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Saturday, March 26, 2005 1:32 PM CST

Easter blessings to you all!!!
Please excuse all the typos in the previous entry,hopefully you could make it out.I even typed the wrong chapter for the Bible verse----oh well, I had good intentions(It should have read Phil 4:13 OPPS!!!!).
We just returned from a wonderful egg hunt. They hid about 600 eggs for about 40 kids. Drew got really interested when he realized there was candy in the eggs(he has a MAJOR sweet tooth).Zach had a wonderful time as well. This time last year we were doing not so well.We were in the cycle of hospital for chemo every 3 wks. followed by the need for blood and platelets followed by another admit due to fevers,neutropenia,etc. About the time his counts recovered we had to do it all over again.Zach is doing wonderflly now,however, we will never take it for granted. We are blessed that he did as well as he did. Please continue to thank God for giving our little boy back to us,also help us pray for all the little one's still in the fight.Prayer CAN change things----
Zach asked me yesterday why they call it "Good Friday"--he said he didn't think there was anything "good"about it since that was when they crucified Jesus. He says some things that will really make you think.He understands things that adults never seem to get----wise beyond his years.I truely believe that that is one of the "gifts" of this lifechanging,faith testing thing called cancer---you have to find your blessing where they lie.Our hearts are forever changed for the better--Thank you God for your unconditioal love in the good times and the bad!

IN HIS HANDS,Tammy

Monday, March 14, 2005 12:21 AM CST

Oh how time flies.....
First of all I would like to apologize for the extreme amount of time since our last post. I have typed several lengthy updates, however my computer "ate" them. Needless to say I am a VERY slow typer and I became very frustrated!!!
So,I'll update a little and we'll just have to pick up where we left off......
Zach and Drew are doing wonderfully---all the usual,fighting,aggrevating,saying "I'm Sorry" and doing it all over again!!!I think we are in for it--our problem is Drew thinks he is 7 like Zach and not 2!!!1
School is going great...Zach has never looked back.He's reading,doning,math and writing very well.He's learned the most about "being a kid".We are so very proud of him and the way he has handled everything.Some of the questions he asks and his obsevations about "life" blow me away. Cancer definately changes so many aspects in both good and bad ways. You savor the simple everyday occurances that could easily slip away. On the otherhand the slightest sickness,injury or news of another child being diagnosed brings all of those feelings of anxiousness to the surface once again. Faith and trust in God is really ALL we have and I seem to be reminded of that each day. As "Scan "days
approach I find myself getting more nervous than I would like to admit---Seeing Zach take it all in sride from his perspective makes it alot easier than it could be...He is such a remarkable little boy with a sweet and compassionate spirit.His heart is bigger than he is.He amazes me with his strength and God given ability to make the most of any situation.
Drew is our little fireball!!!He kmows exactly what he wants and knows how to get it. How can 2nd one's be so different? He constantly makes us laugh----And he is so darn cute!!!!Taking him to the doctor???It's a nightmare, he fusses,screams and hollars bye bye and"keys" the whole time.God definatly knew who needed what personality!!Amazing!!!

November 24 2004
Scans good-scar tissue on remainind kidney looked alittle smaller--ANC,WBC,RBC were within normal limits and kidney function was great.Dr.Howard was pleased with his progress and HAIR!!!! Wt and HT increased---I had a UTI so he and Dan had a"guys day out!!!!

December 2004
Dan and I celebrated our 10 yeay anniv by relaxing and enjoying Gatlinburg TN.The trip was a long time coming and much needed after all the stresses of this past year!!!
Christmas was heanvenly---no counts to worry about,no neupogen shots at bedtime and lots of time enjoying the season.


February 8 2004
Scan time AGAIN----about every 8 weeks we go to BHAM for the works--Zach still has his port for the IV's for the scan contrast--we have it removed as our visits stretch out a litte more.FUNCION was great, scar tissue remains,but NO SIGN OF CANCER!!!!!!!!!!!
Lung scan was also normal.Zach sats when he gets his port out he's taking it for show and tell!!!That's my boy!!!


