen lymph node was taken at the Mayo Clinic, Bishop Lucker was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Doctors determined that this occurrence is related to a cancerous mole removed over fifteen years ago and are quite sure that the melanoma will return at some future time. Once this type of cancer appears beneath the skin it eventually spreads to other internal organs without prediction. Doctors say that at this stage there is no known cure for melanoma

On the positive side, the surgery confirmed that the cancer was confined to only one lymph node. Doctors believed that Bishop's strong immune system has been able to ward off the progression of this cancer for nearly 15 years. After recovering from surgery Bishop will return to the oncologist for routine visits every 2 months.

Prior to surgery, a special Mass of Anointing ofthe Sick was celebrated for Bishop Lucker with his staff at the Catholic Pastoral Center. At the Mass, Bishop expressed his gratitude to the staff for their prayers and commented that he had received a great deal of support from his family, the priests, and people of the diocese. "I ask for your prayers during this very difficult time in my life. I am not afraid of death since I know that we are called to everlasting life. I believe that death is a passage into eternal glory. I am afraid however, of the pain that might be associated with this disease. The doctors give me assurance that this pain can be managed. I believe that miracles happen through the intercession of the saints and through the mercy of God, many people are healed in remarkable ways."

Following the successful surgery Bishop said he felt surrounded by an aura of love and care. "I felt the love of God and the love of countless people who promised their prayer for my recovery."

Bishop Lucker has cleared his schedule for the summer months of June and July for recuperation and will remain at the Catholic Pastoral Center during his recovery.