Ruth Brenner Ruth Brenner

Welcome to Ruth's CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place.   Ruth was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in January 2017.  She also had pneumonia at the same time, which made diagnosis complicated.  At the time of diagnosis, it was found that the cancer had spread to several other areas in her body which has also made treatment more complicated.  

In early February, Ruth underwent a lot of testing to determine exactly what kind of cancer she has to solidify a therapeutic approach.  Testing showed that the cancer is both squamous cell and adenocarcinoma .   So, she started treatment in mid-February, consisting of a series of radiation treatments to her lungs to make it easier for her to breathe, and to her brain to treat the metastases.  Once the radiation treatments were completed and the diagnostic tests were over, Ruth had 2 cycles of chemotherapy over the course of 6 weeks (one chemo infusion per week for the first 2 weeks, and then one week with no chemo....and the cycle was repeated again).   After the second cycle of chemo, it was decided that, because the tumor tested positive for PD-L1 (a biomarker protein present on tumor cells), she would start immunotherapy (another infusion that targets tumor cells, and is given once every 3 weeks) instead of chemotherapy.  

We will post journal updates as new information becomes available so that family and friends can provide support and encouragement, but also so Ruth and her family can focus on her treatment and feeling better.

Because she is feeling pretty lousy and very fatigued, Ruth would appreciate it if well-wishers contact her either through this website, through cards or letters to her home, or via email so that she can get back to you on her own time when she is feeling up to it.  We're sure people will want to know how they can help, but for right now, the best help is to provide support and encouragement.  Eventually, once Ruth's treatment schedule is more planned out, we may post opportunities for people to help with specific tasks through the "Ways to Help" page on this website, so please check back.

Here is Ruth's mailing address for cards:
812 New Mark Esplanade
Rockville, MD 20850

And email:  jbrown394@verizon.net

 We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.