So, yesterday as we sat in the oncologist office waiting to meet the doctor for the first time, we were encouraged to see the sign in the picture below. It gave us confirmation that we were in good hands. After some discussion, we were given 2 choices. One choice was to do nothing, in which case the doctor felt that the cancer would spread to the bones within 2 years, which would be pretty horrible. Second choice was hormone therapy, in which case we hope to keep the cancer from spreading and hopefully shrinking the cancer cells so that Thom has a quality lifestyle for at least 3-5 years and possibly up to 10. We asked about a lot of different therapies, both alternative and conventional, and he explained why many of them were not an option. We will be letting him know what we choose by next Tuesday. We came home and had a long discussion about the side effects of the hormone therapy and how this would affect our life and him especially. It is sort of a “do or die” scenario and we feel comfortable with, basically, the only choice available. This therapy involves 4 pills a day and 1 injection every 3 months, and he will be closely monitored to see how his body responds to the treatment. The ultimate goal is to bring the PSA number down which will mean that the cancer isn’t spreading. Our prayers have been that we would be able to choose the right therapy and since we only had one real choice, that was what was supposed to be done. We are feeling hopeful and don’t plan on letting this kick his butt or mine. We will never give up. He is feeling good, eating well (you know Thom is sick when he isn’t feeling hungry ) and has gained 3 pounds since last Friday. Woo Hoo!!!
We celebrated our anniversary with “legal to his diet” smoothies instead of champagne, leftovers instead of a steak and curled up on the couch, watching the moon rise through the window and reliving good memories from our 50 years together. We laughed pretty hard at some of those memories about Pat Dandridge, my brother Glenn, Greg Dandridge, Michael Ray Strawn, Randy Mccann, Jackie Gunter Faunda, Jacob Reagan, Josh, and Justin Reagan.
We dreamed once again about river trips in Mexico, nights spent under a dark sky watching meteors and fireballs streak across the sky, drumming by fires, moonlit walks on beaches in different countries, drag racing as teenagers, good food with great friends, helping others, dancing in the rain, camping in jungles, scary hikes (for me), personal triumphs and meeting new people along our journey.
Thank you to everyone who continues sending everything our way. There was no way to keep up with all of the good wishes yesterday, so please know we saw everything even if it might not have been acknowledged. We are so fortunate that our lives include each and every one of you and a beautiful support team of friends and family. #ThomStrong #TeamThom
 

48 years ago, we jumped in your car, grabbed a couple of friends and got married in Silver Springs, FL. We have had a wonderful, long ride in this adventure we call life and I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it. Today we face one of our biggest challenges as we see your oncologist for the first time. Our journey hasn’t always been easy. Through the years, there have been ups and downs, good times and bad times, laughter and tears. We have watched our son grow up into a well-adjusted loving adult. We have traveled to many places, near and far. We have met wonderful people and made lifelong friendships. We have shared triumphs and tragedies, births and deaths, happiness and sadness. We have tickled each other until happy tears have flowed and held each other when the sad tears have flowed. Thom Dandridge, you are my rock, my anchor, my soulmate, my warrior, my lover, my best friend. I love you more today than the day we met and look forward to holding your hand and keeping you close for the rest of the time we have here on earth together. You are my everything and my life would be incomplete without you in it. Happy Anniversary to us.

Thank you to everyone who kept Thom in your thoughts today. We are home and he is resting. His doctor told me that his implant procedure went very well. RIght now, there is quite a bit of pain, however we have been assured that should pass in the next couple of days. For someone who can’t stand to look at a needle, has been a trooper during all of this. We are on a first name basis with people in the hospital. Again, Thank you to our wonderful family, both blood and spiritual. We love you all and look forward to seeing everyone when we can.

So, an update on Thom...unfortunately we didn’t get the diagnosis we wanted from his last biopsy. The prostate cancer has spread to one of his lymph nodes and he has an appointment with the oncologist on May 26 (our 48th anniversary) to discuss treatment. Thank you to everyone who continues to send love, prayers, and good energy. We appreciate all of this so much. We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful people in our lives. Thom is a fighter and I am his biggest fan/supporter and we will navigate our way through this newest path on our journey with everything we have. Sending love and hugs to all of you.

Well, today is the day. Thom goes in for his biopsy today. He told me he is feeling tired, so if everyone could send him a boost of energy to get through today it would be much appreciated. Thank you all. Everyone has been so wonderful as we negotiate this new journey in our lives. I know we are all ready to see that big smile back on his face.

Update on Thom... biopsy went well. We go back on May 19 for results. Thank you everyone for your outpouring of love and energy today and every day. We got this.