Father Peter Nicosia, O.F.M.Cap.

Most Holy Redeemer Church

(Feel free to send Fr. Peter a card addressed to the friary.)

 

Update: Nov. 14, 2008

Father Peter met with the Lung Transplant team at Tampa General Hospital on Thursday, October 16th.  Since that time he has undergone extensive testing to determine if he is healthy enough to undergo surgery.  So far, and to the amazement of the transplant team, his tests have all come back normal.  When the transplant team meets again, they will analyze all reports to determine if Father Peter is able to be placed on the list to receive a lung transplant.

Father Peter wishes to thank all the parishioners, families and children who have been so generous with your prayers for him.  There are many affirmations that God has heard you and he looks forward to sharing the miracles and blessings of his transplant journey soon.  In the meantime, he is very encouraged by your prayers and asks that you please continue to pray for him as he promises to pray for you.  He misses you and hopes to be able to serve and celebrate Mass together with you in the future.

 

Pulminary fibrosis - http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ipf.htm

Update: Nov. 19, 2008

Father Peter learned today that the doctors wish to do one more test on him, thus postponing the decision by the team Lung Transplant doctors. However, they hope to be able to meet as soon as possible after the test is complete, preferably before Thanksgiving. Keep the prayers going.

Update: Nov. 25, 2008

Father Peter completed yet another test and hopefully this is the last one as far as he knows. Now he waits to see the result of the consultation of doctors on the transplant team.

In the meantime, Fr. Peter wishes all of you a very blessed Thanksgiving with your family, friends, loved ones. He is keeping all of you in his prayers and kindly asks for your continued prayers.

Update: December 7, 2008

So much for one final test. Fr. Peter will under go another test on Monday and Tuesday of this coming week. Hopefully this will be the last test. We continue to pray. Father's spirits are good and he enjoys hearing from you, but please, only through the mail. He is not able to receive visitors or phone calls. As soon as we know something we will pass that information on to you. God bless you.

Update: December 12, 2008

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Patronness of Life

Having completed all his tests, the transplant team met today. This afternoon about 2:00 Fr. Peter got his much longed for call. As of today HE IS ON THE LIST FOR A LUNG TRANSPLANT. Father received his pager and when it goes off, he goes. He'll have one hour to report to Tampa General Hospital. Please keep him in your prayers as always and in a special way remember to keep in prayer the donor. While there will be joy on our part, there will be sorrow on the part of the donors family.

Have you thought about being an organ donor? You can have it listed on your drivers license. Here is how.

Read about Tampa General Transplant Program.

Update: December 20, 2008

At the present time Fr. Peter continues to wait for the call for his transplant. During this time of waiting (sounds like Advent) he prepares (wow, another Advent word) himself by trying to built up strength and put on some extra weight. This will help come time for surgery. He is trying to keep himself busy with writing and reading, two of his favorite passtimes. He wishes all who are reading this a Very Merry Christmas and asks that you please remember him in your prayers.

Update: January 1, 2009

Dear Parish Family,

Thank you for your prayers, cards and letters, which are encouraging and affirming. Be assured of my gratefulness for your continued prayers and support during this time of illness, seclusion and trials. I thank God for you, and pray that He will reward you for your genuine love, care and concern.

Please know that I personally miss greeting you, our time together and celebrating Mass with you especially during these days when the sacred Liturgy is most meaningful, beautiful and uplifting.

I pray that you and all those you love be blessed in the New Year with a deep faith in God where all hopes for family and the world are fulfilled.

Sincerely,

Fr. Peter

Update: January 10, 2009

Fr. Peter continues to wait for a call for a lung transplant. He has had a couple of close calls with calls coming from the hospital but after evaluation by his doctor, the lungs were not right for him. He continues to patiently wait. This Friday after a long period of just sitting around, two wheel chairs were delivered to the friary. One is electric and the other a traditional one. At least now he will be able to move around the house a bit or even go outside for a breath of fresh air. He has had a couple of special visitors since the beginning of the year and this has lifted his spirits too. This past Monday our Minister Provincial Fr. Brian was able to visit for a time as well Fr. Robert Morris, the Vicar General for the Diocese of St. Petersburg who came by last Saturday, extending the prayers and wishes of our Bishop and the people of the Diocese.