Scans scheduled for April 8----send a few extra prayers heavens way,it mkes a tremendous difference in our lives. You have all had a part in "our" miracle.Please pray for all of the families out there fighting this cancer everyday---



It has been a wild go lately all of us have had numerous viruses,flu,eye and ear infections,etc----otherwise known as the "funk!!!!Hopefully we are on our way--blessed that we didn't have sickness to contend with last winter--Zach wouldn't been able to fight all the bugs because of his counts.

Both boys had wonderful birthdays in February---emotions were high thinking how far we had come. Thank you dear Jesus for all of your blessings---

"I can do all things for Christ who strenghtens me" COR 4:13


We have several friends who are now angels, keep their families in your prayers.

With love, Tammy

Sunday, October 10, 2004 4:29 PM CDT

A BIG HELLO to everyone!!! How embarrassing, It's been so long since I last posted. So if you'll PLEASE forgive me, we'll just pick up where we left off. Needless to say alot of water has run under,over and through the bridge since August.
First and foremost,Zach had scans on Friday,along with bloodwork,chest Xrays,U/A and a full check-up by Dr.Howard. The big miracle continues to unfold,scans looked good---the scar tissue on Zach's kidney remains but looks a little smaller--function still looks wonderful. Chest xrays are clear and blood counts have normalized even more.His WBC was 5000,PLT 274 RBC and HCT were also NORMAL!!!!We will still need to keep a close eye on things for a while, so prayers continue to be needed always. Dr.Howard said we kinda have to make up things as we go with Zach because he has never been"typical" as far as Wilm's goes----we will do the BIG check-up again the day before Thanksgiving. We have to keep the faith and believe that Zach is forever and completely healed. What a humbling experience it is to look in the eyes of your child and know that he has been touched by the hand of God. It's hard to believe he has fought cancer not once but twice---there is nothing that he can't do...We're so proud of Zach for so many reasons....
for his sweet gentle and compassionate spirit,for his ability to look for the good in things,for all the times he never complained or put up a fight when we were off to the hospital,for all of the times he looked me in the eye from his hospital bed and said "I love you mommy,I had good day with you!"We're so proud of the way Zach made it "easy" on us to take care of him. His sweet spirit and attitude were gifts to us as we struggled to do what we had to do. His zest for life and million dollar smile were what kept us going---I've learned so much about life from him,how you take what you've been given and make the best out of everyday!!!

Pardon all of the words but we are so overwelmed with thankfullness. What a difference a year has made!!!

Zach is continuing to gain weight and hair!! He absolutely doesn't look like the same child. School is going great and there have been no adjustment issues.

I've gottago Drew is climbing my leg.
love,Tammy

Friday, August 13, 2004 9:21 PM CDT

Sorry for being soooo lazy and not updating in a while, but we have been getting ready for school,enjoying the routine of everyday life, and just being happy that things are going well.
We were in BHam today for CT's,labs,and to see Dr.Howard. The results were great----the "spot" remains but has not changed in size, density,shape,etc. This is wonderful news!!!We will trust and have faith that all that remains is scar tissue---so keep those prayers coming...Wilms can be confusing and is not always cut and dry. However there is no evidence of Wilms from a radiographic(x-ray) standpoint. Labs were good and Zach's kidney continuesto function normally. He had also gained 3# since June 26 and grew an inch taller. Can I hear a big thank you, Jesus!! We just have to believe and know in our hearts that Zach has been touched by the hand of God and been blessed with excellent care at Children's.We absolutely LOVE Dr.Howard and all of the other angels who so compassionatly and tenderly cared for "us".
Plans are to scan again Oct.8,2004. Thanks again for checking in on us. Please leave us a note so we know you were here!!!


Thanking God for His neverending love, Tammy

Tuesday, July 20, 2004 8:14 PM CDT

Sorry for the delay in posting since we returned home from Orlando----I really don't know where to begin......

