In a statement on Friday, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg revealed that she is undergoing treatment for a recurrence of cancer.
She explained:
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. My recent hospitalizations to remove gall stones and treat an infection were unrelated to this recurrence.Immunotherapy first essayed proved unsuccessful. The chemotherapy course, however, is yielding positive results. Satisfied that my treatment is now clear, I am providing this information.
She said that recent scans have shown the liver lesions have been reducing in response to the treatment and have not worsened. She plans to continue with treatment on a bi-weekly basis and said her work on the court has not been hindered by the disease.
At 87 years old, Ginsburg is the oldest of the justices.
"I have often said I would remain a member of the Court as long as I can do the job full steam," she said. "I remain fully able to do that."
Ginsburg was hospitalized earlier in the week for an infection. She was treated and released shortly thereafter, and it was reported that she was recovering well.