Dumb question about flashing...

[themystx2]

OK, when I had the Diamond, I didn't really care about losing files and all my installed apps and flashed 4 times in one week. However, is there any way to flash to a new ROM without losing all your stored apps? I know you can save contacts (the most important) by saving your PIM file, but reinstalling all those games and getting all those preferences the way you want them are a true pain in the behind. The only reason I installed all my stuff on the Touch Pro out of the box was because I didn't expect a custom this quickly.

With all the stuff I've installed and preferences just the way I want them on the Touch Pro, I just wouldn't want to go through all that on a constant basis. Any tips or workarounds?