Tony Malinauskas is a serious, experienced researcher with a masters and doctorate degree in physical chemistry. As a physical scientist, he lived in a world where every problem had a solution—some problems just taking a little more time than others. In January of 2000, when his urologist confirmed the diagnosis of prostate cancer, this problem became no different to him than the others he had faced as a researcher.

The one problem he couldn’t tackle at the time, however, was how to explain this to his wife. The weight of emotions about his family’s reactions began to considerably weigh him down. The time between the doctors’ visit and trip home became the loneliest moment he had ever experienced. Retirement was not supposed to be one of “problems.”

As he told his wife, the weight began to lift. She was very optimistic and also knew that there would be a solution. With the tremendous hope gained from his family and the full confidence he had in his physician, Tony set to the task of learning about his disease.

Utilizing his research skills and the many conversations with his physician, Tony thoroughly investigated every treatment option available to him. Three major treatments pertained to his condition and he would have to choose one. As a researcher, he delved into the subject. After 10 hours of research every day for a month, Tony made his decision. It was based not only on the likelihood of curing the cancer, but also a concern for his quality of life.

Three years after the surgery, the cancer has subsided and Tony has not suffered from any side effects. Regardless of the fact that he always is aware of cancer—today, his life is full of fishing, boating, carpentry and finishing the “honey-do” lists his wife assigns him. They are assignments and fun for which he is thankful for every day.