goTULA.NEt

Hello to all my fellow Green Wave faithful. I post this request with great humility. It's not easy for me to ask for help.

Many of you know me through my posts. I know I've vehemently disagreed with many of you. But this is WAY more important than the number of seats in Yulman, or whether or not we win a basketball game in the AAC next season.

On Friday before Memorial Day weekend, my wife and I took our 22 month old twins to the Pediatrician, as Zachary had what we thought was a cold that just wasn't going away. Our appointment was 4:45 in the afternoon. After a stop at the local ER for blood work, Zach (with his Mother) was medically transferred to Yale New Haven (we live in Stamford, some 45 miles away.) Thankfully, his brother, Teddy, seems just fine.

To make a long story short, Zach has been at Memorial Sloan Kettering (NYC) being treated for Leukemia since last Wednesday. The communication between the doctors and his mom and I has been less than open. Right now, because of the cancer and the chemo, he has no immune system. I cannot see him today because I have the sniffles (even though I think it's allergies, I'm not taking a chance.)

Those of you that pray (and I do in times like this!) please keep Zachary Price in your prayers. The little guy doesn't know why he can't go home, or why they wake him every hour or so during the night to prod or poke at him. He's on day 6 of 29 days of intense treatment, which will be followed by years of follow up.

I usually don't mix sports with spirituality, but this board is a community that I'm part of. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Dave Price
A&S 1985

My thoughts are with you and your family. Stay strong!

My best to Zach for a speedy recovery.

Brings you right back to reality. My heart aches for your little guy and I will keep him in my prayers.

Will certainly keep him and the rest of your family in my prayers. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

Prayers going your way. God Bless him.

tpstulane wrote:Prayers going your way. God Bless him.

I am the father of two premature children. My oldest (son) was the most serious, because he was about 3 months early. It was a tough ordeal for my wife and I to go through at the time, but we did it. My son is getting ready to be a father of my first grandchild (in October), and my youngest (daughter) just graduated from Law School.

The best thing that I can tell you is to keep your head up, and really believe that it will all work out well in the future. When you are in the middle of the ordeal, it is very tough, but try to be as positive as you can for your family during this time.

I do wish you good luck, and all of God's blessings on your family.

Keep your head up, put one foot in front of the other, and stay strong and positive for those around you. He's in my prayers.

Thanks to all. Today's news was not good. They do a DNA analysis on the leukemia itself, and Zach has what's known as a Ikaros mutation. This means it's resistant to standard treatment. They'll start more aggressive treatment immediately. Those of you that pray, please do so for Zach. If you don't pray, in true New Orleans fashion, send out positive vibes to the Universe in his name with a little Mambo, Wiggle, or recovery dance. Thanks again.

DfromCT wrote:Thanks to all. Today's news was not good. They do a DNA analysis on the leukemia itself, and Zach has what's known as a Ikaros mutation. This means it's resistant to standard treatment. They'll start more aggressive treatment immediately. Those of you that pray, please do so for Zach. If you don't pray, in true New Orleans fashion, send out positive vibes to the Universe in his name with a little Mambo, Wiggle, or recovery dance. Thanks again.

Sorry to hear that. Stay positive. Hopefully they find the right treatment for him soon.

Prayers coming your way. God Bless!

My prayers are with you.

Stay strong Zach.

My family is praying for you and yours.

Oh my dear God. My parayers for your son and your family. God bless you.

Prayers for you and your family.

Thanks to all.

Zach had a good day yesterday, his first in a while. He was able to stand and take a few steps, and smiled more often. The Chemo is taking a lot out of him, including very rapid hair loss. Four or so years ago, and this Ikaros mutation would have been a death sentence. But we've found two specialists who work specifically on this mutation, both of whom are happy to consult with the team at Sloan Kettering. One forwarded a paper to be published next month!

Thoughts, prayers and the outpouring of love are making miracles happen.

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear he had a good day.

Zach will be in my prayers on a daily basis. Please continue with the updates.

Good to hear a positive update. You, your family, and especially your son remain in my prayers.

I saw Golfnut's thread and figured I'd give an update in this one:

Zachary's leukemia level is down to 1% in his marrow. They hope to get it to less than 0.01% by day 29 (today is day 21 of his treatment). If they do so, his chances for full recovery without relapse are good. If not, the next 13 months of Chemo will be more aggressive, but either way he's looking at 13 more months of chemo after this initial induction phase of treatment. This first phase, which is designed to get his cancer into remission, lasts 29 days.

It has taken a lot out of Zach, and he's very lethargic. Someday's he's able to stand and walk a little others he's not. He still has his infectious smile, though, and you know when you see it that he wants to see you smile. Today he's running a fever, so they're checking for another virus and/or pneumonia. Either would be a setback. But sometimes the fever is just his body waging war with the cancer. He's been quarantined to his room for almost two weeks, and will remain so until he leaves Sloan Kettering.

The doctors say that despite the last two chemo infusions coming tomorrow and next week that as his body battles back his white blood and platelette (sp?) counts should start to rise. Once they reach a safe level he's headed home. We really want him home where it will be easier for all, and Zach really wants to get out of the hospital.

Thanks for all the support.

Great news that he seems to be doing better. Still in our thoughts.

Sometimes prayers are all we have, and we all need. Their coming your way. God Bless.

Today is a magical day for Zach an our family. Zach is coming home. Hip Hip Hooray!

The "induction" phase of his treatment wrapped up earlier this week, and his blood counts rose rapidly the past three days. He starts the next phase of treatment on Tuesday, which will also include a marrow analysis. That's going to be key. Hopefully the cancer in his marrow is down to less than 0.01%, which would lead to a very good prognosis.

Thanks for all the support. We still have a long way to go, but today is a special day.

Dave Price

Congrats!

Great news!