Update: January 13, 2009

Fr. Peter welcomed his sister Josephine from Rochester, NY this past weekend. She is here to visit with her brother for a while. We welcome her back to MHR. She is usually a regular visiting during our carnival. Father appreciates the cards that have been coming in and thanks you.

Update: January 17, 2009 - 12:45 pm

Fr. Peter was taken to the hospital as they believe they have a lung for him. The lung is being flown in from Mississippi. More details coming. In the meantime, please say an extra prayer. God bless.

Update: January 17 - 5:15 pm

Fr. Peter has been prepared for surgery and the lung transplant team is awaiting the arrival of the lung from Mississippi. As soon as it arrives surgery will begin almost immediately. They have told us the surgery could last up to 6 hours. This is a very critical time so we please ask for your prayers. His sister Josephine is at the hospital with him as well as his nurse Lisa. As we know more it will be posted here.

We also ask that you remember in your prayers the individual who died today and was an organ donor, thus giving Fr. Peter a possibility for a new lease on life. What a great gift to give someone - life. May their soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, especially organ donors, rest in peace. Amen.

Update: January 17 - 10:30 pm

Fr. Peter is at the present time in surgery for a double lung transplant. The doctor hopes to be finished with the surgery by 3:00 am. We will have another update in the morning as soon as we hear something. PLEASE, NO VISITORS ARE ALLOWED AT THE HOSPITAL AT THIS TIME. All updates can be found here on this page and via phone calls to those who use the internet. Please do not call the office. Announcements will also be made at Sunday and daily Masses. Thank you!

Update: January 18 - 12:30 pm

Fr. Peter has a new lung!! As the surgeons went into the surgery last evening, the plan was to replace both lungs as reported above. After the surgery the doctors told us that it was necessary to transplant only one. Father got through the surgery well and now begins the time of waiting in isolation for the body to accept the lung and begin functioning normally within its new home, Fr. Peter. Again, we ask for your continued prayers. If you know of someone who does not have a computer, you may wish to pass this information on to them as well as all the updates found here. Thank you and God bless you.

Update: January 18 - 3:00 pm

Fr. Peter is doing very well. He not only got through the surgery with flying colors, but as of now is awake and alert. The doctors are very pleased with is response already. He will continue to be in isolation for a few days. Again, I repeat at the request of the hospital, NO VISITORS AND NO PHONE CALLS. All information will be found here on the web site. Please respect this request of the doctors, the hospital, the friars and his family. Thank you and continue with the prayers. If you do wish to send a card, send it to the friary and we will see to it that he receives it.

Update: January 19 - 4:00 pm

Fr. Peter continues to make good progress after his lung transplant on Saturday. The doctors have removed the ventilator and he is now able to speak, though very limited. He is still in isolation. No visitors or phone calls are permitted. First thing he wanted was his glasses so he could read. Right now he is taking liquids. His spirits are very good and his doctors are saying that he is doing "fabulous." Keep the prayers going as he is still not totally out of the woods. God bless you.

"Don't take your organs to heaven; heaven knows we need them here."

Update: January 19 - 10:00 pm

This evening Bro. Miguel, Fr. Ed and me (Fr. Martin) went to visit with Fr. Peter. WOW!!! That was our first reaction. Yes, he has a number of things still connected to him, but he was sitting up in bed, able to talk with us and very alert, but sore. What else would you expect after such a surgery. Tomorrow they are hoping to start him on solid foods and remove most of the tubes, etc. The nurses have a list of those who can visit him as he is doing well but still in isolation. So, still no visitors and definitely no phone calls. Cards would be appreciated I am sure. (They can be mailed to the Friary). Yes, we had to gown up with gloves and mask as well. As I said earlier today, the doctors are very pleased with his progress. He is grateful for all the prayers and knows how important they have been in his recovery process. God bless you!

Update: January 20 - 10:30 pm

Fr. Peter continues to progress nicely. Today he was able to eat all three meals and even get out of bed. Throughout the day they are taking him off oxygen and having him get used to breathing on his own. Still a bit uncomfortable but that is to be expected. That is the latest we have on Father today. Hopefully more good news tomorrow. God bless.

