Dear Team Boyd,
I wish I had the time right now to write each of you a heartfelt thank you for all you have done and all you are doing for our family. Until that day, this will have to do:
THANK YOU
Love,
Lisa
A blog made by the friends of David "Superman" Boyd who showed us what it is like to live life like a real hero! We will always look after your super family - Lisa, Izzie and Cap!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The Boyds are Back In ATHENS!!!
"Perpetual forward motion" is the mantra for the week. My good friend Mo sent that to me, and I like it! David is not cured, yet, but we are moving closer all the time.
On Monday afternoon, David's doctors at Northside decided they were comfortable with David receiving his next round of RICE chemo in Athens. I immediately started packing, and an hour and a half later the car was stuffed to the gills including the dog (yes, it's "dog" not "dogs". I had to put down my dog of 15 years. It's true. I couldn't make this stuff up.). We got to sleep in our own beds, and it was glorious. David started his RICE regimen as an inpatient at Athens Regional Hospital today, and he will be there four days. The plan, dare I put it in writing, is for him to come home after that.
We also received another bit of good news. David's youngest brother, Wesley, is a bone marrow match for David. He is a perfect 10 on the donor scale. Ladies, and he cooks and cleans! Seriously, he really is a chef! We are still awaiting the results on one more brother, and then the testing will be complete.
Thank you to Wesley and Sheila for helping us pack up, and also a big thank you to Ann, Bob, and Kerry for helping us on our return to Athens.
Lastly, to the person who stole my wallet today, I just want to say I hope you needed it more than I did. You may have my money, but I'm home, my husband is healing, and my kids are happy. Life is good.
Peace to your hearts,
Lisa
On Monday afternoon, David's doctors at Northside decided they were comfortable with David receiving his next round of RICE chemo in Athens. I immediately started packing, and an hour and a half later the car was stuffed to the gills including the dog (yes, it's "dog" not "dogs". I had to put down my dog of 15 years. It's true. I couldn't make this stuff up.). We got to sleep in our own beds, and it was glorious. David started his RICE regimen as an inpatient at Athens Regional Hospital today, and he will be there four days. The plan, dare I put it in writing, is for him to come home after that.
We also received another bit of good news. David's youngest brother, Wesley, is a bone marrow match for David. He is a perfect 10 on the donor scale. Ladies, and he cooks and cleans! Seriously, he really is a chef! We are still awaiting the results on one more brother, and then the testing will be complete.
Thank you to Wesley and Sheila for helping us pack up, and also a big thank you to Ann, Bob, and Kerry for helping us on our return to Athens.
Lastly, to the person who stole my wallet today, I just want to say I hope you needed it more than I did. You may have my money, but I'm home, my husband is healing, and my kids are happy. Life is good.
Peace to your hearts,
Lisa
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Great News!!!! End if Week 3
Good news! David has been discharged from the hospital and is staying at my parents' home in Conyers. We do not know how long he will be out, but we will enjoy it while it lasts.
(I will be ranting in the next paragraph, so if you just want important details, skip to the following paragraph)
Of course the universe, once again taught me a lesson that the best laid plans don't stand a chance against life. There I was, so excited about going home to Athens for a few days to recharge my mojo and feel the love. I had a training run with my buds that night. I had every detail planned... one of the gentlemen from church was meeting me at the house to help me unload and my Athens' mom had turned on the air conditioning in my house and bought me a few staples to get us through the weekend. My urban assault vehicle was packed to the hilt with baby gear, Izzy's entertainment, and triathlon training equipment. All that was missing were the children. I called David to let him know I was close to leaving, and wham! he says he's getting out. Now I admit that I did think twice before unpacking the car and calling my helpers. However, I slowly unpacked, pouted a few moments, and drank a beer--a big girl beer. Staying in Conyers and seeing David walk in the house was worth all the trouble. And as you know, that man can make quite an entrance. He still takes my breath away.
