Here is the piece that Mikey's sister wrote about him in April 2016. Mikey suffered from cancer starting in 2007 and most folks didn't even know about it until 2016. This incredible man handled his Moderator duties on this board and NEVER complained about a damm thing. A true Carolina Way fan. So sad.
4/2016
"In 2007 , my brother Mike Irby, was diagnosed with Insular Carcinoma of the Thyroid. Mike had never been good about his medical care until that time. He called me because he had been running a fever for several days. Being a nurse, I advised him to see his family doctor, and he informed me he didn’t have one. The last time he has seen any doctor was several years prior to that when he had a ruptured appendix. He returned to the surgeon who had done the appendectomy, who gave Mike a thorough physical, and noted the “lump” in his neck. I know that God intervened in my brother’s life at that time, in order for him to seek medical care.
Mike underwent surgery to remove his thyroid gland and had 7 weeks-5 days a week of radiation therapy following the surgery. He was weakened by all the radiation and lost his voice, but he kept going strong and was working full time during the entire treatment period.
Approximately 1 year later, in follow up with his Oncology physician, it was noted that his red blood counts were extremely low. The blood counts kept dropping until the doctor treating him at that time told him he had Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Due to all the radiation, his bone marrow could not produce mature red blood cells, which was causing the anemia. He had frequent blood transfusions, and was making no progress.
He was referred to the Duke Oncology clinic, and he was placed on Revlimid, a drug commonly used to treat other cancers. After several months, his blood counts began to rise, and he did well on this medication for about 2.5-3 years. His blood counts began to fall again, meaning more blood transfusions, and finally another chemotherapy drug was started. Once again, after a few months, improvement was shown. Unfortunately, this drug caused a great deal of weakness, and Mike finally found it necessary to retire from his job.
In early 2015, it seemed that all possible treatment had been exhausted with the exception of a Bone Marrow transplant, which is the only “cure” for MDS, but is extremely dangerous, and very expensive. Unfortunately, I am only a 50% match for Mike, so it is doubtful I could be a donor. This treatment would require depleting his bone marrow completely, leaving him susceptible to any infection. He would be required to live in a “sterilized” environment in Durham, NC for 3 months, so he could go to the Transplant clinic daily for injections of donor Bone Marrow. The apartment alone will cost over $7000.00 and is not covered by any insurance.
In the Spring of this year, Mike was placed in a Research study at Duke with a new medicine named Ipilimumab. While the cost of the medicine itself is paid by the Research program, his weekly trips to Duke, as well as some overnight stays are not covered by any insurance. His Social Security check only goes so far. At this time, he has not had a favorable response to this medicine, and has had to have Blood Transfusions.
My brother is a pastor at a small church in Denton, NC and is a God fearing man. He never complains about his situation, and continues to have a positive attitude."
