Archbishop Murphy Completes Treatment

Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy has finished his first round of chemotherapy for his leukemia, is off dialysis and is in good spirits, a spokesman for the diocese said.

A blood and bone marrow test was given Tuesday. The results, expected later this week, will determine to what extent leukemic cells are still present in his blood, how well he has responded to treatment, and what future treatment he will need.

The archbishop was admitted to Providence Seattle Medical Center Dec. 1 for acute myelogenous leukemia, a potentially fatal cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

His condition was initially complicated by reduced kidney function. Since Dec. 12, he has not required dialysis because his kidneys have returned to their normal function, an archdiocesan statement said.

The archbishop, who completed eight days of chemotherapy by last week, was expected to remain in the hospital throughout the Christmas season.