David still has to go to Northside every day for his labs, platelets, and other cocktail of drugs. The doctors are encouraged that his platelets are starting to increase and hold strong. He was at 12,000 platelets this morning all on his own. I'm so proud:). We are meeting with the doctors again on Monday, and it looks as if David will start his second round of RICE chemo on Tuesday. Yes, this is sooner than expected but the doctors feel that they can move more aggressively at the moment.
Although David is out of the hospital he still has to be very careful. We have to follow some precautions here at the house, and David must also avoid crowded places. He must also avoid anyone who has been ill or who has had contact with someone who has been sick. Therefore he will basically be at Northside and at the house in Conyers and that's it. He is not allowed to drive either. (As a side note, we will be getting a handicap placard for the car. I don't think we will be using it. Don't they know that David is actually Superman?)
As we find out more plans, I will pass them along. Thank you for your generous and unfaltering love and support surrounding us continuously. We could not do this without you, and we wouldn't even want to try.
Cheers,
Lisa
(I will be ranting in the next paragraph, so if you just want important details, skip to the following paragraph)
Of course the universe, once again taught me a lesson that the best laid plans don't stand a chance against life. There I was, so excited about going home to Athens for a few days to recharge my mojo and feel the love. I had a training run with my buds that night. I had every detail planned... one of the gentlemen from church was meeting me at the house to help me unload and my Athens' mom had turned on the air conditioning in my house and bought me a few staples to get us through the weekend. My urban assault vehicle was packed to the hilt with baby gear, Izzy's entertainment, and triathlon training equipment. All that was missing were the children. I called David to let him know I was close to leaving, and wham! he says he's getting out. Now I admit that I did think twice before unpacking the car and calling my helpers. However, I slowly unpacked, pouted a few moments, and drank a beer--a big girl beer. Staying in Conyers and seeing David walk in the house was worth all the trouble. And as you know, that man can make quite an entrance. He still takes my breath away.
David still has to go to Northside every day for his labs, platelets, and other cocktail of drugs. The doctors are encouraged that his platelets are starting to increase and hold strong. He was at 12,000 platelets this morning all on his own. I'm so proud:). We are meeting with the doctors again on Monday, and it looks as if David will start his second round of RICE chemo on Tuesday. Yes, this is sooner than expected but the doctors feel that they can move more aggressively at the moment.
Although David is out of the hospital he still has to be very careful. We have to follow some precautions here at the house, and David must also avoid crowded places. He must also avoid anyone who has been ill or who has had contact with someone who has been sick. Therefore he will basically be at Northside and at the house in Conyers and that's it. He is not allowed to drive either. (As a side note, we will be getting a handicap placard for the car. I don't think we will be using it. Don't they know that David is actually Superman?)
As we find out more plans, I will pass them along. Thank you for your generous and unfaltering love and support surrounding us continuously. We could not do this without you, and we wouldn't even want to try.
Cheers,
Lisa
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
WOW - How far David has come! DAYS 1-12 at Northside Hospital!
PRELUDE TO GOING TO NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL
Date: Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 9:01 PM
Date: Monday, June 6, 2011, 9:48 PM
Good evening,
It has been a long day, but David is settled into his room at Northside. I want everyone to know that I left the hospital tonight feeling really good about where he is. The nurses were on IT today, and his doctor is sharp. His entire team seems top notch! David is in the right place. That is step 1.
Step 2 is assessing his condition and the severity of the lymphoma. Many tests were run today, and more will be conducted tomorrow. The doctors want to know exactly to what extent the bone marrow is infected with the cancer, what other lymph node tumors have developed, and the severity of the damage to the liver. Only then can they determine the exact chemo to use against this resistent lymphoma.
Step 3 is to put the cancer into remission. They started the battle today by giving David platelets. He came this morning with a white blood cell count of 1000; they need to get him up to 20,000. They also started him on a strong oral steroid. He will hopefully start chemo on Wednesday.
