RBG undergoing chemotherapy for recurrence of cancer

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Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg revealed Friday that she was undergoing chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer — but insisted she had no plans to retire.

“On May 19, I began a course of chemotherapy (gemcitabine) to treat a recurrence of cancer. A periodic scan in February followed by a biopsy revealed lesions on my liver,” she wrote in a letter released by the High Court, CBS News reported.

Her hospitalization earlier this week for fever and chills stemmed from a procedure to remove gall stones and was not related to cancer, she said.

“Immunotherapy first essayed proved unsuccessful. The chemotherapy course, however, is yielding positive results. Satisfied that my treatment course is now clear, I am providing this information,” Ginsburg said.
“My most recent scan on July 7 indicated significant reduction of the liver lesions and no new disease. I am tolerating chemotherapy well and am encouraged by the success of my current treatment,” she continued.

“I will continue bi-weekly chemotherapy to keep my cancer at bay, and am able to maintain an active daily routine. Throughout, I have kept up with opinion writing and all other Court work.”

She said the therapy has not limited her ability to do her job, and that she planned to continue serving.

“I often said I would remain a member of the Court as long as I can do the job full steam. I remain fully able to do that,” she concluded.

Ginsburg, 87, survived a bout of colon cancer in 1999, and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a decade later.