Thoughts and Prayers for Mike Irby

[Deana_King]

From his daughter on Facebook:

Hello family
We have just finished with daddy's visit with Dr Decastro. He is certain daddy has converted from MDS to AML(acute Myleiod Lukemia) daddy's hgb today is 6.6 with persistent cough, fever, fatigue and lethargy. Dr Decastro said he did not need to perform a bone marrow biopsy for confirmation because he sees cell changes (morphology) under slides from his blood work the last 2 visits. Choices are: 1) admit to hospital, treat him aggressively with chemotherapy with a 30% chance he may have an additional 6 months of life. 2) Continue with transfusions as long as he can for as long as he can with the understanding he is getting progressively worse 3) stop everything and Dr Decastro will call in hospice.
When he returns in two weeks we will see Dr Decastro again and daddy will have to have made a decision then.
Just know daddy is tired both physically and mentally. I told daddy we absolutely support him in his decision whatever it may be. He is reeling from information overload and was not prepared for that discussion today. Everybody send daddy positivity through prayer and your love. Prayers for him to be at peace with his decision and to know we love and stand behind him 100%. This has really knocked him for a loop today. Love y'all Irby Strong

 

[tarheel0910]

Hate to hear this. I have had family members that have had to make those decisions. Hope he can find some strength and peace with whatever decision he makes.

 

[uncfan in ky]

Prayers sent.

 

[Tarheel75]

My God Mike..., My thoughts are with you and your precious family. I love your daughter and don't even know her. I'm at a genuine loss for words of comfort..., what I want to do is weep, which will not make your situation the least bit better. May God bless you and keep you safely
in his loving arms.
TH75

 

[IDUNK4HEELS]

Mikey is a strong ex navy veteran who is the perfect example of the Jimmy Valvano statement: Don’t give up don’t EVER give up. The guy is here everyday giving his PRECIOUS TIME to moderate this board so many posters like myself could enjoy sharing opinions and thoughts on the college sports team we all love and follow.

My prayers and best wishes also go out to Mike Irby who continues to serve this Carolina Community while suffering thru health problems that probably no lesser man could go thru and indure.

As a fellow service member I can only salute you and say thank you. May the Good Lord above continue to watch over and bless your family...

 

[timo0402]

I’m terribly sorry to hear of this. My prayers to Mike and his family.

 

[gary-7]

From his daughter on Facebook:

Hello family
We have just finished with daddy's visit with Dr Decastro. He is certain daddy has converted from MDS to AML(acute Myleiod Lukemia) daddy's hgb today is 6.6 with persistent cough, fever, fatigue and lethargy. Dr Decastro said he did not need to perform a bone marrow biopsy for confirmation because he sees cell changes (morphology) under slides from his blood work the last 2 visits. Choices are: 1) admit to hospital, treat him aggressively with chemotherapy with a 30% chance he may have an additional 6 months of life. 2) Continue with transfusions as long as he can for as long as he can with the understanding he is getting progressively worse 3) stop everything and Dr Decastro will call in hospice.
When he returns in two weeks we will see Dr Decastro again and daddy will have to have made a decision then.
Just know daddy is tired both physically and mentally. I told daddy we absolutely support him in his decision whatever it may be. He is reeling from information overload and was not prepared for that discussion today. Everybody send daddy positivity through prayer and your love. Prayers for him to be at peace with his decision and to know we love and stand behind him 100%. This has really knocked him for a loop today. Love y'all Irby Strong

This hurts my heart. All I can say is stay strong Mike. If anyone can, you can.

 

[UNC-75]

Prayers are sent for strength and wisdom to Mike and his family. May your faith be strong and know that you have many many folks here that send their love.

 

[dadika13]

Man, that is tough to read.

Mike's a fighter and has been fighting for a very long time with courage that is so rare. Praying for Mike and his family.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Thank all of y'all so much for the well wishes and your prayers.

Not exactly how I had this day planned. But God's plans are always best. Love my Tar Heel family and GO HEELS!!

 

[coolwaterunc]

There have been a lot of disagreements on this board in recent memory, but one thing we can all agree on is that we wish Mike nothing but the absolute best throughout this difficult time. You have my prayers, Mike. God bless.

 

[heels05champs]

Just heartbreaking to read

definitely putting this in God’s hands for guidance and peace for Mike with his decisions. Prayers for him and the family.

 

[soap - new and improved]

Mike you have been in my prayers on a regular basis for years, and that will continue. I am truly deeply sorry for your health problems. I am praying for God to give you the wisdom and support to get thru this with peace no matter what path you choose.

You are a true blessing to many people, and to this web board. I am adding your family to prayers as well and wish the best for all of them as well. In Jesus' Name.

 

[ajklum]

Stay Strong brother! Attitude is everything. Around my basketball teams I always tell my players to "Finish Strong" even if nobody is around. It is more of a life lesson than coaching for sure. So I say to "Finish Strong!!" (and lets hope for a miracle!)

 

[Ozheelfan]

With you Mike. Just from that message I can tell you have a great daughter. You must have a lot of blessings to live for, but for our little slice of life, a rock on this board and I hope to see you managing the muck on here for a long time to come.

 

[UNC-75]

Thank all of y'all so much for the well wishes and your prayers.

Not exactly how I had this day planned. But God's plans are always best. Love my Tar Heel family and GO HEELS!!

