Operation EVICT Tina Tumah!!! Help Me Beat Cancer!

July 14, 2020 will be a day I'll never forget. What started out as my already strange normal day quickly turned into a life changing new even stranger norm for me. I've been a nurse for more than 26 years and have cared for a wide variety of patients. During that time I have seen many people go through many devastating illnesses and diagnoses, including many of my own family members. Now, I'm experiencing it from this side of the bed rail. I feel like my life has been divided into two halves, before the cancer diagnosis and after the cancer diagnosis. Just a few short days ago after having emergency surgery for a large mass on my colon, I was told that the surgeon could not remove it because the tumor is too large and my uterus is also involved. That means I will need to rest, heal and rebuild some strength for a few weeks then have chemo and radiation to shrink the tumor. After that I'll have surgery at either UNC or DUKE to remove the tumor and hopefully put me completely back together again. My oncologist said that after I heal from that surgery I will have more chemo and radiation to make sure we got all the bad guy cells. I am trying so hard to remain positive and I truly believe I will beat this but I have to say that I am also afraid. I'm afraid of what is happening to my body and there are so many questions. (How I will react to chemo & radiation? What will the next surgery be like? Will they be able to reattach my insides so I can get rid of this talking butthole that is now on my belly? Will I be able to work? What is going to happen to me financially?) I have always tried to be so independent, take care of myself and my own. It is very hard for me to ask for help but I know that I will be needing help. Although I have insurance, the deductibles, copays, uncovered supplies & services and unexpected costs are going to be tremendous. Plus, the uncertainty of how much and when I'll be able to work is frightening because I still have the normal routine household bills to worry about. For these reasons, I'm humbling myself and asking for your help. I know that times are difficult for so many and I completely understand that it may be too difficult right now. Believe me, all your thoughts, prayers, calls, texts and well wishes are appreciated and have helped me through these first few days more than I could ever say.  I've read through my messages, Facebook & Instagram pages so many times and I honestly don't believe I could make it without your love and support.  I truly thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.  Much love to you all. ❤