The goal is to put the cancer into remission, or at least partial remission. Only then can they even consider giving David a bone marrow transplant. However, they have started figuring out what he will need and will begin looking for a match so we are ready to go when the time is right. I will let you know about finding a match once we meet with our coordinator this week.
I have a few requests. First, David is exhausted physically and emotionally. Talking on the phone is difficult right now. Texts and e-mails are easier for him to respond to at this time. Secondly, some of you have mentioned to us about setting up a blog or website. David does not want to do that at this time. He is still trying to work through this and is not ready to put it all our there. Thank you for understanding. I will keep you all in the know by sending out an e-mail once a day. Please forward it on to our relatives, friends, OPC family, and Barrow family.
Also, many of you want to visit David, which will be great, but now is not the time. I will let you know when he is ready. He is neutropenic and under strict guidelines. He can receive books, magazines, cards, balloons, and posters but all items must be wiped down with germicidal wipes before delivery to the patient. Please no fresh flowers or plants. They are not even allowed past the main doors of the unit. He is in room 469. Also do not send or bring him food. He is on a special neutropenic diet.
I know you all want to help, and you will have that chance, trust me. Right now we need everyone to pray really hard, stay positive, and cheer him on.
We have quite a battle in front of us. It will get worse before it gets better. We can do this, all of us together. We are taking it one day at a time, and today was a good day.
Love to you all,
Lisa
DAY 2
Dear Team Boyd,
We made great progress today. The steroids have already begun to work against the lymphoma in the liver! David's bilirubin level has significantly decreased. As a result, his color is looking less yellow and more normal.
Today's CT scan gave a better look at what is going on. David's lymph nodes are only slightly enlarged which is good. On the other hand there is definitely lymphoma in the spleen and more than likely in the liver. Only a liver biopsy will tell with certainty that the liver is infected, but the doctor feels that a biopsy is not a good idea at the moment.
David still has a very low platelet count at 1000 even after 3 bags of platelets. This is unusual. More tests are being run, but the doctor has two possibilities (not going into those right now); what's important is that the doctor believes that the problem can be rectified with steroids and rituxan (a chemo drug). Therefore in addition to the steroids, David started rituxan today.
The last bit of information we got this afternoon is that 1/3 of David's bone marrow is infected with the lymphoma. That means 2/3 of the cells in the bone marrow are healthy!
Many of you have asked about donating blood, platelets, and bone marrow. We are meeting with our coordinator on Thursday to discuss these options. I will be in touch after that. We are still trying to maneuver through the paper work and protocol here in this special hospital unit.
Thank you for all the e-mails and texts. They do help.
If you want to send cards, the address is
David Boyd-Room 469
C/O Northside Hospital
1000 Johnson Ferry Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
I want to decorate his room with as much positive energy and love that I can. Pictures are great, too.
It was another good day, and we are another step closer to getting David well.
Cheers,
Lisa
DAY 3
It has been another busy day for David Boyd, and he has been a champ. The doctor gave him an A- which is good, but Team Boyd won't rest until we are at an A+.
No chemo was administered today, but David did continue with the steroids. Hopefully tomorrow his bilirubin will be low enough to continue the chemo.
Without going into too much detail, many more labs were run. Another bone marrow biopsy was performed as well. There has been a steady stream of nurses in and out all day. This team of physicians is thorough--I feel really good about that.
The not-so-good news is that David's platelet count is still low. It fluctuated today, but went back down to 2000.
The good news is that David felt better today even to the point that he got pretty feisty with the nurses and PA. Evidently he talked during the entire biopsy. I'm not sure what he said exactly but the PA was blushing when I saw her and said not to believe anything he said.
As far as tomorrow goes, David will have a PICC line placed first thing in the morning. We are crossing our fingers that he will be getting chemo, too.
Many of you have asked about the kids. Izzy and Cap are doing well. They are with my parents, and friends and family have been awesome at keeping them entertained. My dad has a saying: "You can't play without a partner." That's the truth! Keep them in your prayers.
