Friends and family -

Short version: The medication is working. The oncologist today confirmed the cancer in my bones is dying and the bones are healing. The tumor is shrinking. I'm so grateful for the medication, researchers who developed these medications, and all of you for your support.

Long version :-)

I had a CT scan and a bone scan. Together they give essentially the same information as a PET scan. The scans did not show any progression (lungs, liver are still clear, no new bone lesions). In addition, the scans showed "sclerosis" (or hardening) of the bone. The oncologist explained that the cancer damages the bone and the hardening seen is the repair/regrowth. So, that is all good! I am cleared for all activity including skiing! Although, given my downhill talent, I may stick to Nordic skiing :-)

My blood work looked fine and I'm still on the highest dose of Ibrance possible. I take that along with the hormone therapy Anastrazole orally each day. Once a month I get a shot of Lupron to shut down my ovaries and an infusion of Zometa (bone strengthener). Somewhat amazingly, I still have no significant side effects from any of the medication. My tumor markers have dropped each month; I won't have data from today until later this week.

All of this is very good! I feel pretty good overall. I'm working full time and exercising and doing everything I'd normally do (cleaning, laundry). Apparently this month I'll also be helping Glen build a shed! :-)

I feel compelled to also state that I still have cancer and always will. It will never go away. The little buggers are swimming around in my blood. At some point these medications will not work. When that happens we go to a second line of defense, and so on. So, I'm not cured, never will be. I'm not sick either - I have a disease. Most people don't know my situation as you can't tell from looking at me. Fortunately, we have options right now and more drugs and treatments are being studied.

We are grateful to you all, even though most of you are far away from us. I shared this article through social media, if you haven't seen it consider reading it. The entire article resonated with me.

My Friend Has Stage IV Breast Cancer. Here Are Some Things She Wishes You Knew

I'm off to enjoy a celebratory glass of wine!

Much love.

Donna & Glen