Marilyn’s Story

Site created on June 18, 2008

Welcome to our CaringBridge site. It has been created to keep friends and family updated about Marilyn.
In the fall of 2007 I noticed a lump on my right thigh. It was small and didn't bother me. A few months later it even seemed to have disappeared. When I realized it was still there it seemed small and it moved around.


I thought it must be fatty tissue. In April of 2008 it began growing larger and started to hurt. I decided I really should have it checked by a doctor. Mid May I went to the doctor. He seemed concerned but said it very well likely could be fatty tissue, but let’s do an MRI to see what's going on. Two weeks later I had the MRI and the results indicated it was a strong possibility it was a cancerous tumor and that may be in a lymph node also. I was referred to the U of M. A biopsy there confirmed it was a sarcoma called a Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma (MFH). This is a rare type of cancer that is not a cancer that is hereditary and is most common in adults ages 50-70. We are all scared and leaning on the Lord Jesus Christ. I started chemo on Wed. June 25th. I was administered chemo three times over the summer of 2008. These treatments each lasted one full one week. Because it was such an aggressive treatment I stayed in the hospital the entire treatment. The results of a PET scan in Sept. revealed that chemo was not working and the tumor was growing. I had surgery on Sept. 23 to remove the cancerous tumor and the lymph nodes. Surgery was very successful and I was up and walking within a day of surgery. I will begin radiation in November. Please keep me and my family in your prayers. I treasure all the cards and journal entries I receive.

















Love, Marilyn
Be sure to read the latest in the journal, view the photo gallery, and drop us a line in the guestbook

Newest Update

March 12, 2021

Journal entry by Phil and Pam Berling —

HOMEWARD BOUND😁! We have something to celebrate!!! She is going home on Sunday, March 14th. Yahoooo! Her last infusion antibiotic is Sunday at 2pm and so she is free to leave after the port is removed. She is so excited as we all are too! She said she is getting bored - my brother Steve's comment is that is a good thing - she feels well enough to be bored. I am not sure I have ever heard her say she was bored. She has been working very hard to get back to her life. Her diligent work at her exercises has paid off, independent women - look out world. This has been a long road since October 23rd, 2020 - March 14th, 2021 but hopefully smooth sailing now. She still has some pain but the pain has reduced greatly and her walking and movement has improved. Way to go MOM! You are amazing. 
Thanks for all the prayers and cards and flowers - all made this experience better. Love you all! ❤️The Albers Family❤️ 
Read More of the journal titled "March 12, 2021"
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