Hugs to you all,
Lisa
DAY 4
Date: Thursday, June 9, 2011, 5:55 PM
Hello All,
Thank you for all the cards, pictures, care packages, and signs. Keep them coming. The room is looking great...positive energy every where! Some of you have asked about David's interests as you purchase magazines, etc. He loves sports, especially golf and football. He watches the Braves, too. His guilty pleasure is the MMA scene. It goes back to his wrestling roots:)
We had a few changes in today's schedule. The PICC line didn't happen, but the doctors will try again tomorrow. David's platelets are still too low plus he formed a large hematoma on the arm they were going to use. They ruled out blood clots with an extensive ultra sound and are keeping a watchful eye on it. In the meantime, he is undergoing a type of platelet therapy to see if he can't hold onto the platelets they give him each day. Also, he continued with chemotherapy. He received the I and C of the RICE regimen (for those of you who have asked about the cocktail the doctors are using). He gets blood every day, too. Lastly, he finished up his third consecutive day of IV steroids.
David continues to look better and better each day. His spirits are up and he's got that fire back in his eyes, and aren't they such handsome eyes?!
We will definitely be here for several more days, but the love and support you are sending help make it all manageable. Thank you for wrapping us in your loving embrace.
Hugs to you all,
Lisa
DAY 5
Happy Friday!
We've come a long way in only five days, and today was indicative of that improvement. David's platelete count went up to 12,000. The therapy is working! As a result he was able to get his PICC line this morning. David also continued his chemotherapy which will last throughout the night. This weekend will bring more of the same.
David is not getting much sleep as nurses and doctors steadily check on him all day. However he is able to sleep a little between the pokings and proddings. His appetite is back, too.
The best news that we received is that David can see the kids. They cannot come to the special unit, but we can set up a special location within the hospital. David is excited about seeing them, and I can't wait to tell Izzy tonight.
Cheers,
Lisa
DAY 6 & 7
Date: Sunday, June 12, 2011, 9:35 PM
Happy Weekend! There was no rest for the weary at Northside Hospital. David has been receiving extensive treatment non-stop around the clock. He will finish his last dose of chemo tonight for this initial regimen. Then we wait ...
Between bags of platelets, blood, and chemo David has had little time to rest, but he has been able to meet his personal goals each day. The biggest one is to walk 1 mile; of course he has surpassed the mark. He is such an over achiever!
David also had a wonderful visit with Izzy and Cap. I know it did David a world of good to see the kids and love on them. They needed it, too. He even was able to do a little parenting when Izzy tried to cheat during a heated game of Strawberry Shortcake Adventure. (She hates to lose; I have no idea where she gets that!)
It feels like we have lived a month in a week. It's hard to believe how far we have come in 7 days. Your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement are working. Bless you all.
Best,
Lisa
DAY 10
Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 9:03 PM
Good Evening! It has been another good day for Team Boyd. David bragged that the doctor told him that he wished all his patients were like him. David is faithful to working toward his daily goals and doing whatever he can to heal. He emphasized to me tonight how much the cards and pictures you are sending really help keep him going. Thank you for that.
I did not make it to the hospital today; instead, I spent the day with the kids. However, David had wonderful visitors who he really enjoyed seeing.
I do have a few business updates. First, our good friends in Athens have created a Team Boyd blog. They are still trying to work out the kinks, but you might want to check it out at
www.weloveteamboyd.com. David and I are honored and deeply touched that our friends are pulling together in all sorts of ways to take care of us.
Secondly, we met with our blood and platelet donation coordinator at the hospital. You will begin hearing about opportunities to donate. Nelda Van Schoick, one of the powerhouse women at our church, has enthusiastically agreed to be our organizer. If you see her name on an e-mail, read it! Also, if you plan to visit, think about taking extra time to go to the inhouse clinic to donate blood or platelets before you leave:) FYI: Donating blood is fairly quick, but it takes 2 hours to give platelets.