First and foremost, Zach's bloodwork is ALL normal---can I hear a BIG yeah GOD, AMEN, PRAISE THE LORD!!!We went for labs the day before we left on our trip to get a check before we left---needless to say we are sooooo very thankful that Zach's little body is getting back to normal after all that he has been through since last August the 8th....Almost a year has passed since our world was rocked beyond belief...it's been a year that we have traveled on an emotional roller coaster. Our highs high and our lows low. God has been so good and faithful to our family and has cradled Zach so very close. Things could have always been worse so we are very grateful to look back and so clearly see ALL of the times that our needs were provided for in so many ways.People from near and far have and continue to lift Zach up in prayer. Prayer has brought us so very far and we are greatful to have so much love and support. We ask that you continue to ask God's blessings on Zach in the upcoming weeks,months,and years. Our greatest desire is that cancer would never again look upon our precious son, that he will not suffer any long term effects from the treatments and that this experience can be used in a positive way for God's glory..what a mighty miracle is Zach. We have all been forever changed by the manner in which he has faced the battles of his life head on with an amazing and positive outlook. I am sooo proud of him!!!
We will be in Bham for scans and f/u on Aug 13(Fri). Zach is scheduled to begin school on the 16th---pray for a great report on that day.
The trip......where do I begin????
It was absolutely magical.I cannot descibe how much fun was had...I don't think our feet have recovered yet.Magic Moments does an amazing job of making dreams a reality. Our flights were uneventful and we enjoyed the "ride"---Zach,Carmen and myself had not flown before, and Dan only a couple of times. Give kids The World Village is unbelievable. They think of everything---ice cream all day,putt putt,train,2 pools,water park,carosail,theater and so much more. Each family stays in a wonderfully equipted villa and is provided tickets to attractions,meals and a rental car to use.Disney characters even come to visit. Not to mention the place is beautiful. We went to magic kingdom, Animal Kingdom,Epcot, Universal and Sea World. We had made a special request to "swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove"....it was unbelivable. The dolphins are so smart and truely love being with people. It was an experience of a lifetime--it was worth a million dollars seeing Zach take off on the back of our dolphin "Kiaha".Our whole trip was like a dream and we were so glad it finally came to fruition. We will never forget it as long as we live. Magic Moments and Give Kids The World are wonderful organizations that truely make dreams come true every day.We were so humbled by their generosity and kindness. I could literally go on forever.To see Zach so happy and doing "kid" stuff was the biggest blessing we could have recieved. Wishes do come true and dreams can become reality.
Pray on for our continued good health and the many little ones that are still in the heat of the battle--there are far too many.

Thanking God for my precious family,
Tammy

Saturday, July 3, 2004 7:43 AM CDT

I am excited to report that Zach had great counts on Wednesday---It's the first time he has not been anemic since Sept.He is bouncing around and feels so good. I told him to slow down and take a rest and he told me "but I feel soooooo good".
WBC was 3800 up from 1900 on Fri---4400 in normal
HCT 35.3 35 is normal
RBC 3.89 3.9 is normal
PLT 247 150-450 wnl miss Jeanie actually had to squeeze his finger to get blood---that's a change!!!!
We are so thankful to our dear sweet Jesus for all of these blessings---I can hardly think about how far Zach has come without getting very emotional.Through all of the peaks and valleys God has never left us---He always has been right there with his love,mercy and arms outstretched. We have learned so much about living and making the best out of every situation no matter the cicumstances.when we would get down you could ALWAYS look around and see someone in a worse situation. So you pick your self up and resolve to make the best out of what you have been given.We have been blessed to have recieved such an outpouring of prayers on Zach's behalf "God hears the prayers of his GOOd people"
Please consider donating blood and platelets--there is a shortage right now--call Red Cross to make an appt.
Pray for our safety as we will be off to Disney Next week! We are excited beyond belief---packing for something other than the hospital???YEA!!!!we are all fighting "summer" colds so pray that they subside soon---Please continue to pray for Zach's complete and total healing now and forever more!!!Thank God for what he has done. Also, remember so many of our friends who are still in the heat of the battle!!

