Zachery’s Leukemia Journey #TeamZachery

In mid October Zachery started experiencing strong headaches and chest pain. I took him to his pediatrician and she gave him steroids, an inhaler, and Tylenol or Motrin when needed. About a week later he was getting ready for school when he passed out in the bathroom. I was so scared I took him to the ER, hoping to get more answers. He was still having chest pain to the point he couldn’t walk without holding onto his knees. The Er Doctor listened to his chest and said he probably had a chest cold and that he probably hurt his chest playing at school. I asked him to do an X-ray in which he denied and sent us home. I was concerned and unhappy with the Er Doctor, so I drove Zachery to his pediatrician again and she ordered a stat X-ray. The X-ray showed he had bronchiolitis. I took him home to rest and to begin the treatment. After about two weeks He was still having chest pain and having a hard time walking without holding his knees.

  On December 6th I took him to sunrise children’s hospital hoping to gain more detailed answers. We waited for over 16 hours to see the Doctor. Finally it was Zachery’s turn. I explained to her everything that had been going on with him for the last few weeks and was hoping for an X-ray and bloodwork. She did a covid test and flu test. She came back and said he had influenza, and that his chest pain was from that. I disagreed and wanted more tests to which I was told no. We drove 2 hours one way waited for 16 hours for influenza! Why is no one searching for more answers? Why doesn’t anyone want to help us? I was so concerned and angry. Over the next two weeks I took him to his pediatrician 3 or 4 more times. We started breathing treatments and had a pediatric lung specialist appt scheduled for January. 

 Christmas Day Zachery didn’t leave the couch too much, he was still having chest pain and a hard time walking without holding his knees. We tried to enjoy our day the best we could. December 26 2022 the day our world as we knew it would change and the fight for life would begin. Zachery woke up not feeling good and was really yellow. He couldn’t stop crying and couldn’t get up to use the bathroom. I immediately picked him up and loaded him into the car. His arms were covered in bruises that were not there the day before. I was in a full panic. I was not leaving the Er without answers. I spent 25 minutes explaining everything over the last 2 months to the Dr. I was begging him to find out what is wrong. Once I showed him Zachery’s bruises and told him that they were not there yesterday, he ordered a blood test.

 I will never forget the look on the Doctors face when he returned with the results. The doctor said I believe he has leukemia, as I was falling to the floor he grabbed me and just held me. I tried to get myself together, my mind was racing everywhere. I couldn’t get the tears to stop flowing. After a few minutes he told me to get my things because we have a helicopter outside ready to fly you and Zachery to Las Vegas for treatment. Zachery was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) We finally had an answer! Though it was the last thing I would ever have imagined. 

 The last 8 months have been a living nightmare. He has had countless lumbar punctures, bone marrow tests, CT Scans, blood/platelets transfusions, and so much chemo I can’t even keep track. Over the last 8 months Zachery has spent over a 100 days in the hospital. The fear and pain in my heart is unbearable and has forever changed who I am. Somehow through it all Zachery is still smiling and loves life. He makes the hard days easier and it gives me the strength to keep fighting!

Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia is cancer of the bone marrow and blood that affects white blood cells. It’s the most common cancer in children 2-8 years old and is treatable. Zachery has an 85% chance of survival, if his little body can handle the harsh treatment. The first 8-9 months of treatment are the most aggressive. They require a lot of hospital time, transfusions, clinic visits, and isolation.  

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia effects your WBC so it makes you extremely vulnerable to life-threatening infections. Platelets are also effected so it makes you prone to uncontrolled and serious bleeding.  Zachery official last day of treatment will be 5/2/25 

The pain I feel everyday is unreal. The sadness, the hopelessness, the fear. I can’t even describe it. It’s an emotional roller coaster. I will not be working for the next 2/3 years to help Zachery during his fight. His Dad is on a non paid medical leave to be here with us and to help with Zachery’s brother who is two hours away at home. We have talked about moving to Las Vegas, so that our family can be closer together. Zachery is staying at the Ronald McDonald house while he receives treatment. He travels to the cure 4 the kids clinic four times a week for his chemo treatment, labs, physical therapy, and check ups. When needed he travels to the hospital for blood or platelet transfusions. 

 

This journey has not been easy for us as we all are trying to adjust to our new lives. Zachery is ready to fight, so he can get back to being a kid. He can’t wait to go home and cook, play, and attend school. He loves to watch food network and is so inspired but Guy and Jet Tila. He has been so brave and is my hero.

 Thank you for taking the time to read our story and if you find it in your heart to donate we are forever grateful. If you can’t donate please share our story or send him words of encouragement. He loves to read the comments. The support means everything to us, No one should have to fight cancer alone. 

 

Donations will be used to help with the following for the next 2/3 years during treatment 

Travel 2 hours to clinic-$65 gas

Co-pay-$75

Clinic treatment balance-$5600

Out of pocket max-$13,500 

Out of network deductible-$11,500

Food for both kids- $500 estimate a month

Household bills (mortgage, car, bills, kids needs)$2500

Cash app $TeamZachery

Be Brave 

#TeamZachery