"I'm their surprise and she's their prize," Tony states proudly. Tony, 83, and Elizabeth, 84, have shared many things over their 53 year marriage, but neither were prepared to share a lung cancer diagnosis. "I thought this is a bit much for one family, both having lung cancer," says Elizabeth.
"Living is an accomplishment now. My doctor says you're surprising us all, everyday. I feel proud about being alive and doing at least some of the thing I used to do. Life is different when you get cancer; you don't go on as before…you realize you have it and do the best you can," Tony reflects.
While in the hospital admitted for a rapid heart beat, a chest x-ray revealed a spot on Tony's lung. "My heart was under control, but the news I had cancer?…I was shocked." Believing the cancer was operable he was referred to a surgeon at Moffitt. The surgeon broke the news, his cancer had spread to the sternum, stage 4 and was inoperable. Tony met with one of the oncologist, "I want it straight…What should I do?" The oncologist discussed his options, including a clinical trial.
"I want to get in it," Tony said with no apprehension. Elizabeth added, "What's to be afraid of, sign me up." "The idea that if I was gonna die, I would just as soon try to do some good. I thought it was great that they were making progress and here is something new…the more we find out about the mechanisms of cancer, the more we find out about possible cures," Tony says.
"When you go on a clinical trial you put your faith in their hands." "Good hands they are," Elizabeth adds.
One year into Tony's treatment, Elizabeth was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. The hospital ordered a chest x-ray, followed by a cat scan. The workup revealed something all too familiar to this couple — a diagnosis of lung cancer. They knew exactly were to turn, to the same surgeon who consulted with Tony just a year earlier. Elizabeth's cancer was operable. "Hers is a storybook success, she walked away cancer free, now the only thing wrong with her is her personality," Tony said laughing.
Elizabeth reflects, "He's been very positive about everything, never depressed, only worried." Tony is worried about leaving behind Elizabeth. She has become more dependent on Tony as her macular degeneration has worsened over the years. Tony looks at his condition differently now, "I wanna be able to take care of her, always." Tony and Elizabeth's love and commitment continues to carry them through. They take one day at a time, each day a gift. "Yeah, we're very, very lucky…both of us."
Hear Tony & Elizabeth in their own words
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