Love,Tammy,Dan,ZAch and Drew

Friday, June 25, 2004 9:07 PM CDT

DEAR FRIENDS---
ZACH'S APPT WENT WELL TODAY. WE RECIEVED A GREAT REPORT FROM THE SCANS--THEY ARE ALMOST THE SAME AS MAY,WHICH IS VERY GOOD NEWS. THE "SPOT" THAT REMAINS ON THE KIDNEY IS STILL BELIEVED TO BE SCAR TISSUE FROM THE NUMEROUS BIOPSIES IN THE AREA WHERE THE TUMOR WAS. SCAR TISSUE MAY OR MAY NOT DECREASE OVER TIME,HOWEVER THE SCAR TISSUE WILL NOT CAUSE ANY FUNCTIONING ISSUES. PRESENTLY, ZACH'S KIDNEY IS WORKING LIKE ALMOST TWO KIDNEYS---WE ARE SO THANKFUL!!!LABS CONTINUE TO IMPROVE--WBC REMAINS A LITTLE LOW BUT THE % OF INFECTION FIGHTERS(ANC) HAS INCREASED SINCE MONDAY.ALL OF HIS LABS RELATED TO KIDNEY FUNCTION,LIVER FUNCTION ETC. WERE NORMAL. HE LOOKS WONDERFUL AND FEELS EVEN BETTER!!HIS NEW HAIR HAS STARTED TO POP THROUGH THIS WEEK--MAYBE IT'S FROM ALL OF THE RAIN?
WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF THE WAY ZACH HAS HANDLED THESE LAST 11 MONTHS--LIKE A TRUE WARRIOR,BRAVE,STRONG AND WITH A GREAT DEAL OF DIGNITY. HE HAS HELD HIS HEAD HIGH AND FACED EACH DAY WITH A ZEST AND BOLDNESS THAT I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM. WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE HIM. WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO PRECIOUS BOYS TO LOVE AND CARE FOR.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT THERE ARE NO FUTURE LATE EFFECTS FROM ALL THE TX. ZACH HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO. PRAY THAT THIS CANCER IS GONE FOREVER. PRAY THAT GOD WOULD RECIEVE ALL THE GLORY FOR THE GREAT WORK HE HAS DONE IN ZACH'S LIFE, WHAT A STORY HE HAS TO SHARE!!
DON'T FORGET TO SIGN THE GUESTBOOK----ZACH LOVES GETTING MAIL FROM ALL OF YOU.
PRAY FOR SAFETY AS WE WILL BE TRAVELING TO "DISNEY" SOON FOR ZACH'S "WISH" TRIP.
LOVE TO YOU ALL--SLEEP WELL AND MANY THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED LOVE AND PRAYERS.


LOVE,TAMMY,DAN,ZACH AND DREW

Thursday, June 24, 2004 6:05 PM CDT

Sorry for the delay in updating but things have been busy--but busy in a good way! Zach had a wounderful week at VBS-he was able to go the rest of the week. The program on fri Night was so special to us. It was absolutely priceless seeing Zach walk in with the Christian flag--it did wonders for my heart seeing him be up there with his friends.
The blood was exactly what he needed. He has felt great every since. Counts this Monday were much improved.....
PLT 173,000-normal---yea God!!!!
HCT 34
RBC normal
WBC still low at 1700 ANC about 585 low but hopefully headed up

PLEASE KEEP ZACH IN TOUR PRAYERS TOMORROW--WE HAVE APPT FOR CT SCANS AND TEST IN BIRMINGHAM AT 10:00AM. WE CONTINUE TO TRUST THAT GOD HAS BROUGHT US THIS FAR AND HE WILL CONTINUE TO HOLD US IN HIS HANDS...PRAY FOR DR.HOWARD'S CONT WISDOM.


IN HIS LOVE----TAMMY

Monday, June 14, 2004 10:35 AM CDT

Just a quick update.....
Good news...plts have risen to 56,still low but on the way UP!!!WBC is down to 2300 but that is to be expected since we are no longer on neupogen shots. However, Zach's hct/RBC has gone down since Thursday and he started telling me this morning that he was tired. So we will be getting blood tomorrow at clinic 5 at Children's. This usually takes the biggest part of a day to complete. They will go ahead and call Red Cross today to get things going. The chemo relly did a number this time,Zach is almost 4 weeks out. Typically, his counts would be closer to normal at this point,but as we got closer to the end of Tx "roadmap" the medicines effects on his system have taken a greater toll. Hopefully, this will be the last need for blood we have!
Zach has been so excited about VBS this week, and YES he did get to go today--we went to Montgomery extra early so I could know whether his plts were at a safe level-he only missed an hour. Alot of times you take things like swimming,riding the bicycle,climbing the tree,going to church and VBS for granted. It was such a blessing and a big deal to see my little one doing things that are "normal" once again. It does my heart good knowing that that after such a long time we are"joining the world" again. An illnes such as cancer can be not only uncertain,but lonely. We are so greatful for all the dear one's God has so sweetly placed in our lives.
On the road again!!!!
Love, Tammy

