Marlene Chamrin Marlene Chamrin

UPDATE 19 February 2018: Mom passed peacefully with my father and I by her side last night. She has always been close with God and is now even closer. She loved and was loved greatly and is survived by Stan, Ron, Justin, Sara, Eliza, Thomas, and Nora.

Funeral arrangements will be provided on this website as they become available.

18 December 2017: Marlene to most, Soul mate to one, Mom to two, and Grandma to three...Mom has been fighting breast cancer since 2011. Although she has been fighting, working hard, and attempting to stay positive she recently had a significant change in mental behavior on November 19. The cancer has spread to her brain and is causing her to have extreme difficulty with short term memory.  She is was easily confused but she is still Mom. Since this first post in November Mom has improved significantly. This is great, unexpected, and not entirely explainable but regardless, we’ll take it! 

Unfortunately she does did need significant assistance in moving (she needs help to walk) and other bodily functions. She is not in any pain, looks just like she did as you imagine the last time you saw her, retains her long term memory, can eat, drink, fully use her hands, can read, talk clearly, talk on a phone or in person, and is safe (and she feels safe). 

Previously, through her wishes, doctor's consults, and family discussions we have agreed to not attempt any additional intervention to kill the cancer. Since this first decision, circumstances have changed and she has improved. The cancer remains in her body, brain, and eye. However, she is able to walk with a walker and her mind/memory is close to what is has been for the past couple of years. Because the prospect of maintaining a higher quality of life compared to where she was 3 weeks ago, and with Mom able to make her own decisions, Mom has decided to continue fighting. She has started another oral chemotherapy and has started her first of 10 Whole Brain Radiation Treatments. This is what she wants to do. She is not in any pain and we plan on maintaining as high as a quality of life for her as possible and also managing any symptoms that may arise. She was located at Courville at Manchester, a nursing home providing skilled nursing care and can provide all levels of necessary care and was able to return home in late December. 

We can use a lot of help with meals, company, and getting/organizing.  Justin will also need a lot of help to keep in pre-occupied outside of the house so that he does not need to be at home all day.

Mom would also want many people to know about her so please spread the word. People that she has recently met to as long as 68 years ago.

Love,
Ron