You are correct Mike. God has his plan. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Keep your faith strong my friend.

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

God bless you and your family, Mike.

 

[DSouthr]

Thank all of y'all so much for the well wishes and your prayers.

Not exactly how I had this day planned. But God's plans are always best. Love my Tar Heel family and GO HEELS!!

Mike, as a man of faith, you already know, what you are facing as a reality is not an ending, it is a transition to a new beginning, a wonderful new beginning. Mike my friend you are walking a path we all have to walk in time and we know that your path has not been easy for these last few years. The simple truth is Mikey will be just fine, in fact Mikey will be AWESOME! Family and friends will grieve and we will pray they have the strength to move on.

It isn't shared enough but the work you have given this place, at times sharing opinions and at times just reminding us that we to often act like children isn't easy and causes you to invest a LOT of your time, it has been a labor of love for you because of the love you have for UNC and the brotherhood of family of the fans. never forget Mikey, WE LOVE YOUR SPIRIT!

 

[John_Mexico]

Mike it was nice meeting you at the NCAA tourney, either in 08 or 09 (I think Greensboro 09) Thinking of you and your family and sending love to you all. Glad that UNC basketball has brought so many of us together at one point or another.

 

[Terror Beard]

Godspeed to the Irby family.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Mike it was nice meeting you at the NCAA tourney, either in 08 or 09 (I think Greensboro 09) Thinking of you and your family and sending love to you all. Glad that UNC basketball has brought so many of us together at one point or another.

09. Had a ball!

 

[imajericho]

Thoughts and prayers

 

[Archer2]

I’ve been praying for you and your family @mikeirbyusa. It hurts my heart to read your daughter’s post but I believe God has a plan for all of us. And I don’t think he’s ready to see you at the Pearly Gates just yet. We love you buddy and will continue to pray for you.

Scott

 

[srcmt]

Thoughts and prayers. Stay strong....

 

[Archer2]

Something like this puts this season in perspective.

 

[HOWSWEETITISTOBEATARHEEL]

Prayers for you and your family, Mike. Even though I don't know you, as a long time reader of this board (and a Tar Heel born and bred), I feel like I do...

"Though the storms of life assail us
Still our hearts beat true
Naught can break the friendships formed at
Dear old N.C.U."

May God bless you and your family, my friend.

 

[keysersosay#1]

I know your spirit is strong because your faith is strong. My thoughts are with you and your family.

 

[Canadian Heel]

Prayers for you and your family at this difficult time. God Bless.

 

[GoNtheDistance]

All love and prayers your way Mike! God bless.

 

[RHFD]

Sorry to hear this prayers to you Mike.

 

[alabamaheel]

Mike I have enjoyed this board and your posts for the last few years. I love Unc, but basketball is definitely not a top priority. I know for a fact what and who your top priority is. HE is. You’ve lived and continue to live for Him. I’ve never meet you and probably never will, but keep being a great example. Stay in His steps.

 

[SorryNotSorry]

Thank all of y'all so much for the well wishes and your prayers.

Not exactly how I had this day planned. But God's plans are always best. Love my Tar Heel family and GO HEELS!!

Prayers to you and your family good sir.

 

[trollbaby]

Godspeed Irby! Tar Heel Brother!

 

[gobblercalls]

What a punch to the gut reading that was. Mike, as a man of God your faith will get you through these difficult times. Take comfort in knowing that you have so many prayer warriors praying for you and your family.

 

[CURRY2WOODYR80]

Mike, my thoughts & prayers are with you and your family!

 

[ohio tarheels]

Praying for you Mike as you face this difficult moment and a decision that no one wants to have to make.... We are ❤️ UNC and moments like this make us realize that it is just a game that should be distracting us from real life watching 17-21 year old boys play for the beloved University that we all follow!!! Stay Strong Mike

 

[FearTheBeard]

I’m very sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

 

[DukefanKY]

Someone posted this horrible news on our board so I wanted to come by and offer prayers and well wishes. Things like this far exceed sports and rivalries. I sincerely hope for nothing but the best. it’s a horrible horrible disease that I wish we could finally cure. I hope good news follows soon.

 

[iwish]

Mike, first let me say that it speaks volumes about you as a father and man reading both your daughter’s comments as well as all of the fellow Tar Heel fans comments. For those of us getting older, we start realizing that time is precious and nothing matters to us as much as our family. I obviously haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you, but I sincerely appreciate your contributions here and your professionalism.

As someone who has lived through significant loss of family members in similar situations, I truly appreciate what you and your family are going through. Please accept my best wishes, prayers and positive vibes.

 

[retiredsoldier]

Thank all of y'all so much for the well wishes and your prayers.

Not exactly how I had this day planned. But God's plans are always best. Love my Tar Heel family and GO HEELS!!

Mike, I don't know you, just your screen name. I'm a Duke fan and this was mentioned on our board. I wanted to swing by and offer my families prayers and well wishes for you and your family. Forget about a rivalry, the back and forth trash talking among fan bases. At the end of the day, it's just a game.

I was reading through some of the post above and found out we have something in common. Retired Army Paratrooper and if it's one thing I'm sure of, you're not only a brother in arms from your service in the Navy, but most of all, you're a fighter. You keep fighting the fight brother and know you have a lot of people praying for you and your family. My wife and I will definitely say a special prayer for you tonight. You hang in there man and keep the faith. The man above always has a plan for us all.