Saturday, June 12, 2004 10:19 AM CDT

Hi everyone!
We thought we would have to go for plts. yesterday, but BHAM wanted us to re-check on Mon. Zach's plts are still very low at 19--we have to be careful due to the continued risk for bleeding. Zach feels so good but is like a bull in a china factory. He wants to swim so bad,but plts have to be at least 50. Hopefully,we will see an increase at the next lab day--either Sun or MOn. Zach really wants to go to VBS but we have to be certain that the plts are at a safe level.
GOOD NEWS----- WBC is now up to 14000 so will got to stop Neupogen(GCSF)shots Thurs---BIG YEA!!!!we don't know who is more excited us or Zach--they say the med in these burns really bad. Zach has handled them like a champ--eventhough he was on them 10months we never really got used to them--we dreaded that time eachday.As Zach would say "see ys suckers!!" We also have infection fighters now!! HCT had fallen from 32 to 25 that's still anemic but no need for a transfusion.
Zach has been asking "hard" questions all along but yesterday he asked what would happen if his" boo-boo" on his kidney came back--we told him that we did alot as far as chemo and radiation goes, followed the MD orders and the most importantly it was up to God to protect us. Please pray hat he is cancer free forever and we NEVER have to travel that road again. Also pray that there are no long term side effects such as decreased kidney function,hearing loss,heart problems and most of all secondary cancers--Pray that our faith and trust in God will remain Strong. I never want to forget how faithful God has been to us---I will thank Him with every breath I HAVE IN ME FOREVER--PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL OF OUR LITTLE FRIENDS!
We hope to be at home and get some much needed R and R!!!!

Don't forget to sign in so we know you were here!

Love, Tammy

Tuesday, June 8, 2004 6:36 PM CDT

Dear friends,
Well, a little more water under the bridge. Yesterday started off like most Mondays with a trip to Montgomery for labs. However, over the weekend Zach started bruising a little more than usual and began to develop some petichea(sp?)which are small areas of bleeding just under the surface of the skin. He also woke up with a small blood blister in his mouth. We already knew his platelets were low but were hopeful they would increase over the weekend rather than decrease.
Lab in Montogomery were---
WBC 1500 still very low but up from 500 on Fri.
HCT 32.3 holding it's own-no need for blood
grans(inf fighters 43%)
plts 2--- definate need for plts ASAP
I called BHAM from the MD to go ahead and order plts. Arrived about lunchtime and there were no platelets yet. We got a beeper and went visiting -- our lovely nurses on 4 tower,we luv y'all---our special friends in childlife, you fill our days with smiles, and Children's Harbour--Ms.Darby is way cool! So, the 3 hours passed quickly and we had lots of fun! We also got to visit a special friend of ours-Matthew Golden, who lives in Greenville. He was in an accident in Dec. and continues to be such a fighter. He and his precious family need continued prayers for his complete recovery. Zach wants to go with him to the park and for ice cream oneday!
Plts arrived at 4:30 to clinic 5--We saw Dr.Hillard who said it was not unusual to still need plts this far out from a tx. due to the type(carboplatin)and the length of his protocol. She said that he may require more if he doesn't make his own soon. We'll check counts again on Thurs. Otherwise, Zach had gained 2# YEA!!!Zach did well getting his plts . We arrived back home around 8:30 pm--tired,but thankful that the day had gone well and once again, taken care of by our heavenly Father!!
Zach is so excited about bible school next week. Hopefully he'll be ready. Maybe his platelets will be in full swing--
Thank you for the concern and continued prayers. We love y'all!!Please sign in so we know you were here.


"Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom."
2 Cor.3:17

Tammy ,Dan, Zach and Drew

Friday, June 4, 2004 1:32 PM CDT

Dear friends---
We finally made it home late Wednesday evening. Zach's lab work was still very low, but he hadn't run fever since Fri.,all cultures were negative,and he was looking and feeling good. The MD felt that his white count should start increasing soon and felt that he could rest better at home.He did need more blood and platelets on Tuesday. At d/c his wbc was a little over 300(normal is 4000) so we need to continue to watch for fever or any signs of infection. The ANC was only 30,however it had been 0 for several days,it needs to be about 600 to fight off infections. So we can't swim,rough house or be around alot of people till we see an increase. We were soooooo very happy to get uor family under one roof again--6 days in the hospital seems like a month. As always Zach handled it like a champ--He is so strong,we couldn't be anymore proud of him!!!God is good and he is so faithful to his children.
Well,we just returned from Montgomery after having labs done----they are still very low. WBC 500,ANC about the same and platelets were 19. We'll have to con't the neupogen shots and watch closely for any bleeding.We are hopeful that Zach's body will kick in and start making platelets SOON so he won't need another transfusion.
Despite all of that we've had a good day-Zach and Drew enjoyed their chick-fil-a and visit to Toys R Us--imagine that- us needing another toy,but we did!!! We'll check counts again Mon. and hopefully we'll see a big improvement.
It's a good thing we have finished the protocol,because the chemo was definately working harder on Zach's system. We are so blessed to have gotten through it all as healthy and as sane as we did!!
PLease pray everyday not only for us but all the little one's who are fighting this battle each day--We know firsthand the difference prayer makes on a daily basis. Having to face a situation like this makes you live your faith and trust like you have never trusted before. Hope wakes you up in the morning and gets you through the rough spots. We continue to be humbled by all of you who consistantly to go to God on our behalf. He hears the prayers of all his people.Nothing comes to us without first passing through the hands of God---pretty awesome!!!
Keep checking in and at least sign the guestbook even if you don't leave a message so we'll know you were here!!Zach loves me to read them to him each day! God bless you all.
Tammy
PS please excuse the numerous typos and mistakes,my brain doesn't work too well most days-I think it's all used up!

Monday, May 31, 2004 8:35 AM CDT

We are still in the hospital trying to grow some white cells and infection fighters--Zach's ANC is 0. His counts have improved some but not enough for them to feel comfortable letting us come home. Zach looks great and appears to feel a 100times better than his labs show.I came home Sun. afternoon to see Drew baby,wash,re pack and sleep a little without hearing beeps. Dan stayed with Zach since he had the holiday today. I'll go back in alittle while so we'll be together again. This is the first time I've came home without them...seems weird. ZAch was upset when we found out we couldn't come home yesterday---He listened to Dr.Castleberry, got quite then said so I guess I don't get to go home--he hit the mattress and said"AW nuts". Our feelings exactly!!! Keep those prayers coming!!!We may need blood and platelets again before d/c--we,ve come to far to mess up now I keep telling myself to be patient.

Friday, May 28, 2004 3:47 PM CDT

HI friends--
Sorry for the delay,we were admitted to the hospital yesterday morning due to low counts, fever and just feeling "YUCK". Counts were beginning to go down on Monday and we still had several days until our lowest point---WBC 2000,HCT 29,PLT 50--we had to be extra careful because we were in the range where Zach could bleed/bruise easily. We were to re check counts on Thurs in Montgomery--When Zach woke up he had fever, was dizzy,and complaining of bad leg pain. We went ahead and packed a few bags,watered the hermit crabs and headed to DR.Simon's. By this time Zach was looking not like his usual self,and did not even complain when I told him we would likely be headed to Birmingham. He felt so bad he didn't care. labs were--WBC 300, HCT 25 ,PLT 2--Called Bham so they would be getting things ready. On arrival more labs were drawn and blood cultures were taken from his port. Our counts had dropped a little more---they could not go much lower. I commented that if they drew anymore blood he would not have any. After they ok'ed the tylenol Zach started to feel alot better and begin to look like the Zach we all know. I,ve only seen him feel that bad a few times and it breaks your heart to see him like that.The MD's and nurses always know that when he is tearful and voices complaints to take notice.Due to him having no infection fighters and the temp he was admitted and IV antibiotic were started. Platelets were ordered but could not be located until this morning. His temp has stayed down since last night,but his HCT went down to 17. Blood was transfused after the platelets. During the night he started to develop blood pockets on the inside of his mouth, on both cheeks. The platelets should help with that rather quickly. Zach is feeling alot better today. He has ate a little and has been playing. He cannot leave the room because of his inability to fight any infections. His culture hasn't grown anything and is most likely due to low WBC. His labs will be monitored each morning. We will have to be fever free for at least 24 hours and have around a 500 WBC. Good Lord willing we will be home in afew days. We keep telling Zach to hang in there a few more days and he will be on his way! His spirits are still good and he is a real trooper. I think he actually missed some of his nurses.
Please pray that his counts improve and he will bounce back in his usual way--this last tx. was really rough as far as nausea goes. But, he kept eating until something stayed down.
This whole experience could be much worse if Zach didn't handle things so well. He tries so hard to not let things get him down. At least we can see light at the end of the tunnel. God has his hands on us eachday. Earlier today I walked to my car. As I got to the deck where I was parked I looked up and a dove landed right by me. A dove in the middle of the city,landing right by me--- a coinsidence? I don't think so-- God is everywhere if we just look!
Alot of you are checking Zach's site--please sign the guestbook so we kwow you were here. It means alot knowing you all are thinking of us--Zach loves it when we read the messages to him!
love, Tammy,Dan,Zach and Drew

