Hello dear family and friends.  It's time to update you about my status.  When I last wrote, about a month ago, I was starting a targeted therapy drug for cancer treatment.  Also, I had started feeling pain in my lower back, radiating down both legs.

I had an MRI of the central and lower parts of my back, which indicated my lower back is normal (for a person my age, that is) except for the presence of metastatic breast cancer, which is inflaming the area.  So my doctor recommended 10 palliative radiation treatments, for the purpose of easing the pain.  I did receive those treatments, and at some point in the process, the pain eased.  I take no medicine for pain now!

I did run into a problem, however.  Somewhere in the course of those radiation treatments, I started experiencing more and more digestive problems.  Eventually, I had a low grade fever and intense chills, and ended up admitted to the hospital.  I was in the hospital for 4 days, returning back home on Wednesday late afternoon of this week (about 48 hours ago).  I found out I was dehydrated and also had a blood infection, of all things.  I had to take IV antibiotics in the hospital.  The specialists who consulted on my case concluded that the blood infection probably was caused by the presence of the stent in the bile duct in my liver.  They considered removing and replacing the stent, but then decided against that option, because the stent is working very well to allow my liver to function essentially normally despite the presence of breast cancer in my liver.  If they removed it, they may not be able to get a new one back in the duct.  Currently, I am taking antibiotics in pill form at home.  I am also working with nurse practitioners from OHC (Oncology Hematology Care) on returning my digestive system to its smooth, normal functioning.  They assure me that normalcy will happen; I will have to follow a step by step process for a while longer.

There have been some good things happening during this time period of many medical challenges.

My son Evan Barlow decided to move from his apartment in Chicago back to my home in Cincinnati, so that he could be here to help as needed.  He received permission from his employer, Neuberger Berman, to work here from home, indefinitely.  So I am no longer living alone, and this is a relief and blessing for me (and all those who care about me).

My daughter Sierra Barlow lives and works in Oregon, and cannot move back here at this time, so she will be coming home for one long weekend per month.  I am already excited and happy about the fact that she will be here on June 6th!  

My stepdaughter Alex Barlow Frost, although a very busy person herself, has been doing all she can to help me.  She visited me this past Sunday after I was admitted to the hospital, and we had a nice long conversation, just the two of us.  On Mother's Day, she brought me a box of frozen protein shakes, which she had made.  They taste great and I love them!  I can't drink them at the moment, but I will be back to them soon!!

Very importantly, I truly am surrounded by family members and fantastic friends, who give me support every single day.  Thank you for the cards you send and the messages you write.  I read each one and always feel touched and grateful.  When I get to see any of you, I feel grateful and happy!  There have been times, during this first quarter of 2024, when I have made plans to get together with friends, because I really, really wanted to, and then had to cancel.  This has happened a lot recently, and I apologize.  I believe I will make it through this phase and be back to more normal living, including exercising and spending time with friends, in the relatively near future.

I was told in the hospital that I am an extraordinarily healthy person, with bloodwork that continues to be normal, despite the presence of terminal cancer in my body.  Apparently, this is a strength that has helped me to survive metastatic cancer for four years now.

I was told also that it is realistic for me to expect that I will return to good-quality-living in the not-too-distant future.  My sweet little liver is getting the job done, I no longer have pain in my lower back, and the current digestive challenges will be managed and resolved.  What a relief it was to hear that quality living is on the horizon.....

As always, I am trying to focus on gratitude and to live in the present moment.  Peace to you all.

Marilyn