Part of a Team

Author: Tom Henaghan
Date Submitted: Jun 8, 2015

“You don’t know what services are available here if you’ve never had to find out,” said Tom. “I can tell that the people who work in the Cancer Center choose this field. It’s very important for everyone to be treated with kindness and respect, and that’s what I have experienced here.”

Tom Henaghan has worked as an EMT and understands that it takes many different people to provide healthcare in today’s complex environment. Tom knew something was wrong, sought treatment and the results of his colonoscopy showed he had colorectal cancer.

“I have a whole team taking care of me,” said Tom. “Dr. Kris Canfield, Dr. Keith Mills, Dr. John Stamato and Dr. Ratcliff in Casper worked together with the Heptner Cancer Center staff to create a whole treatment plan for me. And the staff in both Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology have been fantastic. At the end of my treatments, I feel as though we are family with the same sincere, successful goal of being cancer free. They have all shown compassion and professionalism on a personal level”.

Tom will eventually have more surgery. So far he’s feeling good with very few side effects.

“It’s fantastic that they can customize the chemotherapy for what each person needs,” said Tom.

Cancer Center Director Leigh Worsley called Tom a very ‘engaged’ patient, taking control of his situation and plan of care. “He did his homework and always has great questions pertaining to his treatments and side effects,” said Leigh. “He always has a smile on his face and has taken his cancer diagnosis head on with determination and knowledge”.

Tom’s wife Audrey was understandably anxious about her husband’s diagnosis.

“I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. But he’s a very positive person and our friends have been a great support.”

Like many people, cancer has touched the lives of his family and friends.