Tuesday, May 18, 2004 10:26 AM CDT

Hello Everyone!
We returned home from Birmingham last night with great news---Zach had his LAST chemotherapy treatment yesterday around 10:00am! Words cannot possibly describe the happiness, sheer joy and thankfulness in our hearts. The next couple of weeks will likely bring very low counts, which could result in Zach needing both blood and platelets. This has happened the last few times about 1-2 wks out from the treatments. Also, we pray that Zach's white count/infection fighters do not fall like they did before, resulting in a 6 day admission. We will begin the neupogen shots tonight to help build up the white count to prepare for the upcoming drops. We will continue to go to Pediatric Healthcare in Montgomery 2x per week to keep a close eye on things--this will continue for about four more weeks(lab work is done there then sent to Bham).
On Friday Zach's scans were what we had hoped---there was NO change and the remaining place on his kidney looks the same. Basically, what they feel remains is scar tissue fron the tumor and the numerous biopsies that have been performed. They do not want to go back in because of the risk involved in possibly damaging the kidney due to the location of the lesion. At the present time Zach's kidney is functioning at the level of one large healthy kidney. Thank you,Lord. The biopsy in Feb 2004 showed abnoral cells,but no active "cancer" cells. However, the entire tumor could not be checked. Four core samples were done, but anymore taken would have been too risky. That is why chemo was continued--to hopefully KILL any cells that were not picked up in the biopsy that might remain there. So,after 10 hospitalizations(75 individual chemotherapy and 12 radiation treatments at UAB) we have completed the protacol recommended by our MD's and The Nat'l Wilm's Tumor Board. We will continue to be monitored very closely for a very long time. The next scans will be June 25,2004 At Children's in Birmingham.
Needless to say the next few months and years will be very impotant as far as follow up goes. We need many prayers for continued health,strength and faith. God has been so good to us providing for all of our needs. His mercy is new eachday and He gives the strenth you need for THAT day. For that we are truely grateful. We know that He is in cotrol and sometimes we don't understand his plan,but I knw that I know, that I know He loves us more than we can imagine. Oneday I told Zach "We love you so very much". He replied "Jesus loves me the most." Pretty amazing!
We celebrated in our hospital room with a "superman" party--it was better than a birthday--it was a no more chemo party!!! Our little friend, Anna Leigh, another Wilm's warrior just beginning her battle,got to come, too. Please pray for this precious little one and her family in the upcoming months. She and Zach have alot in common and I just know they will be great friends.
As we were walking over the crosswalk to leave TCHA yesterday, Zach looked back stopped and said"see ya suckers." His sense of humor is still going strong. He danced and sang all day long. He could hardly go to sleep last night for the excitement. We all went to sleep thanking God for bringing us so far and being so faithful to our family. People say you"ll forget about all of this oneday,but I never want to forget--it's part of our lives,what a testimony to share, the best of times and the worst of times all rolled in to one.
Please keep the prayers coming we still need them--We want the miracle to continue--

"I know what I am planning for you...I have good plans for you, not plans to harm you...I will give you hope and a good future." Jeremiah 29:11

