Le Tour Day 4 and A Poor Test Result

The magic of the Yellow Jersey only lasted for three days, and we now find the jersey on a new rider as we enter Stage 4. Those hills at the end of yesterday's stage were killer - not high like the peaks yet to come, but steep and the first serious challenge for the legs of those planning to ride into Paris in three weeks. Today, the Yellow Jersey sits on Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step). We'll see how long he stays in yellow, but it's a good color on him - LOL. Peter Sagan came in at 5th position, solidifying his grip on the Green Jersey. 

The first half of today's course is somewhat flat, but the second
half features two Cat 4 climbs, challenging the riders to work
their legs, long before they are in the actual mountains. 

Today's Stage takes us from Reims to Nancy, 213.5 km with two Cat 4 peaks in the second half of the course. Although it's still a "sprinter's" course, not a true "climber's" day, those who shine on the flats will have to deal with hilly terrain in the second half, making for a fun watch.  

I've been aware that I have poor bones for years, and
have done what I can to keep up my bone density, but
apparently my left hip didn't get the memo and has now
developed oeteoporosis. This totally SUCKS! 

On the home front, my bone density scan came back with some depressing news - my osteopenia has progressed into true osteoperosis in my left hip. This has me very concerned, since it means I can potentially have a hip fracture at any time without real cause. I was on Fosomax years ago after surgery, but felt quite uncomfortable taking it since it can lead to a "pathelogic fracture" of the long bones. I suspect my doctor will recommend taking Fosomax or a similar drug again, and I'm feeling as if I'm between a rock and a hard place with this one. I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. Sometimes life hands me lemons. It's hard to find the lemonade in this one. 

Have a wonderful Tuesday. It's a busy day for me, starting out with a 7:00 am appointment with my Physical Therapist. I'll be back tomorrow for another very busy day. Oh well, life is interesting, right? LOL.