Support Tommie's Fight Against Cancer

Words from Tommie…

I am completely blown away with the love and support I have received from everyone and not quite sure if I can fully relate my gratitude into words.

Needless to say, my cancer diagnosis was quite the unexpected turn in my life. At the onset of hearing the diagnosis and sharing it with family, friends and CarePoint, I had so much support and optimism that I believed it would be a matter of months before this would be a bump in my past. Despite the diagnosis, everything had seemed to have fallen into place. NSUB discontinued the scribe program but the timing had allowed me to focus on my chemo treatment without the stress of missing work. In addition, CarePoint’s wonderful HR team was always there to answer questions, assist with insurance needs and provide general support. Friends, many of whom I worked with showed so much support that it gave me tremendous hope. Emails from Dr. Bannigan and Dr. Vangetti relaying prayers and support with frequent check in’s by Angelic, Julie Bell, Dr. Dietrich, Dr. Paluska, Claire, Jaime and many more made my day. Staying positive and hopeful was an easy thing to do until I learned my cancer had spread.

It was tough bit of reality to take in. This round has been emotionally hard dealing with a lot of anger and fear. Anger that the cancer had spread, having to go through chemo again and fear that the treatment will fail. I was told to expect hair loss with the medications and because I have never been one to care about my hair style, in preparation, I decided to cut my hair and donate it. I would rather have someone benefit from my hair loss rather than toss it into the trash. The moment my hair started to come out in large clumps, I started crying, not for the loss of my hair but because this was the first significant effect of the treatment. The first round of chemo I had horrible side effects of neuropathy, paresthesia, nausea, fatigue, severe cold sensitivity, loss of taste all to have my cancer spread. Would this round be the same? Am I to go through all of the side effects to have my cancer continually spreading? Doubts and thoughts of my own mortality continuously at the back of my mind.

When approached by Dr. Nuanez and Angelic regarding a Go Fund Me Page, I merely brushed it off, as my one fault is, I do not like any public attention (just ask Angelic and Claire). However, Dr. Nuanez advised, “trust me, you may need it later”. This then fed into thoughts of “is this a sign I will die and will this later pay for my funeral arrangements”.

I was elated to see the OG Crew of Dr. Marr with Dr. Dietriech, Dr. Paluska, Dr. Azer, Dr. Saintsing, Dr. Frederickson, Dr. Sweetman, Dr. Friedenson, Dr. Batizy, Dr. “Pappa” Batizy, Dr. Flemming, Dr. Batizy, Megan Crawford, Sarah Burnahm, Kelly Farmer, Tiffany Quintana and fellow scribe turned doctor, Dr Semple’s names. Seeing the names brought back many fond memories such as Dr. Sweetman allowing me to watch my first intubation, Dr. Marr explaining the term “slash and mash”, Dr. Frederickson having her husband bring cupcakes because it was my birthday, the outside work get togethers for drinks, parties and Dr. Saintsing’s scrub loin cloth found after the forest fire that took his beautiful home. The holiday parties at Dr. Marr’s, Dr. Dietrich’s and Dr. Paluska’s were amazing especially when individuals pass around honey whiskey for gift exchange, Dr. Geddes and Dr. Klutman take a ridiculously expensive Uber from Denver to Longmont. And then the more recent memories of going to puppy trick or treat with Dr. Olliff, Leah and our pups. Another memory that makes me laugh is the Dr. Vangetti and Angelic interaction. I would just wait at the scribe counter waiting to see what sort of interaction will start the shift. He finally got wise and started bringing her warm waters. Smart man, Smart man. These are just a tip of the iceberg of fond memories I have with everyone’s name I saw that had contributed. As much as I appreciate the monetary donations from all of you, what I LOVED the most was that so many had responded and reached out with well wishes and support.

Prior to the “Go Fund Me” page, I was just going through the motions, but because of this page, I realized I want to fight, I want to beat this, I want to live and have many more fond memories. You were Dr. Nuanez, I did need this, Thank you! Thank you additionally to Angelic and every one of you for getting me off of my ass and giving me the spirit to fight! I LOVE YOU ALL!

In case you want read some more of my memories, see below:

The wonderful Pediatric Team of Dr. Vernon, Dr. Marr, Dr. Ball, Lori, Jenny and Holly whom we had many a laughs and potlucks with the registration crew. Dr. Vernon, I still have your chocolate chip recipe, but still not like the ones you made. I remember “scribe corner” where Bo, Claire, Quynh, Tate and myself would sit next to the secretary, no longer at the physicians side. Oh what a sad day that was but never a dull moment when sitting next to Angelic, Julie Bell, Trish and Connie. Thank you to Shafiq who was the director that led camping, rafting and ski trips. My fellow Asians that held Asian night dinners with way too much food, alcohol and laughter. The friendships with the PA’s, nurses, medics, techs, firefighters and EMS was always special, it is always a great thing when you can laugh and joke with each other and then be able to vent and hold each other up especially when scribing away in the corner of the room. I loved, hearing Dr. Geddes share his crazy trips to music festivals and his pups, Dr. Schultz talk about his craziness with buying, remodeling and dealings with his crazy neighbor, Dr. Loner about food, Dr. Ter Haar about her kids. Dr. Olliff from day 1, you were approachable and funny. It made my life as a scribe I missed working in RME for this allowed me to learn so much more and become close with the PAs and RNs. Christian’s wife is part Japanese and makes amazing onigiri. David can give some amazing gardening advise, seems quiet but is hilarious. Sarah, has amazing parents and a lot of bonsai trees after they got married. De, amazes me for she is super generous. She and her husband downsized and donated and gave away most of her beautiful furniture. Bryce and I would share easy, yet tasty recipes and share her funny stories of her children. Susan and I learned we have crazy friend’s in common.

Help Tommie Fight Her Battle Against Cancer

Our dear friend and colleague, Tommie, was initially diagnosed with colon cancer this past fall and underwent surgery to remove the colonic mass. We were hopeful for her recovery, but recently, she received the news that the cancer has metastasized to her liver, spleen, and omentum.

Tommie is now facing an intensive treatment plan that is expected to include chemotherapy for the next estimated six months, along with other necessary medical interventions. The financial burden of these treatments, along with the associated costs of medication, and ongoing care, can be overwhelming. We are creating this GoFundMe to rally around Tommie and provide her with some financial support she may need to focus on her health and recovery during this demanding time.

Your generous contributions will directly help Tommie cover expenses such as:

* Medical treatments and procedures, including ongoing chemotherapy

* Medications

* Hospital stays and doctor visits

* Travel to and from appointments

* Supportive care to improve her quality of life

Let's come together as a community to support Tommie and show her that she is not alone in this fight. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and generosity.