Tony Fulmer

Trust, Teamwork and Tony’s Second Chance

When Tony Fulmer first noticed a lump in his groin in the fall of 2019, he didn’t think much of it. “I thought it was a hernia,” he recalls. Since he wasn’t in severe pain and it wasn’t bothering him, he continued with his day-to-day tasks.

But what started as a minor concern turned into a life-changing diagnosis—and a powerful story of hope and healing.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

After living with the lump for more than two years, Tony finally saw his Primary Care provider, who referred him to Dr. Audrey Ertel, MD, a General Surgeon at St. Elizabeth. What he expected to be a routine hernia exam turned out to be something far more serious.

Dr. Ertel immediately recognized the need for further evaluation and referred Tony to Dr. Christy Sapp, MD, a Medical Oncologist at St. Elizabeth. “I sent a personal message to Dr. Sapp and said I’d like Tony to be seen soon,” says Dr. Ertel.

Tony was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His focus immediately shifted to taking action to beat the cancer. “If there’s one thing I am, it’s a fighter. I don’t do anything the easy way,” says Tony.

From that moment on, his care team moved quickly—coordinating appointments, scans and surgeries to get him the treatment he needed without delay. “You don’t become a cog in the wheel because you’re able to really move through this system, which everybody is so well versed at,” says Dr. Ertel.

A Team He Could Trust

Tony underwent two surgical biopsies and had a port placed and removed for chemotherapy —all performed by Dr. Ertel. “There’s a natural and normal fear that comes with it,” says Dr. Ertel. “My desire is to make sure you know I’m here and that I am going to stick with you the entire time.”

He began treatment under the care of Dr. Sapp and the oncology team at the Yung Family Cancer Center. “Everything Dr. Sapp told me was going to happen, happened to the letter,” recalls Tony.

The experience changed his perspective—not just on his health, but on the people who helped him through it. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for everyone involved throughout the treatment,” he says.

A New Chapter of Strength and Support

Today, Tony is in remission and focused on rebuilding his strength—physically and mentally. “I’m physically better than I’ve ever been,” he says. “Now I’m working on getting stronger mentally, too.”

He also started participating in yoga classes, one of the many support services offered at the Center for Integrative Oncology at St. Elizabeth.

For Tony, it’s about more than recovery—it’s about living fully. When asked to describe St. Elizabeth in one word, Tony didn’t hesitate: “Life.”

Learn more about General Surgery at St. Elizabeth or schedule your consultation by calling (800) 737-7900. Find out more about our Cancer Care services by visiting our website.