Tony completed his first round of chemo on Thursday, 4/16/09.  We met with his doctor before the treatment to find out the results of his latest CT and Bone Scans.  The CT scan showed two lymph nodes still enlarged in the pelvic area and the bone scan reflected that in a few areas (ribs and collar bone) had shown some progression in the earlier spots.  There wasn't any new areas but just some progression in areas that were already affected.

His PSA level is now at 77.4.  Back in early part of March it was at 44, so their has been an increase.  The chemo treatments should start making this number go back down and the lymph nodes to reduce in size.

Tony did well during his chemo treatment.  He had to get the Zometa treatment first that strengthens his bones.  He gets this about every 4 weeks.  He was then ready for his first chemo treatment.  The nurses at Memorial are so nice and they really watched Tony with it being his first time to have treatment.   They stop and check you if you report anything going on.  Tony felt a little hot sensation come over him so they stopped it right after it began.  The feeling went away and they started it again.  He had nothing come up until about half way thru the treatment and his hand started itching and a horse shoe mark came up on his right hand.  So they stopped it again to give him a half dose of Benedryl in case it was an allergic reaction.  After that delay he didn't have any more complaints.

Since his treatment he has not been nauseous or really sick to his stomach but he does have the bad metal taste in his mouth so he can't really taste anything and he doesn't have much of an appetite.  He is a little more fatigued and his body aches all over.  The Zometa makes his legs hurt for several days after that treatment and then with the chemo he just aches all over.  We are praying all the aches will soon go away so he will have some good days ahead of him before he has his second round of treatment on May 7.

We sang Saturday night for the Relay for Life Cancer Society event and then we had two singings on Sunday.  Tony did not miss any of them.  He may have not felt good and his body was aching but he still got up and sang his heart out.  God gives us strength when we think we don't.  Tony is amazing and I tell people that all the time!  I love him so much!  We know God has picked this path for a reason, we may not understand, but He does!  And one day we will know why! 

Please continue to pray for Tony as he goes for these treatments and for God to give him the strength to get thru them.  We are still praying for this cancer to be removed and for Tony to be cured!  Whatever path God wants to use is the path that will be taken.  God is in Control of everything!!!