For those of you who are out of state, I'm still working on that angle. I'll let you know soon.
Until tomorrow, much love to you all.
Hugs,
Lisa
DAY 12
It was a happy Friday! David continues to get stronger every day. His appetite is to the point that he has been requesting two breakfast trays of blueberry pancakes! His blood counts are still too low to send him home; however, they are slowly rising. I have to remind myself that this journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
David's spirit continues to be upbeat and positive even in the moments when fatigue sets in. He misses the children terribly, but he is looking forward to seeing them on Sunday. Our wonderful visitors continue to strengthen us both as well as your messages of support you continue to convey from across the miles.
Izzy and Cap are doing extremely well, and their happiness is a result of all of the wonderful people working tirelessly (well, maybe a little tired) to nurture them. Our situation right now has forced many people to step up and be caregivers along with me because I cannot do this by myself. My mom and dad are holding the fort down while I travel back and forth from the hospital daily. They have been on "high alert" since November 1--Cap's birthday--and I can't imagine what we would do without them. The BEST babysitter in the world, Kerry Nemetz, has followed us down to my parents' house and is doing her thing. She has quickly become my parents' favorite and the kiddos love her! (Back off Athens people; you can't call on her until we are in the clear!)
We are keeping Izzy's dance card full with lots of activities and not just with my parents and Kerry. She is spending time with David's mom and with my sister's family which includes 4 children. Izzy has thoroughly enjoyed being 1 of many, and my big sis has done a wonderful job of being loving but firm with our high spirited child.
David and I are truly blessed to be surrounded near and far with so much love. Supposedly one finds out who his true friends are during the lowest moments in life...our cup runneth over.
Bless you all,
Lisa
Date: Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 9:01 PM
Hello all,
It is Tuesday evening, and I have finally had a moment to sit down and let you all know what is going on. As most of you know, David has not been feeling well for over a week now. He was admitted to Athens Regional Hospital today. The doctors do not know exactly what is wrong, but they do know that his white blood cell count is extremely low, he is jaundice, and he has swelling and discomfort in his abdomen. They are giving him platelettes and fluids. They are also running a myriad of tests, as you can imagine, and we are in a holding pattern until they can figure it out.
My mom is here with me, my Dad is coming tomorrow afternoon, and Kerry, my sweet babysitter, has been helping today, too. We are just going to take it one day at a time. The kids are doing well; I'm going to try to keep them busy with summer activities. We will try to make it to Legion pool tomorrow, and Iz has swim team practice tomorrow evening. That is as far as I've gotten with plans.
David does not want visitors, but he could use some pick-me-up texts and e-mails. Phone calls work, too, but he has turned off his cell phone for the night so he can sleep...they have given him something to help with that. He is in room 2207 if you want to ignore his wishes and stop in and see him. Be aware however that he looks yellow. Even his eyeballs are yellow; it's a little weird.
Each of you have been so helpful throughout this whole experience, and I know you want to know what you can do now. Love and support are what we need. When I think of something I will let you know.
Love to you all,
Lisa
p.s. please pass along this information as you see fit...
DAY 1 AT NORTHSIDE HOSPITALIt is Tuesday evening, and I have finally had a moment to sit down and let you all know what is going on. As most of you know, David has not been feeling well for over a week now. He was admitted to Athens Regional Hospital today. The doctors do not know exactly what is wrong, but they do know that his white blood cell count is extremely low, he is jaundice, and he has swelling and discomfort in his abdomen. They are giving him platelettes and fluids. They are also running a myriad of tests, as you can imagine, and we are in a holding pattern until they can figure it out.
My mom is here with me, my Dad is coming tomorrow afternoon, and Kerry, my sweet babysitter, has been helping today, too. We are just going to take it one day at a time. The kids are doing well; I'm going to try to keep them busy with summer activities. We will try to make it to Legion pool tomorrow, and Iz has swim team practice tomorrow evening. That is as far as I've gotten with plans.
