Timeline of Events

To say it has been a whirlwind does not even begin to describe the last nine days.  First, we have to say THANK YOU to all the amazing friends, family, and doctors who have held our hands through this crazy, confusing time.

SEPTEMBER 29TH:
A few weeks earlier Allen visited his regular doctor about an enlarged lymph-node under his arm.  The doctor was totally unconcerned, and he told us to watch it. He figured it was from a respiratory infection Allen was already recovering from.  After all Allen was in amazing health, and was in final stage training for our next triathlon in Dallas.  However, when the lymph-node was still there the weekend of the Arkansas vs. A&M game I called in his parents to "put the pressure on" for Allen to return to the doctor.  Also, there was a lump on his chest on the same side as the swollen lymph-node.  Somehow we managed to talk him into a "quick trip" to the ER (so he wouldn't have to miss work during the week).  After a chest x-ray and a CT Scan with contrast, the ER doctor came in to break the news to us: most likely Hodgkins Lymphoma.  It was a total shock.  How does someone who has completed two triathlons, a 50K bike race, and numerous smaller races in the last couple of months, not to mention grueling training on a daily basis have lymphoma in his chest? Only overachiever Allen.

OCTOBER 1ST:
Today was a whirlwind of getting appointments set up!

OCTOBER 2ND:
Allen had both MRI and CT scans this morning.  Then, it was off to meet The Cancer Ninja (alias for Allen's oncologist)! He had been coordinating Allen's care since we contacted him late Saturday night from the ER.  We cannot explain how incredibly blessed we are to have him caring for Allen. He has gone WAY above and beyond to push tests through and coordinate the general chaos that is diagnosing Lymphoma. It was comforting to meet with The Cancer Ninja and look at Allen's scans.  The hardest part of this process has been the unknown, and with every small piece of information we have felt empowered to move forward.  After the appointment, much to his dismay, Allen had a bone marrow biopsy.  In true Cancer Ninja form, the doctor stayed late and performed the procedure.

Feeling good after having needles in BOTH arms for the MRI and CT scans!

OCTOBER 3RD:
Today was Allen's PET Scan.  This test was to look at Allen's entire body to see if the Lymphoma had spread.  Poor guy couldn't eat anything after 9:00 am and his test wasn't until 3:15.  However, we felt blessed The Cancer Ninja got us in so quickly! Allen had been dreading this test.  He had to drink Barium, which he compares to latex paint.  But, in true ALL-EN form, he drank it like a champ!!  After the test, Allen was RADIOACTIVE! Yes, really! So, he had a nice one night vacation down the street at Uncle David's house.  (We figured it would be very difficult to keep the kiddos away from him.)

"Hugging" from six feet away because Allen is RADIOACTIVE!

OCTOBER 4TH:
Allen had been least looking forward to the surgeries to remove the lymph-node under his arm and to put a Power Port into his chest (where he will receive chemotherapy).  Well, today was the day.  He came through surgery like a rockstar! There was a pretty large incision on his right chest over where the surgeon placed his Power Port and another one under his left arm, so it was tricky for him to get comfortable.  And, of course he didn't want to take his pain pills.  But, he eventually managed to figure out how to lay in a way that would work for the evening.

Thumbs up before surgery!

OCTOBER 6TH:
Honey and Sashi flew in yesterday and out with the kids today to San Antonio for the week! Thank you Honey and Sashi for taking care of the kids so we can focus on Allen!

OCTOBER 8TH:
Allen's biopsy results came back today.  He officially has been diagnosed with Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkins Lymphoma.  Of course we didn't want him to have lymphoma at all, but the good news is the type Allen has is EXTREMELY CURABLE! LIKE 85%-90% CURABLE! And the other good news is that Allen's PET scan came back with NO surprises and his bone marrow biopsy came back CLEAN! So, with all that news to discuss, we headed to yet another test this afternoon--The Cancer Ninja wanted to evaluate his lung function.  Allen got to sit in a really cool booth and blow in and out of a tube for about 45 minutes.  Tomorrow we meet with The Cancer Ninja again, and we are anxious to hear what he has to say now that he has a more full view of Allen and the results of all the tests.  He is also coordinating a trip to MD Anderson in Houston for us.  Have we said how amazing he is yet?

Testing his lungs.