I just noticed that I haven’t posted here in a couple of months. Oops! You would think that being stuck in the house and in quarantine that one would have all the time in the world but in all honesty, the time has just flown by.

The Cabral family remains in a pretty tight lock down. We have seen a couple family members- from a distance and even ventured out to some stores for quick errands. We did try to go out to eat once to the Blount Clamshack (which is all outdoors)…..we’ll probably wait a while before trying that again!! Its hard for me b/c I see so many people returning back to normal and we just can’t. It is too dangerous. I am watching my white blood cell counts closely and factoring my decisions to venture out based on that so we are getting there and finding peace (or at least trying) in our new normal.

As I mentioned before, the two chemo’s I was on as part of this trial kicked my butt. I was so sick. Thankfully, I was allowed by the drug company conducting the trial to stay on the one non FDA approved chemo pill. After a couple of dose reductions because my white blood cells were non existent on the higher doses. I think we have found the magic cocktail!! I am happy to report that my scans last week were very good. So good in fact that it showed my liver tumors have shrunken 62% since I started this trial. The tumors in my bones have remained the same- which is also very good news!! The weekly appointments, new maintenance meds and the hell I have been through the past few months were all worth it. My hair, eyelashes and eyebrows are starting to grow back. I did not lose them completely but had some really attractive bald spots everywhere!!! And most important overall, I feel pretty good.

I am very thankful and hopeful. While I am optimistic, it is also not lost on me how quickly things can change when you are fighting this disease. Two of my closest MBC sisters and friends have been dealing with a lot and struggling with this disease and all of the nastiness that comes with it. One of these women became my friend when I was first diagnosed. While we never met she took the time to email with me and share her experience to help me navigate mine. We check in with each other often and she has always been there for great advice. The other woman is one who made me smile when I saw her in the DFCI waiting room. Her positive attitude about everything and the bright light around her always made the appointments feel easier. I pray for them daily and ask that you also keep them in your thoughts.

Since being stuck at home so much, I have taken the time to get organized. Not only in daily life but in case for when my “shit hits the fan”. I don’t think Trevor appreciated the book I have been organizing for him titled” I’m DEAD, now what”! Not sure if it was sensitive nature or the fact that I’ll still be bossing him around from my grave!!!!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer, making memories with the ones you love and staying safe. Hopefully, we will break free of our home prison and see some of you soon!!

XO