David does not want visitors, but he could use some pick-me-up texts and e-mails. Phone calls work, too, but he has turned off his cell phone for the night so he can sleep...they have given him something to help with that. He is in room 2207 if you want to ignore his wishes and stop in and see him. Be aware however that he looks yellow. Even his eyeballs are yellow; it's a little weird.
Each of you have been so helpful throughout this whole experience, and I know you want to know what you can do now. Love and support are what we need. When I think of something I will let you know.
Love to you all,
Lisa
p.s. please pass along this information as you see fit...
Date: Monday, June 6, 2011, 9:48 PM
Good evening,
It has been a long day, but David is settled into his room at Northside. I want everyone to know that I left the hospital tonight feeling really good about where he is. The nurses were on IT today, and his doctor is sharp. His entire team seems top notch! David is in the right place. That is step 1.
Step 2 is assessing his condition and the severity of the lymphoma. Many tests were run today, and more will be conducted tomorrow. The doctors want to know exactly to what extent the bone marrow is infected with the cancer, what other lymph node tumors have developed, and the severity of the damage to the liver. Only then can they determine the exact chemo to use against this resistent lymphoma.
Step 3 is to put the cancer into remission. They started the battle today by giving David platelets. He came this morning with a white blood cell count of 1000; they need to get him up to 20,000. They also started him on a strong oral steroid. He will hopefully start chemo on Wednesday.
The goal is to put the cancer into remission, or at least partial remission. Only then can they even consider giving David a bone marrow transplant. However, they have started figuring out what he will need and will begin looking for a match so we are ready to go when the time is right. I will let you know about finding a match once we meet with our coordinator this week.
I have a few requests. First, David is exhausted physically and emotionally. Talking on the phone is difficult right now. Texts and e-mails are easier for him to respond to at this time. Secondly, some of you have mentioned to us about setting up a blog or website. David does not want to do that at this time. He is still trying to work through this and is not ready to put it all our there. Thank you for understanding. I will keep you all in the know by sending out an e-mail once a day. Please forward it on to our relatives, friends, OPC family, and Barrow family.
Also, many of you want to visit David, which will be great, but now is not the time. I will let you know when he is ready. He is neutropenic and under strict guidelines. He can receive books, magazines, cards, balloons, and posters but all items must be wiped down with germicidal wipes before delivery to the patient. Please no fresh flowers or plants. They are not even allowed past the main doors of the unit. He is in room 469. Also do not send or bring him food. He is on a special neutropenic diet.
I know you all want to help, and you will have that chance, trust me. Right now we need everyone to pray really hard, stay positive, and cheer him on.
We have quite a battle in front of us. It will get worse before it gets better. We can do this, all of us together. We are taking it one day at a time, and today was a good day.
Love to you all,
Lisa
DAY 2
Dear Team Boyd,
We made great progress today. The steroids have already begun to work against the lymphoma in the liver! David's bilirubin level has significantly decreased. As a result, his color is looking less yellow and more normal.
Today's CT scan gave a better look at what is going on. David's lymph nodes are only slightly enlarged which is good. On the other hand there is definitely lymphoma in the spleen and more than likely in the liver. Only a liver biopsy will tell with certainty that the liver is infected, but the doctor feels that a biopsy is not a good idea at the moment.
David still has a very low platelet count at 1000 even after 3 bags of platelets. This is unusual. More tests are being run, but the doctor has two possibilities (not going into those right now); what's important is that the doctor believes that the problem can be rectified with steroids and rituxan (a chemo drug). Therefore in addition to the steroids, David started rituxan today.
The last bit of information we got this afternoon is that 1/3 of David's bone marrow is infected with the lymphoma. That means 2/3 of the cells in the bone marrow are healthy!
Many of you have asked about donating blood, platelets, and bone marrow. We are meeting with our coordinator on Thursday to discuss these options. I will be in touch after that. We are still trying to maneuver through the paper work and protocol here in this special hospital unit.