Update: January 21 - 10:30 pm

Much like yesterday Fr. Peter continues to improve. Again today he had his three meals and even a special snack for the between meal cravings. Yes, it must be good and healthy, afterall, his doctor gave it to him. Oh, did I mention that it was a bag of donuts. Lucky Fr. Peter. While he eats, sits up, and spends much time off oxygen, his voice is still soft because of the ventilator he had on Sunday into Monday. He remains in isolation and again, at the request of the hospital, please NO VISITORS. Don't think just because I am so and so he will want to see me. Nope. Not even the friars are going at this point. Please respect their and our and his wishes. Again, if you wish to contact him, cards are your best bet.

With Lisa out right we want to thank all the many parishioners who are making meals for the friars. What a blessing you are. Thank you all so much. Right now the list is a couple of weeks long of those who have signed up. God is good!

Update: January 22 - 11:00 am

The doctor visited with Fr. Peter this morning and again, is pleased with his progress. The one thing that has been slow is his voice returning to normal volume. It is still very soft, like a whisper. Time will restore this. The doctors plan to remove some more of the tubes today at some point. Fr. Peter did ask that you continue with your prayers for him, but also to please remember all those other patients in the intensive care unit with him, especially those struggling right now. While he is doing very well, that isn't the case with some of the others. They very much need your prayers. Also, be sure to include in your prayers one of gratitude for his doctors and nurses who have been ministering to him with their gifts. God uses each of us in our own particular way to work with the Body of Christ. They have been a real blessing to him. All of your cards are arriving and we are having them delivered to the hospital and he appreciates receiving and reading them and your kind words of encouragement. One of the jokes around intensive care is about the donuts. Guess he'll never live that one down. As we said yesterday, still no visitors please. Thanks for respecting that. God bless.

Update: January 24 - 5:00 pm

This afternoon the doctors removed that last tube from Father's chest, hopefully making him more comfortable. He is sitting up in his chair now and continues to eat his three meals plus the daily dose of donuts his doctor brings him. Lucky guy! However, he is still in isolation. When he leaves that unit he will go into reverse isolation. With the flu affecting so many people, and some carrying the germ and not the visible symptoms, it is still not advisable to visit with him. He has written a note to all the parishioners and his friends and it follows this entry.

My dear parishioners and friends,

Your calls, your cards and letters have been very encouraging in helping my determination to get better so that I could return to you. Your prayers have given me the strength to persevere through the many sufferings that are a part of illness -- and I offer them up for you which is the very least that I could do in return for your love and prayers. May our love for God and each other grow deeper each day as we come to learn how very much He loves us.

Once again, thank you for your prayers and I assure you of my prayers for you. I ask God's forgiveness, and yours, if I have ever hurt any of you while in service to you as Pastor. The only thing that I am able to do at this moment, while in the Intensive Care Unit, is to ask God's blessings upon each of you. I pray that you experience His love, presence and encouragement through your own unique sufferings. Remember -- when we experience Christ's suffering in our own life it draws us into a closer relationship with Him and brings with it a special joy and a certain grace which gives strength, courage and hope.

Once again, thank you and may God bless you,

Fr. Peter - your priest and brother

 

Update: January 26 - 3:30 pm

It has been a little over a week since Fr. Peter's lung transplant and he continues to make good progress. His therapist now has him up and walking a little each day to help build strength. He is alert and sitting up in his chair most of the day but still needs lots of rest. Also, while he is in a new room with reverse isolation, Fr. Peter requests that he still have no visitors. Again, he asks that you please respect this request. At the same time we are into cold and flu season and he is very susceptible to germs and these could harm him is a very serious way. He and the doctors are very cautious as to who will visit. At the present time he is open to family and friars only. Thanks for your cooperation. Thanks again for your prayers and God bless you.

Update: January 28 - 8:30 am

Fr. Peter hasn't been feeling up to bar the past couple of days. This is all part of the process. While his is off most things and the tubes have been removed, he is still sick to his stomach and they are doing some tests to check on this including an x-ray this morning. So right now he is asking for some special prayers as he goes through this phase. Again he is grateful for all the cards and he appreciates your respecting his wishes of no visitors. He is still very susceptible to germs and with the cold season here he needs to be extra cautious.

Update: January 29 - 9:40 am

Fr. Peter is in need of some extra prayers today. It seems that his digestive system is not working properly and they are a bit concerned about this. He has had a few very uncomfortable days with little sleep and lots of restlessness. His spirits are low right now and he is getting a bit frustrated. They continue to do test and treatment to rectify this as soon as possible. Father has been getting sick frequently which consequently is making him a bit scared. Not only is Fr. Peter in need of some extra prayers right now, he had Lisa call this morning requesting prayers. Please take a few minutes and say a few extra today. Thanks and God bless you.