Love to you all--Tammy,Dan, Zach and Drew

Thursday, May 13, 2004 3:35 PM CDT

Hi everyone!
We have had a very good week. Zach and Drew are doing well. We went to the pediatricians office on Monday for labwork. It looked really good so, it is likely that we will go on with the chemo as planned. Zach's white count(infection fighters) were 32000 (actually high due to the gcsf/Neupogen injection we give him daily). We were happy to be able to stop them for now. His platelet count was up to 147 (150- 400 is within normal limits for his age)--just a couple of weeks ago it was 5, prior to the platelet transfusion. We are so very thankful to the Red Cross for the work they do. If you have never seen someone receive blood you have missed watching a miracle unfold right before your eyes. Several times we have watched Zach go from pale,tired,and somewhat listless to bright eyed, pink, and hopping around like a jackrabbit within a few short hours. So, if you've never given, it is something to consider and if you have, thanks!!
For Zach to get his chemo his ANC(absolute neutrafil count) has to be 1000 and his platelets,100. Hopefully his counts will remain good, because we need to go into this TX.as high and healthy as possible since it is usually so rough on his system.
We are to be in clinic 5 at 9:00 am to have his port accessed and draw labs. We will then go up for the CT scan and chest x-ray. Dr. Howard will then review Zach's scans and do an exam. We should know the results tomorrow evening. Please pray that God will continue to give Dr.Howard the wisdom he needs to make decisions and set up a f/u plan. We are so blessed to have a christian doctor. He has become like part of the family and truely loves Zach. Please pray that only scar tissue remains and no signs of cancer are anywhere to be found. We sure do not want to have to go down the road of dialysis and kidney transplant. Zach's remaining kidney is functioning almost at the level of two kidneys,his blood pressure is normal and he doesn't have any indications of renal DX. One kidney would not be a problem in him living a long, normal, healthy life. So our hope and prayer is that Zach's kidney would be spared and he will remain cancer FREE forever, thanks be to God!!!I just know that HE has something extra special He wants Zach to do. We've come so far,learned so much, been blessed beyond measure, and truely humbled by the love shown by so many.
Please continue to remember Zachman in the upcoming weeks as the chemo can really do a number on his blood counts and immune system. When he is strong and feeling good we are going to Walt Disney to celebrate! We are so looking forward to this trip, it has given us something to look forward to and talk about on days Zach was feeling a little blah. Magic Moments is making all of the arrangements and will soon notify us of the dates.
Don't forget to sign our guestbook so we know you stopped in---Just click on guestbook and it will walk you through the steps.
God bless---Tammy,Dan,Zach and Drew Baby

Sunday, May 9, 2004 10:18 AM CDT

Well, better late than ever. Thanks to all of you who have prayed and continue to lift up our family in prayer. Your love and support have carried us through the mountains and valleys of the last six years. Zach has amazed us all with his get up and go and zest for making each day the best! He never complains and truely has an understanding way beyond his years--sometimes his wisdom is way beyond mine and Dan's!!!He has definately taught us a few life lessons...Not many people get a chance to know or meet their heros--we're raising ours, it's kind of humbling to say the least. All is well today on this Mother's Day. We are scheduled for CT scans on FRI morning at TCHA Birmingham and f/u with Dr.Howard. If blood work looks good will be admitted for our last round of chemo--3 tx of etoposide and 2 tx of carboplatium(yuck)--these tx are the worst as far as dropping his ANC(infection fighters),red count and platelets. after his last tx of these we were admitted for 6 days of IV abs.,neutropenia(fever),and required 2 units of blood and 2 units of platelets. The further along he has gotten into tx. the rougher the tx have gotten on his system. However his attitude never changes . He is a ray of sunshine and keeps bouncing around as usual. He takes it all in true "Zach" fashion--an example and an inspiration to us all.....What a boy!!!! We are so proud of his bravery,courageous spirit and faith in God. We look forward to soon gaining a little normalcy in our lives--whatever that is!We don't have an exact f/u plan yet,but we will be followed extra close for a very long time. We love our Children's Hospital family and know that they will keep a good eye on us....PRAY for a great scan and for Zach's strength with the upcoming tx. I'll try to post a little more hx. with a later entry for some of you who might want more detailed info . Please sign our guestbook--We would love to hear from you!!

GOD BLESS ---Tammy

Tuesday, March 9, 2004 5:10 PM CST

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