Teen battles Hodgkin's lymphoma

SANDPOINT — The freshman year of high school can be a difficult rite of passage for anyone, but Roan Allen has it particularly tough.

Just before beginning his first year of high school, the 14-year-old soccer player approached his mother, Stephanie, to investigate a lump underneath his collar bone. Since it was about the size of a pea and fairly innocuous, the family decided to keep an eye on the growth but not set any doctor appointments right away.

That mentality changed weeks later when the Allens discovered the growth had expanded to the size of a grape.

“When we went to the doctor, he found two more (lumps around the collarbone),” Stephanie Allen said.

Tests revealed that Roan’s lymph nodes were all enlarged, and he was diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While Hodgkin’s lymphoma bears a relatively high survival rate, Roan needed to immediately begin an aggressive treatment plan to bring the cancer under control. The family traveled to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane and set up a treatment plan with the help of one of the hospital’s specialists.

After an initial surgery, Roan started an intensive chemotherapy treatment schedule that will likely last until around January. The treatments occur in three-week blocks, with nine treatments the first day of the first week, three the second day of the first week and two on the third day of the first week. In the second week of care, Roan only needs to undergo three treatments in one day, and he has the third week off.

After the treatments are complete, the Allens will know whether or not Roan’s cancer has been subdued or whether he requires additional treatment. If the latter is the case, he will likely need another surgery followed by radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy can be a rough treatment for anyone regardless of age or status, but Stephanie Allen said Roan has had a particularly rough go.

“There are some people who can get their treatments and barely react to it,” Allen said. “Roan is on the other end of the spectrum.”

The side effects of the treatment have taken a toll. Nausea is one of the biggest issues. Allen said Roan lost 16 pounds in a short period of time due to the frequent vomiting. He also lost his hair within a week and often suffers severe bone and joint pain requiring medication. The number of pills required to simply fight the side effects of the treatment is staggering, Allen said.

Of course, the financial costs are also a major burden. Allen said that even before the chemotherapy began, the bills already amounted to over $40,000. For example, Roan requires a shot after chemo that alone costs $4,000.

“I always have to be very careful not to mess it up,” Allen said. “It would be the most expensive mistake I ever made.”

While health insurance helps lessen the blow, the family’s remaining costs combined with travel and lodging expenses all add up. Luckily, the Allens have some help. Community Cancer Services has provided the family with gas cards, help with prescriptions and other resources.

“I’m on their board, so I’ve always known they were amazing, but they’ve been a huge help now,” Allen said.

There are several ways for the public to help, too. Anyone can donate to the “Stephanie Allen for the benefit of Roan Allen” account at Panhandle State Bank. In addition, community members can keep up-to-date on the family’s needs using the site www.caringbridge.org — just find the “roanallen1” profile.

Finally, residents should consider participating in the 5K Run For Roan. Scheduled for 1 p.m. this Sunday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the $25 participation fee will benefit the Allen family. Furthermore, a company will match the entry fees for the first 300 participants.

A silent auction will also take place 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the church. Items include Schweitzer season tickets, handmade jewelry, gift baskets and much more.