Allan Nguyen is a previously healthy 29-year-old who recently moved to the Tampa area this past summer to start his Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Nova Southeastern University Tampa Bay Regional Campus. He is newly married to his wife, Samantha, since last December. This is not how they imagined their first year of marriage.

In late July, Allan believed he had an ear infection, complaining of right ear pain and drainage, gradual hearing loss, ringing in the ear, right facial/tongue tingling, and jaw pain. After his symptoms did not improve with antibiotics, he was referred to ENT for further evaluation. In September, his first biopsy was performed, which was non-diagnostic. The second biopsy was more invasive, requiring an open surgery, to determine the final diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma of the right masticator space, a very rare type of cancer. As the tumor began to grow rapidly impairing his ability to eat and breathe, he underwent emergent surgery in October for prophylactic tracheostomy and tumor debulking. This was unfortunately complicated by tracheostomy bleed requiring an additional emergent surgery and ICU stay.

He has been the topic of H&N Tumor Board, Sarcoma Tumor Board, and Dr. Rosenberg’s expert review from the University of Miami. He has currently completed 3 of 6 cycles of planned inpatient neoadjuvant chemotherapy and, though an aggressive malignancy, the intent is for curative treatment.

In the midst of this diagnosis, Allan and his wife had to discuss family planning with concern for impaired fertility with chemotherapy. The couple underwent fertility preservation prior to starting treatment. Allan also had to take a leave of absence from PT school with the goal to hopefully return next fall.

This has been a challenging time for Allan and his family as they embark on this new journey. He and his wife were previously saving for a house and are now having to use some of that money for the growing medical bills. Allan has an overwhelming amount of support from his wife, family, and friends who have helped him focus on taking it day by day. He is looking forward to finding ways to encourage and motivate other patients experiencing similar things as him. His medical team has commented on his positive outlook, his kindness, and gratitude while navigating this difficult time. The USF Internal Medicine and Medicine-Pediatric programs are truly inspired by his courage.

We would be so grateful for any assistance you can provide this family through this trying holiday season. Any donation - small or large - would be greatly appreciated for this deserving family. On behalf of the USF Internal Medicine and Medicine-Pediatric Residency Programs, we hope that you can join us in our mission to offer this family a small holiday gift.