Tony Wade had been putting off a visit to the doctor for a couple of years before he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“I waited entirely too long,” says the 64-year-old administrator at Lancaster High School, who also serves as minister of music at Full Gospel Holy Temple. “Like most men, I didn’t want to be bothered with a doctor.”
Now those doctors, and the rest of the oncology team at Methodist Southwest Medical Center, have this longtime gospel vocalist singing their praises.
“My experience at Methodist was so good that I offered to bake a cake for my nurse,” says Tony, who sees baking as therapy. “They gave me the best care.”
‘HALF THE BATTLE’
Tony had no obvious symptoms when routine blood work identified elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate. High PSA levels can be a red flag for cancer, but they can also signal less serious problems like an infection or enlarged prostate.
Tony’s primary care physician referred him to a urologist, but he put off seeing a specialist. By the time he returned for another physical, his PSA had climbed even higher. That was enough to get his attention.
“When you procrastinate, you’re only doing yourself an injustice,” Tony says. “You’re only doing your family, you’re only doing your life an injustice.”
That hesitation to seek help is familiar to Srinath Kotamarti, MD, urologist on the medical staff at Methodist Southwest Medical Center.
“Just walking in the door is half the battle. Most of the battle, really,” Dr. Kotamarti says. “Once you break down that barrier and work with your doctor to figure out the right way to proceed, not only can you do great, but you can get cures.”
Tony serves as minister of music at Full Gospel Holy Temple in southwest Oak Cliff.
CHOOSING SURGERY
When Tony finally sought out Dr. Kotamarti in October 2025, further testing, including a biopsy, revealed advanced prostate cancer.
“It was saddening. It was heart-wrenching to hear,” Tony says. “But I can honestly say Dr. Kotamarti gave me hope.”
When Tony first met Dr. Kotamarti, one of the first things he remembered wasn’t a medical term or test result. It was a handshake. Tony says Dr. Kotamarti’s warm approach helped put him at ease before they discussed what would come next.
“He made me very, very comfortable,” Tony says.
At Methodist, we don’t just focus on your cancer. We care for you as a whole person. Learn more at MethodistHealthSystem.org
Testing confirmed Tony’s cancer was contained within the prostate. The two discussed several approaches, including monitoring, radiation, and surgery to remove the gland, a procedure known as a prostatectomy.
“We went through all of the different options with Mr. Wade, the pros and cons, the risks and benefits,” Dr. Kotamarti says. “And we decided collectively to proceed with the surgical option.”
Tony appreciated knowing exactly what he was facing.
“I needed honesty,” Tony says. “And he gave me that with a kind heart.”
Tony’s wife, Tamera, was by his side from diagnosis to recovery and beyond.
WORDS HE WON’T FORGET
In December 2025, Tony underwent a radical robotic prostatectomy at Methodist Southwest, a surgery performed through small incisions to remove the prostate.
After surgery, Tony remembers waking up and waiting to hear how it went. Then Dr. Kotamarti walked into the room. Tony saw him smile.
“Dr. K told me, ‘We got it all,’” Tony says.
That was all Tony needed to hear. He laid his head back as tears formed in his eyes. Tony finally had the news he had been hoping for, and the good news continued.
“He’s disease-free, and we’re continuing to monitor things to make sure he continues on a great path,” Dr. Kotamarti says.
Tony and Tamera are looking forward to getting away now that he’s fully recovered.
GRATEFUL FOR THE JOURNEY
As Tony continues his recovery, he’s grateful for the woman who’s been beside him every step of the way: his wife of 27 years, Tamera.
Tony has always said his wife treats him like a king. After everything she did during his cancer journey, he decided that title needed an upgrade.
“I’m not a king anymore,” he says, laughing. “I’m an emperor.”
Now, Tony wants to give Tamera the royal treatment by getting on a plane and heading somewhere tropical to spend some time with their feet in the sand and their hands together.
“I’ve been through a lot in life, and this piece of the journey has been one of the most trying parts,” Tony says. “I am grateful for my journey.”
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