It's been a while again. Lots going on so this may ramble a bit. A week ago last Sunday, after hearing the DSO the previous night, I woke up with a cough which was accompanied by rich red thick blood. I thought I'd just wait it out but when I started hearing and feeling a gurgle with it, we figured it was time to make a call. As you might guess, I wound up in the ER where they ordered a chest scan. No sooner was I placed on a gurney than the coughing and bleeding both stopped. Five and a half hours later I was discharged because the scan could not pinpoint the cause but the positive was that the scan showed a shrinkage of the tumors.
Early in the morning on Wednesday of that week, we got the sad news that Michael II, son of our loved friends Dr. Michael and Fran Iannuzzi, had been in a fatal auto accident. Fran & Michael II were actually talking about driving in for the hall of fame dinner. Please pray for their family that the Lord will heal their broken hearts.
Yes, as Chris blabbed, I was inducted into the Gabriel Richard Hall of Fame and will be inducted into the Detroit Catholic League Hall in June. Quite an honor for me and as I said at the banquet, I feel that I get a lot more than I give.
I began this week (monday) with a complete CT scan. My first encounter with Barium. My second encounter with it was Tuesday as I knelt on the bathroom floor. Nasty stuff.
Today was my doctors appointment and blood draw. My scan results confirmed that there is some shrinking of the tumors. Doc is pleased with my blood results, no weight loss, and I think he's surprised that I feel so good. While there, I ran into Dr. Phil Stella whose son and daughter I coached in golf. He is the department head. He spent a lot of time with me, gave me his cell number, and asked if I would be interested in a Mayo cancer treatment study when I finished my chemo series. He seemed very excited about it and vowed to work with me to give me the best quality of life possible.
Looks like I've run out of space. More later. Happy Easter, Love to all, Tom

-This post provided by Chris Allen-

Last evening my parents were inducted into the Father Gabriel Richard High School Hall of Fame. It was a wonderful event attended by many special people. I felt honored being in attendance with these great individuals who have given so much to affect so many people in a positive manner. I know my parents were humbled to receive such an honor. I may have a slight bias, however I think they deserve it! To those of you who may not be aware, my dad is also being inducted into the Diocese of Lansing Catholic School Hall of Fame this June! My dad will probably talk about last evening in his next post, so for now enjoy these photos.

Accepting the award.

Coaches with the varsity squad

(win that state title this year, guys!)

Thomas and Cheryl Allen

"A faithfull friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth." Sirach 6 Reminds me of all my faithful friends praying for me. Chemo round three is finished with just some heartburn for a few hours in the middle of the night last night. Friday (tomorrow) is usually my worst day & the doctor gave me some new meds to help cope. He seems to be pretty pleased with the way treatment is going and my blood labs have been pretty positive. Next event is a CT scan scheduled for the 18th to see how the chemo is working. Will advise. Blessings, Tom '