Yesterday, after faxing all the required paperwork and finding out that we wouldn’t be getting the grant for Thom’s monthly medication, we were feeling a little bummed. Since last year, we haven’t eaten out much and needed something to lift our spirits, so we decided to treat ourselves to lunch at The Boathouse in Valparaiso. We knew that we could get something here to eat that was on Thom’s approved meal plan. Sitting and looking at the water helped a lot. Then, when going to the restroom, I ran into the cutest little lady, dressed in a red outfit. I complimented her on her outfit and she happily told me it was her birthday. Then she made me guess her age. When I said somewhere in her 70’s, she grinned at me and said, “Why thank you, I am 89”. Let me tell you, this woman was full of life and happiness glowed from her eyes. We chatted for several minutes and this encounter helped me get through the rest of the day and I smile when I think about her. When I was telling Thom about her, it helped make his day also. I know God puts people in our lives when we need them the most and that was proven to me again yesterday. At any rate, I will keep hounding foundations until I find one who can help out. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with info on places to contact, donations to help with our medical expenses, and straight up love. All of that is very much appreciated. We are going to get through this so we can all see our Thom at his old self again. #ThomStrong #TeamThom

So there hasn’t been any real side effects so far from Thom’s first injection. Mostly a low grade headache and soreness at the injection site. Yay! His red and white blood cell and platelet counts were good. Unfortunately his PSA level has gone up, however we believe that will begin to go down as the injections and medications begin to work. We are fortunate that Thom has good insurance, but even with that, his copay for the medication he will be taking is $2800 per month. We are working with GenesisCare to obtain a grant to cover this. Until that grant is approved his oncologist has prescribed a lower dose medication that isn’t so expensive and readily available for the short term. So, he has a bone scan on August 2, blood draws on August 5 and appointment with doc on August 12 to see if there is improvement or changes from last bone scan in April. His next injection is September 17. Both of us are doing good. As we were driving to the doctors yesterday, we were talking about how we would need lots of good humor for the road ahead. This was confirmed by the sign in the exam room we were taken to. I know this post (and all of my posts ) may have more info than some people want or need. However I feel like someone (or you know someone who) may be beginning the same type of journey and these posts might help them navigate the process, because it isn’t for the faint of heart, and education is a key. We love you all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support. It means the world to us and is much appreciated.
 
 

So today Thom goes in for his first injection to treat his cancer. While we are not frightened by this, we are, admittedly, a little nervous. Our prayers and meditations have been that he have minimal side affects. Sending out our thanks to everyone who has been supporting both of us through this new journey in our lives.

Thom had a birthday today during a tropical storm. It was perfect.

 #familytime #bornday #itsagooddayforagoodday

So, first an update on Thom Dandridge:
On Tuesday, he had 3 doctor appointments...one at his oncologist for a blood draw...one at his dermatologist for his 6 month checkup...and one at his urologist for his post-op from the implant surgery 3 weeks ago. The blood draw went quickly. This was for a baseline as he will begin his treatments on June 21. He had a good outcome from his dermatologist, only one biopsy taken and everything else on his scalp and nose has finally turned a corner and is healing. The urologist was very happy with his results from the implant and we hope this this has fixed the problem with his bladder. So, a very good day!

Yesterday we received something that we have been dreaming about for many years...a very generous person that asked to remain anonymous gifted us with a brand new small off road camper to pull behind the Jeep so that we could travel as much as we physically can travel. This wonderful human told us that they felt that being able to travel and drum would be the best way for Thom to heal and beat his cancer. We absolutely agree. Because of the generous gift we received yesterday, we can now begin our journeys in Mid-October. We will start by exploring Florida so that we will be within a couple of days drive to Thom’s medical team until we see how his medications affect his body. We are facing this challenge in our life with positivity and love. We KNOW he will be fine. So, start to watch for us as we travel the country, visit lots of spaces and places, and drum as we go. We hope to visit many of you on our journey. And Michelle Nilson, I am already planning our trip to Ireland for our 50th wedding anniversary!
#ThomStrong #TeamThom
 

During a meditation Thom was given a very specific path to follow to heal himself by using all of the energies that are being sent to him from our wonderful physical family and spirit family. There has been so much energy being sent to him that it began to overwhelm his body. During his meditation, he asked how he could channel all of these energies so that they he could accept them all. In his meditation, he was shown a black space that was covered with many different colors and symbols. He understood that when a certain energy was needed , he only had to visualize this space and the correct color/symbol would make itself known to him. This way he can use what is needed at the exact time he needs it. Divine guidance is a key factor is making sure that his body isn't overwhelmed!
#ThomStrong #TeamThom