Friends and family -

I'd meant to write earlier, like you all - life is busy. I hope your holidays were relaxing and the new year is off to a good start.

Short version: Things are going fine. I'm feeling ok and my blood work from my appointment last week was ok as well. My neutrophil count was the highest I've had which I was pleased about (mine was 1.4 and 1.5 is 'normal'). If my number drops below 0.5 then they have to change the dose, the risk of getting sick is too high. My tumor markers went up a little (from 48 to 51).

Longer version: The CA 27-29 tumor marker can be used as a proxy for the extent of the disease. A number below 38 indicates no active disease. I was diagnosed at 122. It dropped ~9 points a month up until December when it dropped 0.5. While that doesn't seem like much and even though it is not definitive information, it still messed with my head (and still does). It was a really difficult couple of weeks filled with angst from this, alternating with happiness of holiday celebrations.

I saw my oncologist last week and we talked about the tumor marker number a lot. He reassured me that the real test are the scans that will show how well the medication is working and where the disease is or is not. He is kind of conflicted about testing for the tumor marker. He did point out that the nature of my situation is better than others who have progression to other areas - some women have tumor marker numbers in the 3000s! So, my increase of 3 points this past month is disappointing but not something that we are going to stress over.

I'm feeling pretty good, minor side effects but nothing that prevents me from working or exercising or traveling. We drove to Wisconsin for the Christmas holiday and had a wonderful time including a trip to Chicago with all my sisters+. I had a work trip last week to DC that went fine. Glen is currently in Boston at the Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society. He was there for the award ceremony and received his award for Editorial Excellence as well as picked up my Fellow certificate. Many thanks to my friends who were also there and took photos and video for me and especially to my good friend Bob for nominating me. My team at work organized a lovely tea celebration and gave me a gift basket full of all things Boston. "If you can't go to Boston, we will bring Boston to you." I was so touched.

We are very fortunate to have all of you in our lives providing support to us and the girls and also for just being wonderful people. Thank you all.

Much love,

Donna & Glen