Stage 2 Breast Cancer

Hi .

My name is Ginger Cabrera. I’m a 46 year old mother, wife, student, & crisis counselor. Between 6-9 months ago after working out (lifting weights) I noticed that it felt as though I pulled a muscle under my right breast. I laid off on weight lifting. It was a few months later that the continued discomfort now turned into sharp pain with a burning sensation. I just kept thinking it was hormone related due to my age. About 3 months ago I self examined and found a lump of my right breast. After many tests and biopsies it is confirmed I have Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma AKA Breast Cancer. I’m a triple negative, meaning it doesn’t respond to hormones. But, I am a level 3 out of 3 in regard to the aggression. I am a candidate for Scarlett trial study at Stanford in Palo Alto. I will be commuting once a week for the next 16 weeks. Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy are to be done prior to any surgery. Depending on how much it shrinks will determine what type of surgery. Lumpectomy vs. mastectomy (double). I am a student working on my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I am taking a leave of absence from school and my job as a crisis counselor. I don’t know how exactly the therapies will affect me and I want to maintain my peace. My husband and family are very supportive. I have friends that are offering so much of themselves to support me through this journey. I know times are rough for many of us and the holidays make money even tighter. I appreciate if you could share this fundraiser. Bringing awareness to this disease is very helpful. I would like to have the means to help with gas, wear and tear on my vehicle to and from Palo Alto. Especially since I will no longer be working. Every bit helps. I appreciate all of your support. Your kind words are so encouraging. Thank you

Update: 12/28/24

Happy Holidays!

I hope your holidays were special. I am a little over a week post chemotherapy & immunotherapy. The first few days were tolerable. I was feeling ok with the help of the steroids. Day 4 and on has been tough. The low immunity is very prone to infections and I am experiencing infections. Every day I have a new symptom. I don’t trust the outside is safe. I feel I can’t risk becoming very ill when I’m so vulnerable. It is a scary way to live. I am grateful for being ALIVE! My body is amazing. I’m so grateful for my family & friends. Everyone is uplifting when I need it the most.

Update: 1/10/25

Happy New year! Yesterday was my second cycle out of 6. We are 1/3 of the way there. I was very tired yesterday and today. Everything is going well so far. My side effects of sores, hair loss, rashes, infections are more than likely going to happen again. But, all are manageable. I am so grateful for your support. I did increase the goal from 5k to 10k. My SDI is not processed yet. I know a couple people have asked about my chemo I’m receiving and it’s shrinking the tumor. I no longer have pain from it and we can barely feel it.

Update: 2/1/25

I had my 3rd infusion on 1/30/25. It went well. Noticed I was more fatigued this time than any other. The anxiety is till there the night before the infusion. I met with 2 doctors on Thursday as well. I met my plastics surgeon and we are planning a lumpectomy at the moment. Both breasts will have surgical incisions. I’m halfway through chemotherapy. The next chunk will be getting through surgery & no use of thc. I drink it for the bones ache, nausea, & it helps with my appetite. The one time I’m not asked to lose anymore weight. Life!

Update: 3/7/25

2.5 weeks ago I had my 4th infusion. This infusion really kicked my butt. I don’t know how it’s possible but it’s happening, I’m losing ALL my hair everywhere. I don’t have nose hairs and it makes my nose prone to nose bleeds. My mouth and throat got super sore. I had mouth sores. I lost my voice. I ended up in the emergency room last Friday (2/28/25) due to being so weak and dizzy. Labs, CT scan, EKG, swabs of nose and mouth were all done and my levels for my lab work were not terrible but can explain why I’m feeling so crummy. I’m anemic and experiencing the effects from that. I go for my 5th infusion on 3/13/25. After this infusion it will be one more and that will be my final infusion. Depending on the outcome of surgery will determine the need for further immunotherapy. I’ve expressed to my oncologist that if it’s not necessary I don’t want to do it. The immunotherapy has its side effects as well. I am so grateful to have so many people supporting me through this journey. Thank you!

UPDATE 3/14/25

Infusion 5 out of 6 was completed yesterday (3/13)!!!!!!!

My labs are ALL very low. I almost wasn’t well enough to receive the infusion for immunotherapy. The risk of having immunotherapy, when labs are low, is your organs can attack itself. Please pray for me. Thank you for your love and support!

Update: 4/3/25 was the day of my LAST chemotherapy infusion. It really has wiped me out for the last 3 weeks. On Monday 5/5/25 I am scheduled to have a lumpectomy with reconstruction surgery of bilateral breasts. I’m nervous. My body will no longer be the same. After I have healed from surgery I will start radiation. I will also be continuing immunotherapy & start taking oral chemo. This is a very long process. I am not due to return to work until 2026. I will keep updating as much as possible. Thank you for everything. It’s been a tremendous help!