Happy Anniversary

Just another milestone for me. Today marks my 5th year post prostatectomy. Five years ago I walked into the City of Hope with the hope of being cured of an aggressive looking prostate cancer. The results of this surgery were that I had late stage 3B prostate cancer. My wife, Ruth, and I spent the remainder of this day in my room recovering and when I got the pathology results I wasn't sure I would be here today but our prayers were answered. This wasn't the end of treatment for me as we did take on adjuvant radiation and hormonal therapy for the next 3 years but we stopped HT in 2010 and watched my T levels climb. We were very nervous about this but as time wore on my T levels came up to normal and my PSA stayed undetectable.

Over the last five years I have been to many conferences and events for prostate cancer, run an UsTOO chapter here in Las Vegas, lobbied on Capital Hill and talked cancer with the Nevada Senators Reid and Heller in the Senate Majority Leaders office and I have been named to the Governors Council on Cancer for the state of Nevada. I have also had the opportunity to work with the local media and press for prostate cancer awareness in hopes of stepping up the education for men so that when such a diagnosis occurs that there is hope and healing ahead, and that men need to be their own advocate to get the best care available for them.

For 2012, I have been asked and accepted the role of Spokesman for the City of Hope Cancer Treatment Center in California where I was treated. With that comes guest appearances and TV and Radio plugs. I agreed in part because I truly feel I had the best care there, and in part in reciprocation for the CoH in filling prominent speaker roles at our UsTOO group. Here's one of the ad's:

tinyurl.com/7kk29u4

I have made literally hundreds of friends here and in other online forums and I truly have been touched by so many of your stories. By staying close to working in the advocacies, I have met some terrific soldiers in the fight against prostate cancer. Unfortunately this also puts me close to the reality of prostate cancer and I have lost some of those friends to this hideous disease.

Today I celebrate getting up early and getting ready to drive to San Diego for work that I am so glad to be doing. By trade I am a Sr. engineer and Account Executive for the SouthWest territory for a major telecommunications corporation. I am a part time musician and love the outdoors and I'm an avid ATV off-roader. I am also a lay minister and teacher in my church. I know I am very lucky to be able to be doing the things I love surrounded by the people I love.

I thank you for being there for me when I needed it. I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers in hope you find better days ahead.

Five years ago...wow. Time flies...

Peace and love to you all...

Tony

Bless you, Tony

Tony that's quite a resume! You have a lot to be proud of and a lot to be thankful for.

Thanks for all you do.

Tony and Ruth:
- congratulations on your 5th year anniversary - here's to another five and another 5 and ....

- you do know that a 5th year anniversary gift is traditionally "wood" - (modern times has it as "silverware") - I think some of us would prefer to have wood.

-hugs,
Bronson

Tony,
A huge congratulations to you, quite a milestone, and an inspirational story.
Dave in Durango CO

Congratulations Tony! Many more years as survivor and advocate. Thanks for all the work you do to promote prostate cancer awareness! Very best to you and family.

RalphV

congratulations on your 5 yr anniversary, and WOW about everything else you've taken on. ...mike

Hey Tony

I'm just getting stated with my first Lupron (back in Nov.) I think we have some similar stats.

Thanks for all your contributions for us all and congrats on your 5 years!

Jim and Marie

((((( GROUP HUG )))))

Tony - thank you for being you

So what do you do with your spare time You were here when I first dropped in years ago and gave me very sensible and informative suggestions at the time. Congratulations to both you and your beloved on this very memorable milestone and thanks for all you do.
Bill

Tony,
Congratulations on 5 years and your new role as Spokesman for the City of Hope! They couldn't have picked a better person.
You have done so much for so many here and countless others we know nothing of...except they all faced this hated disease and needed a calm, thoughtful and kind word from you. I know that's what you offered because that's what you gave to Don & I.
May you and your Ruth continue to have a long, healthy and much blessed life together. It's only right.
Love and Peace to you both,
Don & Susan

Well done, sir. Thanks for all you do.

Bob

Congratulations Tony. Very impressive! Thanks for all you do. No doubt you’ve helped many people and touched many lives. God bless you and your family.