Dear Family & Friends,
I am convinced that the prayers of many are being answered. I have had a pretty normal week in that I've been going to work and my stamina has held up. I will normally leave a bit early for a late afternoon nap and business has been good. Wish I could tell you more about my prognosis and treatment plan but my new oncoligist went on vacation after he released me from the hospital and has been silent since. Not happy with that & I'll correct that on Monday. I need a protocol so I can know when I'm apt to be sick.
Golf season starts in a few weeks & yes, I'm coaching again this year. Saw a few of my players earlier in the week & they are eager to start. I think we have a pretty special group. This will probably be my last year.
Again I thank you all so much for your visits, calls, cards, prayers......
Bless you all,
Tom

Thanks to the lack of snow plows yesterday, none in our sub anyway, Cheryl & I had a lovely snow day together. Picture us having a quiet lunch in front of our fireplace. PERFECT!

Back to work today. Lots of renewals & emails to catch up with including a nice note from Ralph Martin in Rome! Please always pray for his protection & ministry. Hey Ralph, while you're there, if you happen to run into ....... , never mind.

Feelin pretty normal today, looking forward to my men's group tonite. Yep, we'll be gettin into some serious prayin.

More at the end of the week.

Blessings, Tom

Had a marvelous day with Dr. Mike & Fran yesterday. They were able to stay for most of the afternoon and Mike answered many of the questions I had about my treatment and offered some good advise. He even changed my dressing for me (chemo port site). He is such a treasure in my life and has blossomed into such a devoted husband and father. I'd like to think that Cheryl and I had something to do with his falling in love with Fran again. Their unity today is inspiring! Mike & I explored a lot of music while they lived here --- I, introducing him to new classical, he, giving me an appreciation for good jazz. And we both love to read. So what does he bring me? ---- a new iPod nano with 120 classical CD's loaded! Bless you Michael! Thank you.
While I'm on thank you mode, I'd like to say how blessed I am to have our mailbox jammed every day with well wishes. As I say, I know prayer works and I appreciate you all.
Went to 8 am mass today out at St. Joe's. Very nice, small crowd so less germs for me. Looking forward to the boys and the grands this afternoon.
Time for a nap ---- more later.
Tom

Well I've read about and talked with patients over the years about the "chemo ride", but it's really something to experience first hand. I've gone from offering it up to being thankfull today for feeling nealy normal. Dr. Mike Iannuzzi, a very good friend, is coming to the house tomorrow from New York to see me for which I am very eager. I pray for a good day to be good company and good patient. Mike is one of the top lung men in the country. Thanks for "lifting me up" in prayer!
Tom

Found out last night and this morning that the body really doesn't like chemo. Feeeling a bit better this afternoon as the nausea has passed. I did go out on an appointment this morning to see a favorite client and tired fast.Thanks again for all your prayers. Please remember Cheryl as well --- best nurse a guy could have.

This comes a little late as my final round of chemo ended at 1 pm & I couldn't wait to get into real clothes & leave. Got a few hours of work done this afternoon and my energy is good. This has not knocked me out the way it has others and my sleep was great again last night. Got to go back tomorrow for a shot to help my immunity to infections. Your prayers are very important to me!!! I gave our spiritual care department at the UofM my decision to turn in my "collar" after 26 years there. I simply can't risk being around the sick the way I was. It was a blessed ministry and I learned much about suffering and witnessed some miracles along the way.
More later.
Blessings to all,
Tom

Sunday 1;30 pm getting my second round of chemo. Started the day with 8 am mass & ran into a few old friends who were surprised to see me. I have been in hospital ministry for 26 years and have developed many strong friendships with area priests. This has translated into being able to receive the eucharist daily and two annointings! Last night was the best sleep I've had here, probably because I was able to watch Michigan basketball & hockey both win. My chemo for tomorrow has been moved up 4 hours so I can get discharged earlier. I'm expecting a visitor from N. Y. this weekend which I'm pretty excited about. I'll fill you in later on that.

Welcome to the Tom Allen blog! This afternoon begins the journey. I'm being kept at St. Joe's for my first round of chemo with this afternoon being the 1st dose. Plan is to discharge me on Monday sometime. I'm going to have to guard against any infection so feel free to visit if you're well. My plan is for life as usual but I know it will mean a more restricted schedule. We do know this is a terminal form of cancer so we're praying for God's mercy. He's got the plan.