Ellen’s Story

Site created on August 13, 2020

Dear Friends and Family,

Most of you know that Ellen underwent treatment for uterine cancer 2018 and has enjoyed a good couple years in recovery, getting stronger and back into the swing of life.  In April of this year, we learned that she had a re-growth in her abdomen - a fairly large tumor that was deemed inoperable by her doctors.  She decided to start chemo treatments and did go through with several rounds.  After a positive reaction for a couple months, it now seems that the chemo is not having much effect.  Ellen has elected to stop the treatments at this time, and to focus on comfort measures.

Throughout the past months, Ivy and Anna have been here with Ellen (still living next door).  We were joined by Uncle Pete on Mother's Day, after he made an epic drive across the country from his home in Los Angeles.  His wife Krisztina made a similar drive this past week and is joining us for a few weeks.

We have been in touch with many of you, and have received a great deal of support in the way of food deliveries, flowers, visits and well-wishes.  Given the most recent developments with Ellen's condition, we decided to set up this page, so that we could reach more of you with updates.  It has meant so much to all of us to have your support, and we only wish that the COVID situation wasn't preventing us from more in-person contact. 

We will do our best to stay in touch and update you on Ellen's condition.   Be assured that she will be reading the comments on this site and that your prayers and kind words are greatly appreciated.

Sending our love to you all!

- The Brandenburg Family (Ellen, Anna, Pete, Ivy and Krisztina).

Newest Update

November 10, 2021

Journal entry by Anna Brandenburg —

The service this past Saturday was beautiful and we are so thankful for all the love that went into making it happen.  The Order of Service can be viewed online here.

Thank you Jan, for coordinating all the gorgeous flowers!! (and for taking some photos of them)

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the church, and online.  I'm told that the sound was somewhat muffled during the live-stream.   The audio has been cleaned up, and the video has been re-posted:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg1R80Zebpw

My mom's siblings Pete and Mary were among the family members who were able to travel to Salem for the gathering.

Wishing peace and good health to you all!

Read More of the journal titled "November 10, 2021"
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