Bye-Bye Port!

Monday Allen had his port REMOVED!  If you have followed this blog you know the port has caused Allen so many problems--everything from the tube coming out, requiring a second surgery, to making him contort into crazy positions for four hours while he received his chemo treatments.  Needless to say, we are beyond thrilled to have it GONE! Removing the port also signals the last step in returning back to normal.  No more chemo, no more radiation, no more annoying port in his chest!

Next up is Allen's first check up with both The Radiator and The CANcer Ninja.  Both are scheduled for the first week in July.  We are hoping for fabulous reports from both doctors, so we can celebrate BIG with some major fireworks on the 4th!

Relay for Life

Last Friday we had the awesome experience of attending Relay for Life! It raises money for CANcer research while celebrating survivors and their caregivers.  Of course the kids needed shirts to celebrate their Daddy:

When we arrived, the first thing we saw was this awesome message - "HOPE!" 

They had boards for survivors to sign showing the number of years they have been CANcer FREE.  It was great to see Allen sign that board.  Can't wait until he can sign the 20 years plus board!

Then, all the survivors walk a lap by themselves while we clapped and cheered for them.  It was great! Check out Allen carrying the banner!

After the first lap, the caregivers got to join in.  A BIG thanks to Uncle David and Aunt Emily for joining in on the fun! (Emily is taking the picture.)

Next up was dinner! It was a gorgeous evening, so we all enjoyed sitting outside, relaxing, and just being together.

I had to get a shot of the kiddos with their Daddy.  Check out that attitude from Brookelyn! 

Relay for Life allows you to honor people who have fought CANcer with luminaries.  Even cooler, they let you decorate them.  Here are the kids decorating a luminary for Daddy:

It turned out beautifully!

Once it is dark, everyone does a lap looking at the luminaries.  It was a time to reflect on the journey that has brought us here.  What a wild and crazy journey it has been.  

We can't wait for next year's Relay for Life.  Team ALL-EN has big plans to form a team and participate in all the overnight events!