Hey Lily! Hey 9! I’ve made some really good progress on a long-term project!
Neat! Did you finish writing a new book?
Or renovate the living room?
No, although both of those things are on my radar. This week’s news has more to do with something I’ve been working on for about 3 years that underlies my ability to do a lot of other things. I’m talking about (drum roll, please) Bone Density!
Oh. A doctor thing.
Not very exciting for someone who is 9, I’m sure. But when you’re somewhat older and have started to play health whack-a-mole it’s phenomenal news I have to share. This past year my bone density actually improved! Last year I was still losing bone mass- –
Ew! That sounds gross!
Bear with me a minute, 9. This year, what are called my T-Scores (the result of a recent DEXA scan) show that my bone density has moved outside the ‘red zone’ known as osteoporosis. I am now on the healthier osteopenia side of the bone density fence. After last year’s results, I was so relieved about the improvement I cried when I read the report!
How very emotional of you.
Not my usual reaction I admit, Lily. But the thing about bone density is it takes a year or more before progress is measured. That means a whole year of effort- -regular strength training, a high-caliber calcium supplement, and, this year, a once-a-year bisphosphonate infusion called Reclast. A year is a long time to “wait and see” if this continual effort is effective. It’s incredible to me that the percentage of improvement (3% left hip, 8% right hip, 5% spine) mostly exceeded the expected range of improvement from Reclast therapy (2-3%).
I don’t suppose you get to rest on your laurels now?
Got it in one, Lily. My endocrinologist believes more improvement can be gained with continued strength training, enhanced calcium intake and another annual infusion of Reclast. And while this will take continued effort and mindfulness on my part, it is now pretty much routine.
Like a lot of people my age, I’ve addressed a number of medical issues this year. Aging bodies just do different stuff. I think a lot of us grow hyper-aware of our parents’ health issues, an increasingly obvious inheritance from them. Is that weird pain the “Abraham gallbladder” from Dad’s side of the family? My pigmentation is like Mom’s side of the family so that means regular checks for skin cancer. The bones are from Mom’s family, too.
Thankfully, that’s not all we get from our parents.
Yesterday, November 20th 2025, was Mom’s 100th birthday in the World of Would-Have-Been (she passed away 7 months ago). My sister wrote a beautiful post about not only Mom, but about their generation, known demographically as the Greatest Generation, born 1901 to 1927. Those who came of age during the Great Depression, and fought or lived through World War II. Ann pointed out that not only did they live through incredibly tough times: they came through it with an appreciation of life, and a persistence in not only working hard to improve their own lives but also taking time for enjoyment.
Move those bones! Mom, enjoying life through dance c. 1990s. . .
Life. Facing it “bones and all,” even when those bones need strengthening. Keep going. Keep striving. And look for the joy.
<3
Back atcha!