Help Jason Tomten Fight Cancer

Hi my name is Jason Tomten. I am 24 years old and live in La Crosse, Wisconsin. I am a happy go lucky guy who loves to spend time with friends and family, play board games, go on hikes, watch movies, tell jokes, and just enjoy life.

On May 2, 2019 I went to the walk-in clinic at Gundersen Health in La Crosse after a day at work. After a quick look at me, I was moved to a different room and looked at by an emergency doctor. Following multiple tests and more than four hours alone in the emergency room – the ER doctor broke the news – “I am certain you have cancer; you just need testing to confirm what type.”

Still in shock, I called my sister Amanda and told her that the routine checkup turned out to be cancer. I had not told anyone other than Amanda what happened and drove home late that night – still trying to comprehend what I was just told.

I had appointments the next day and Amanda came to support me. After the tests, we went to my grandmas and called a family meeting to break the news. Everyone was shocked and after some reluctance to believe this was happening, we sprang into action.

Following a few initial appointments, I received confirmation that I did indeed have cancer – Hodgkin Lymphoma. My parents and Amanda came to my appointment to learn about the cancer and the treatment plan. Hodgkin Lymphoma is a type of cancer in which cancer originates from a specific type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. My cancer manifested in the lymph nodes in my neck and chest. My neck looked HUGE! While it was good news to hear my cancer was Hodgkin Lymphoma (more treatable than other forms), I was told I had Classical Hodgkin, unfavorable, with A and B symptoms, stage 2. This was very scary to hear and it was hard to see the tears in my parents’ eyes as the doctor started to explain the treatment plan.

My treatment plan consisted of starting with two cycles of chemotherapy, with four chemo medicines – ABVD. Each cycle consisted of two treatments, one every other week. Over the course of the first two months of chemo, I had to undergo multiple tests to ensure I would not suffer lung toxicity from one of the chemo medicines as well as ensuring the chemo was having an impact.

While undergoing these first two cycles, my doctors encouraged me to remain active. I wanted to work as much as possible. I thought I would be able to continue with my usual 12 – hour shifts on a rotating schedule. I knew I would be tired but nothing prepared me for just how tired I would be. I tried really, really hard and had so much support from everyone at work but the chemo and cancer really took its toll. A few weeks ago I had to go on short-term disability so I could get the strength to continue this fight.  
At the recommendation and urging of my doctors, I was told to try to move around as much as I could. With the help of multiple family members I gained a new supporter – an adorable pug mix puppy. I came home from work, at that time very exhausted, to find this puppy excited to meet me. The first thing I felt when I saw him was Happy. The name stuck and Happy has kept me moving throughout my whole journey.
I finished my first 2 cycles on July 17. At this appointment I learned good news – I was fully responding to chemo! Following that appointment, we then talked about the next steps. The current plan, pending all my tests (heart, lungs, and blood tests), is to go through two more cycles (4 chemo treatments with ABVD) and then 10 days of radiation following the chemo. I will learn the full details on radiation at my appointment on August 14. Hopefully we will continue the trend of good news. If all goes according to plan, following my final radiation appointment, I will still have to go in for testing every 3-6 months for the next 5 years.

Before cancer I thought I was going to be purchasing a home with my brother within the next few years. However, with this diagnosis those plans were put on hold and the money I intended to use to move out with my brother has gone to cover my cancer care and expenses. Knowing that testing and care will continue for at least the next 5 years has added stress financially. While I intend to get back to work as soon as possible until then the financial burden grows and with that the stress.

Through this go fund me I am asking for financial support so that I may better focus on my battle with cancer. However, any form of support is greatly appreciated. This could be through a nice message, a visit, a trip to grab coffee and talk, or even a treat for my buddy Happy.

I also want to take the time to express my immeasurable gratitude for all that has been done for me throughout my journey. My sister Amanda (and her boss and coworkers for being so understanding) and Alex have driven back from Madison every other weekend (and sometimes more) to help me with my appointments and navigating the many forms I have had to fill out. My parents and grandparents have helped me in getting to my appointments for all my testing and attended my chemo sessions with me. My brothers Justin and Jared have been helping me around the house and also have been helping with Happy when I am too tired. And finally, I want to thank all my friends, extended family, church members, coworkers and all who have offered support and assistance to me. I am forever grateful and know I can never do enough to thank you. Just know you have meant the world to me and because of you I can continue to fight. WE GOT THIS!