Hello friends --What a week. Pandemics and protests. It all hit me this week and I've been struggling. I have cried at the question "how are you" and I've felt so damn mad I had to censor myself from email and social media - and remove myself from my family for a time, lest I strike out at them. I've felt toxic - because this world has felt toxic to me. And I'm truly and deeply sad. My daughters (16 &19) shared the teenager's social media and that lifted my heart and gave me hope. All of these idealistic beings with great energy are all uniting in purpose - and that gave me great hope. So -  I got out of bed, I've been working my tail off and now I'm writing the Friday Night 6-Pack.  Bloom where you're planted. Do what you can where you are. I've sent emails and made calls to Congressman and Senator's offices, mayors and City Council people's office and to several Governors as well. I feel better when I'm actually doing something. It's not protesting - because of the pandemic and the heat - but it's something. I hope you make your voice heard and help make change that lasts. So - what's up in MS this week??  Glad you asked. Here you go:1.  This new once-per-month, subcutaneous self-injection medication is showing great promise in the treatment of RRMS!! New MS Drug2.  I get a ton of questions about pregnancy, breastfeeding and MS meds. Here's some news: FDA Updates Rebif Label on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding for MS Patients3.  Fighting pandemics and systemic racism is a tough combo. Here's why you need to wear a mask if you're going to a protest - and I highly recommend going to a protest, btw.  Why Wearing a Mask Is Important When Going to Protest4.  Europe has approved a 2 hour infusion time for Ocrevus and the U.S. F.D.A. is looking at doing the same thing. What do YOU think about that??  Speed Up That Drip!!5.  By my friend and fellow patient advocate Cathy Chester of An Empowered Spirit blog.A plan to move forward - using lessons we’ve already learned.  How the Chronic Illness Community Can Raise the Voices of the Unheard6.  THIS IS BIG: Tweaking the protective properties of the gut mucus, a layer lining the inside of the gut, to boost the proliferation of good bacteria potentially could halt the development of neurological disorders, like multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a review of more than 100 studies.  Gut Mucus May Help Ease MSThat's all folks. Please hit "reply" and let me know how YOU'RE doing in this time of turmoil. And you can always meet me over in the FUMS Facebook community!  Warmly -- Kathy#FUMS

Sometimes it helps the stress, just to say "F-U-M-S"