Peter Marcello Zucca "Mission Miracle"

Mission Accomplished!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11


Welcome to Peter's Web Page. It has been provided to keep you updated about Peter's journey back to good health.

Peter had a MRI on December 23, 2003; and was diagnosed with a pelvic mass. On December 24th he underwent needle biopsy of his abdomen and was diagnosed with a Rhabdomyosarcoma a malignant lesion of the muscle. On December 31st he underwent a lung biopsy, his tumor had spread to his left lung. A central line, an access port with two different tubes on it, was placed for easy access of his chemotherapy. He underwent two courses of chemo and was rescanned. His tumor doubled in size.

We were referred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for consultation with two of their doctors. On February 4, 2004 Peter’s 1st Birthday, we were told that he was not a candidate for surgery or radiation. In fact we were told that he had 2 months to live. We returned to duPont Hospital and decided to try one more type of chemotherapy. After completing two courses of this new chemo he was scheduled for a scan.

Peter was rescanned on March 19th. There was a significant reduction in the size of his tumor. However, his tumor was still very large and at that point was not operable. He would need a significant reduction on two more scans and then hopefully the tumor could be could completely removed. If they can remove the tumor completely he would not need radiation therapy.

On April 7th we were at duPont for Peter’s routine examination and to be admitted for chemotherapy. After his doctor examined him she turned to us and said; “I do not want to give false hope but I cannot find his tumor.” We were astounded, since Peter was supposed to pass away by Palm Sunday and there it was the Wednesday before Easter and the doctor couldn’t feel his tumor.

Our next appointment at duPont Hospital was April 20th. If Peter’s blood counts recovered and this checkup went well we could take him to Disney World April 23rd-30th.
Peter’s next scan was scheduled for Tuesday May 4th.

We made it to Disney World; we had a wonderful trip, and Peter held up very well. We enjoyed the break from doctor visits and hospital stays.

Peter’s May 4th scan showed another significant reduction in the size of his tumor. His doctors asked our permission to send his films to 3 pediatric surgeons in New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Peter’s tumor is now smaller than it was at the time of his diagnosis in December. Unfortunately it is at a very bad spot. Two of the three surgeons have informed us that they would not operate on Peter because they would have to mutilate him to get around his tumor. As you may know radiation on a child under the age of two is very damaging and for us is also out of the question. We have chosen to proceed with his chemotherapy. Peter’s next scan was scheduled for June 15th.

Praise God, on June 15, 2004 we learned that the third doctor had reviewed Peter’s scans and wants to meet with us. He works out of Sloan Kettering in New York. He is doing a limb sparing surgery that includes radiation therapy, while in the operating room, using shields to protect healthy cells. We were told that Peter’s scan, which was performed on June 15th, would have to show his lungs clean and his tumor staying the same size or smaller. On the 16th we learned that there was another significant reduction in the size of the tumor and that his lungs look good.

We are traveling to Sloan Kettering on July 8, 2004 to meet with a team of doctors who will be coordinating Peter’s care, should we choose to proceed. This surgical procedure is very difficult and could possibly include the removal of Peter’s bladder and a resection of a part of his bowels. His sciatic nerve is also involved and the tumor will need to be removed from it as well. This will most likely result in a drop foot, which will require a brace on the foot and ankle to allow Peter to walk.

When Dennis and I were staying at duPont Hospital during Peter’s first admission we opened our Bible one night to Psalm 40. There we read the following: “ I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be Astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord.”

We pray for a miracle of healing for Peter; a full recovery from his cancer with his entire precious parts intact. We pray that God will astound the medical community and all of us with his precious gift of life.

Journal

Saturday, May 16, 2015 7:25 AM CDT

May 23rd, is coming...

Saturday, May 23, 2015, marks the two-year anniversary of Peter’s above-knee amputation. It seems impossible for me to believe that two years has passed since he was able to walk across the room or run and play with his friends without the help of a prosthetic leg. All that he has experienced and endured has matured him into a really special kid and uniquely qualified him to help improve the lives of other kids with cancer.

Last year he held a very successful lemonade stand to honor the one-year date. This year, he and many of our local “Powerhouses” will be riding or walking together in the Harleysville Parade. You’ll recognize them by their brave stance and broad smiles.

They’ll be throwing treats and handing out information about how you can support Peter Powerhouse’s mission: Improving the lives of kids with cancer and helping survivors to thrive. When you see them be sure to give them a cheer and high-five, and when you arrive back home be sure to make a donation to improve their lives and the lives of the cancer kids who have yet to be diagnosed. Our virtual bake sale, lemonade stand, car wash and 5k walk is open 24-hours a day.

Together we can top last year’s $14,000 event! Don’t forget we’re a 501©(3) and are eligible for employer matching programs! Join us as we continue to encourage his endeavor’s to help other cancer-kids through the work of the foundation he founded.

You can follow us on Facebook at: The Peter Powerhouse Foundation

Donations can be made on his website at: www.peterpowerhouse.org

Thank you!

Hospital Information:

Happily at home in Harleysville
P.O. Box 452
Harleysville PA 19438

Links:

E-mail Author: rosejellyjakesplace@msn.com

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Note: The foregoing information was authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any sponsoring agent.  This information does not confirm that anyone is or was actually a patient at any facility.