Friday, April 22, 2011

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

5 comments:

  1. Dear Mr. Allen,
    Please know of my prayers for you and the family. You've been a wonderful example of a man of God in my life and I'm very grateful to the Lord for the gift you've been.
    God bless,
    Stephen Mierendorf

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  2. Mr. and Mrs. Allen,

    My dad just sent me this blog address, so I am getting caught up. Know that you both have been in my heart and prayers. You have been wonderful friends to me and to my family over the years. I look forward to seeing you soon! Count on my continued prayers. (Thanks for posting the beautiful wedding pics, too...congratulations, Chris!)

    Much love, Becky Mierendorf

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  3. Wishing a Happy Easter to you and your family.
    God's blessings.
    Carol

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  4. Dear Tom, you are in my prayers everyday. The students are very faithful in requesting prayers for Coach Allen. I have a question for you. Would you be open to me interviewing you for my radio show? You would not need to come into the studio. I could come to you. I am thinking about asking some questions about suffering and dealing with cancer. As you know, Jeff Stemberger's story has touched many lives, I think yours can too! Please let me know if you are interested!!
    God bless you and Cheryl (your Simon of Cyrene)!

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  5. Dear Tom & Cheryl.

    I love you two with all my heart. I can't begin to thank you for all your encouragement, strength and hope, especially the prayers. The two baskets of fruit, cheese and bread from Zingerman's came just in time when we needed them most. As a matter of fact it came when we couldn't eat anything else but fruit. Thank you so much.

    I am so happy that you are getting some recognition for your devotion to the youth through coaching golf. Thats exciting that you are also being inducted into the Detroit Hall of Fame as well.

    I'm delighted to hear your tumors shrunk and you are feeling O.K. Rest assured many are praying for you and Cheryl and your three sons, Patrick, Jason and Chris. I do not totally understand why we have to suffer here on earth, but you have such a good attitude in it all. You are such an example of inspiration to us all.

    Thank you Tom & Cheryl for your lovingkindness and compassion for others.

    Blessings to You. (Hope you had a lovely Easter celebration with your family).

    Love Your Sister in Christ,
    Fran

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