Veteran actor Bernardo Bernardo asks for prayers amid illness

Bernardo who is celebrating his birthday this month said, “I strongly believe in the power of prayer.” (Photo: Dulce Maria Teresa Magdalena via Bernardo Bernardo/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines—Veteran actor Bernardo Bernardo asked on social media for prayers as he reveals that doctors found a tumor in his pancreas.

Bernardo who is celebrating his birthday this month said, “I strongly believe in the power of prayer.”

The actor underwent series of laboratory tests, including ultrasound and CT scan, at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, and his doctors found a possibly malignant tumor “growing in the head of the pancreas.”

“As it grows it begins to press on the bile duct and the pancreatic duct and with increasing pressure, the ducts eventually get pinched off,” Bernardo wrote in a Facebook post.

His failing health has caused him to lose appetite and weight “at such an alarming rate in such a short span of time.”

Bernardo is set to undergo more laboratory tests.

“I’m scheduled for an Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) that allows for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy (to determine if the tumor is malignant); and/or ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), where diagnosis and treatment, using stents, can take place during the same procedure,” he said, adding that treating abnormal growth of tissue will be targeted next.

The actor also mentioned how the camera conceals the challenges he has been going through.

“But cameras are kind. They do not capture the very real pain and fear of the unknown, the hidden costs of this medical journey that has put me in Controlled Panic Mode,” he said.

In spite of this, Bernardo is optimistic in his battle against his illness.

“I know that in order to continue to fight this battle — I need Courage.

I need Strength. I need Clarity of Mind. Which is why, heart to heart, my friends, I hope you will find time to say a little prayer for me,” he said.

The friends of Bernardo have organized a benefit dinner for him, entitled “To BB with Love.” The event will be held on January 14, 2018 at Salu Restaurant in Scout Torillo, Quezon City. The proceeds will be used for his medical expenses.