After you reach the mature age of 36 and gain tremendous amounts of wisdom, you realize that your life is a story :). Michael and I are both there, and we know that our life story changed on October 12. I noticed a lump on my thigh that day and had a feeling that something wasn't right. After the 2nd doctor the next day said "We have no idea what that is", I knew I was probably going to be glad that they were checking it out.
I had an MRI & ultrasound on Monday night (Oct. 13). Kim waited at the E.R. with me while Michael stayed home and got the boys tucked into bed. We joked... was it an egg? was it a descended testicle? where is Dr. House when you need him? Our jokes stopped when the doc came back in with a referral to an orthopaedic oncologist. The morning of Oct. 14 - we were able to see this doctor and this time instead of hearing "I have no idea", we heard "I think this is malignant, let's do a biopsy".
Thursday morning (Oct. 16) we are at the surgery center for a needle biopsy of my thigh. I'm sedated in case the specimen wasn't enough, they would have to make an incision to take more tissue. As I'm drifting off, I'm thinking to myself... "maybe he'll find that it's just a big bruise... "and then I start realizing that I better pay attention because I don't want them to start until I'm out! I woke up only 45 minutes later and they immediately brought Mom & Michael into the room. They had to tell me that it was indeed malignant - some kind of sarcoma - we need scans to make sure it hasn't spread. I honestly admitted to myself that's really the news I was expecting.
The following Monday (Oct. 20) we're back at Baylor for a CT scan and bone scan. I drank my barium and had a radioactive injection - the staff there is so good at this process. I was in and out within 3 hours. I hate knowing that the reason they are good is that a lot of people have done this before me. I met a girl there who was being put on the list for her 3rd liver transplant. So many people in the world are struggling with things we don't even think of during our hectic days - visit a hospital on a Monday morning to see what I'm talking about...
The DAY - the big news - today is October 21 and we found out that my scans are CLEAR! No cancer other than the tumor in my leg. It's like a breath of fresh air. Then the news that confused us all, it's not a sarcoma. I have some type of large-cell lymphoma. The tumor is in the muscle of my right thigh even though this is a blood cancer. I have so very much to learn about this!
As of today, we know what to call "Lumpy" - it's a lymphoma. We know that Lumpy needs to be destroyed. We know that Lumpy is going to be destroyed by chemotherapy and radiation. I don't mind the thought of any of this, I just want to be better. My boys (all 3 of them) need me as much as I need them.
About Us
- The Allens
- We are a normal family of 4. Mom, Dad, two beautiful boys and 2 cool dogs. Our story is pretty interesting right now as we fight cancer. This blog is being written to share our news with family & friends. Thank you for all of your prayers!
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16 comments:
Jen,
I am so proud to be your sister! This past week you have been my rock at a time when I should have been yours. Your strength and courage are inspiring! "Lumpy" made a huge mistake by picking a fight with you and I will be there every step of the way to watch Lumpy lose!
I love you!
Kim
Jen,
You have been in my thoughts every second of every day for the past week. I am sorry to hear that this cancer is lymphoma, but Lumpy will NOT win this battle! You have so many people that love you, and you are surrounded by prayers. I will be there every step of the way, even if only by phone, text, or e-mail. And remember, I am only 2 hours away (by plane)!! I will be there whenever and whatever you need. You are an inspiration and I love you...stay strong, stay faithful! Much love from Colorado!
Jen,
You are so loved and have such a positive outlook which is half the battle. Prayer is so powerful and you have people across America praying for you. As a teacher, you have brought so much energy to the classroom and encouragement that children's lives are changed. You are doing that with our campus too. We are here for you and lift you and the boys up in prayer daily.
Love ya,
Elizabeth
Jennifer,
I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking and praying for you. I already know you are a woman of strength becaused you are married to Michael.
In 1992 I was diagnosised with kidney cancer. I had led a pretty clean life and there was no reason for me to get cancer, much like you, I would imagine. But, the fact was, I had it. My attitude was, I was not going to let the big "c" beat me. Now 16 years later, I'm writing you, to encourage you to have a great attitude. I gather you are a teacher, what a great lesson to teach your boys and your school kids in success! I'll be checking in ever so often...May the God of creation heal you completely as we glorify His name!!
Coach Faith
Jennifer:
We haven't met, but Michael and I go way back. There are lots of people praying for you guys in Waco. One day at a time. My wife and I went through something similar to this a few years ago. You guys will make it through this just fine, even stronger. I promise.
Wes Null
Jennifer,
I am so proud of you! Thank you for sharing your journey w/ others. Sometimes, it maybe private, but I am sure it's wonderful to see how much you are loved! You are definitely an inspiration! Miracles happen! God is a good God! He prevails in the end! You have so much strength & can fight this w/ all the prayers to back you up! If you need anything, I'm just a call away! Love you lots~Becca
Lumpy must be destroyed ...
Glad to know about your blog! I grew up in Lovington with Michael.
Sounds like Lumpy picked the wrong person to fight with!
Jen,
As we join you in the "Lose Lumpy" campaign (or maybe we should name it "Lose Lumpy Lymphoma") I will do whatever I can for you, Michael, Zach and Ryan. Remember that I love you all more than life itself! Keep your great outlook and courage and never lose your sense of humor...it will sometimes get you through when nothing else can. And in case Michael didn't pass on my excellent advice-never pass up an opportunity to lay in bed and eat bon-bons because when you get better those boys will want you to clean toilets again!
Take care of you and remember I love you more than life itself.
aunt danne
jennifer,
All of us at the DA's Office are praying for you.
You are now on our prayer list at church. We will battle with prayer. Lumpy doesn't have a chance.
Love,
Martha
You are in my prayers. As always, you are so strong - an inspiration to the rest of us. If you need anything - let me know.
Much love!
M
Jenny and Michael, I am so sad about all this news, but it is better than a couple days ago. We need to keep our faith in God and he will help us through this. Having gone through the radiation and the chemo myself a few years ago, I just know that you have the faith, strenght and courage to get through this too. You yourself Jenny have had your share of major illness several years back, so continue to know that your family and friends are here for you. Remember Daniel and the lion now too. Love and prayers to all.
Your auntie Monie
Jenny,
We don't know each other, but I have known your Aunt Mona forever! I'm sorry to hear about your illness, I will keep you in my thoughts. You have the right attitude...my dad has non-hodgkins lymphoma and after the initial radiation, he's been clear. He had such a positive outlook about it and didn't let it get him down and I truly believed that helped him beat it. It sounds like you have a great support system and that will help you beat this too. Stay strong!
Holly from MN
Jen,
Hello! When Kim gave me 'the news' I was sad, shocked and optimistic. I have a wonderful peace that you will be okay. I'm praying for you and so are a whole lot of other people! I think this blog is a great idea. Stay strong!
Christina (McCallum) Stanfield
P.S. This is my 2nd attempt at this so I hope the first REALLY didn't make it through. If it did, sorry.
Hey lumpy, your ass is grass! Ya know, I don't even know what that means, but is sounds intimidating.
We are thinking about you guys and praying for you.
-Jen
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