Update: February 2 - 10:00 pm

At this writing, Father Peter continues to grow stronger each day. With thanks and praise to God, he no longer needs to take extra oxygen to breath.  The hospital staff keeps him busy with physical therapy, occupational therapy, pulmonary therapy, nutritional and medication teaching - all in preparation for his discharge from the hospital. We were told that a single lung transplant is the most painful surgical procedure that there is. The only surgery more painful is a bilateral lung transplant. Father is still a little weak but with a little more time and with continued prayer, he is expected to make a full recovery. He continues to impress the doctors and hospital staff with his healing, his courage, his smiles and positive attitude. Again, at Fr. Peter's request: NO VISITORS, PLEASE.

Update: February 4 - 2:30 pm

Fr. Peter continues to make good progress. At this point he is off all lines and monitors and only taking oral medications. Right now the focus is on physical rehabilitation. His appetite is coming back and he is eating and slowing gaining his weight back. His prognosis is looking very good and he is anxious to be discharged. When that time does come he will be spending some time in rehab. Still, Fr. Peter's request: NO VISITORS, PLEASE.

Update: February 6 - 3:00 pm

Again we are happy to say that Fr. Peter is making wonderful progress. He has begun rehabilitation to build up his strength, especially in his legs. He has his appetite back and slowly is gaining weight. As his continues in this rehabilitation stage he still requests that he not receive visitors.

One thing that is important for all of us is that when he returns among us he will always be very receptive to germs. Because of this it is recommended that he not hug, kiss, or shake hands with anyone. Joking we are saying, but with some truth, that he will start rubbing elbows with you so that he can stay free of all infections. Please store this knowledge in the back of your head so when you see him you can recall it.

Update: February 13 - 9:00 am

Fr. Peter has only been able to whisper since his surgery. On Wednesday, the doctors injected his left vocal cord with a medical gel which has improved his ability to talk. Father is very busy. Each day he undergoes physical therapy, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy and lung rehab. He is also learning healthy nutrition guidelines. In addition, there is a "transplant pharmacist" who is a member of the transplant team who will be teaching Father important information concerning medications. If all goes as planned, he will be transferred shortly to Tampa General's "Rehab Unit" where he will continue to grow stronger before being discharged. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as he is working hard to return to serve.

Update: February 17 - 9:15 pm

At long last, exactly one month, Fr. Peter has returned home to the friary. He still has a way to go to full recovery but all his doctors and he himself are very positive about it. At the present time he will be staying in the friary so of course there will be no visitors. Our friary is considered off limits (cloister) to lay people. Yes, that means YOU. If for some reason he feels up to a visit, he will contact you and perhaps he can meet you in the chapel or another pre-arranged place. Being weak he is still not able to do much walking and by no means is he to be near people with colds and definitely not children. Again, we ask that you please respect his wishes and the life of the friars. When the time is ready for visits, that will be made known. He is restricted as to what he can and cannot eat so do him no favors and bring food. What may have been his favorite, may now be on his restricted list. So on behalf of Fr. Peter and all the friars we ask that you please respect his and our requests. Thank you. God bless you.

Update: February 20 - 9:00 pm

Fr. Peter has been home for a few days now and is very much enjoying the atmosphere of the friary (home) rather than a hospital room. He continues his therapy a few days a week trying to build up strength, especially in his legs. Slowly his appetite is returning, getting back to some of his old favorites that he hasn't been able to eat in a long time. He is able to join us in the refectory (dining room) for meals and enjoys his cup of black coffee at the end of the meal. It will still be a little while longer until he makes it upstairs, but that is to be expected. He hasn't felt up to visitors yet so none of you have heard from him. Please be patient. God bless you.

Update: March 1 - 7:30 am

Fr. Peter continues on his road to recovery. He is up a bit more and moving about but with the aid of a walker until he is steady enough. Still keeping busy with his therapy a few days a week to build up his strength. One thing that has come back is his appetite. He still is weak and not yet up to visitors. So please be patient. He is still very cautious concerning germs, colds, etc. Just keep the prayers going for a full recovery.