Thank you for all the e-mails and texts. They do help.
If you want to send cards, the address is
David Boyd-Room 469
C/O Northside Hospital
1000 Johnson Ferry Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
I want to decorate his room with as much positive energy and love that I can. Pictures are great, too.
It was another good day, and we are another step closer to getting David well.
Cheers,
Lisa
DAY 3
It has been another busy day for David Boyd, and he has been a champ. The doctor gave him an A- which is good, but Team Boyd won't rest until we are at an A+.
No chemo was administered today, but David did continue with the steroids. Hopefully tomorrow his bilirubin will be low enough to continue the chemo.
Without going into too much detail, many more labs were run. Another bone marrow biopsy was performed as well. There has been a steady stream of nurses in and out all day. This team of physicians is thorough--I feel really good about that.
The not-so-good news is that David's platelet count is still low. It fluctuated today, but went back down to 2000.
The good news is that David felt better today even to the point that he got pretty feisty with the nurses and PA. Evidently he talked during the entire biopsy. I'm not sure what he said exactly but the PA was blushing when I saw her and said not to believe anything he said.
As far as tomorrow goes, David will have a PICC line placed first thing in the morning. We are crossing our fingers that he will be getting chemo, too.
Many of you have asked about the kids. Izzy and Cap are doing well. They are with my parents, and friends and family have been awesome at keeping them entertained. My dad has a saying: "You can't play without a partner." That's the truth! Keep them in your prayers.
Hugs to you all,
Lisa
DAY 4
Date: Thursday, June 9, 2011, 5:55 PM
Hello All,
Thank you for all the cards, pictures, care packages, and signs. Keep them coming. The room is looking great...positive energy every where! Some of you have asked about David's interests as you purchase magazines, etc. He loves sports, especially golf and football. He watches the Braves, too. His guilty pleasure is the MMA scene. It goes back to his wrestling roots:)
We had a few changes in today's schedule. The PICC line didn't happen, but the doctors will try again tomorrow. David's platelets are still too low plus he formed a large hematoma on the arm they were going to use. They ruled out blood clots with an extensive ultra sound and are keeping a watchful eye on it. In the meantime, he is undergoing a type of platelet therapy to see if he can't hold onto the platelets they give him each day. Also, he continued with chemotherapy. He received the I and C of the RICE regimen (for those of you who have asked about the cocktail the doctors are using). He gets blood every day, too. Lastly, he finished up his third consecutive day of IV steroids.
David continues to look better and better each day. His spirits are up and he's got that fire back in his eyes, and aren't they such handsome eyes?!
We will definitely be here for several more days, but the love and support you are sending help make it all manageable. Thank you for wrapping us in your loving embrace.
Hugs to you all,
Lisa
DAY 5
Happy Friday!
We've come a long way in only five days, and today was indicative of that improvement. David's platelete count went up to 12,000. The therapy is working! As a result he was able to get his PICC line this morning. David also continued his chemotherapy which will last throughout the night. This weekend will bring more of the same.
David is not getting much sleep as nurses and doctors steadily check on him all day. However he is able to sleep a little between the pokings and proddings. His appetite is back, too.
The best news that we received is that David can see the kids. They cannot come to the special unit, but we can set up a special location within the hospital. David is excited about seeing them, and I can't wait to tell Izzy tonight.
Cheers,
Lisa
DAY 6 & 7
Date: Sunday, June 12, 2011, 9:35 PM
Happy Weekend! There was no rest for the weary at Northside Hospital. David has been receiving extensive treatment non-stop around the clock. He will finish his last dose of chemo tonight for this initial regimen. Then we wait ...
Between bags of platelets, blood, and chemo David has had little time to rest, but he has been able to meet his personal goals each day. The biggest one is to walk 1 mile; of course he has surpassed the mark. He is such an over achiever!
David also had a wonderful visit with Izzy and Cap. I know it did David a world of good to see the kids and love on them. They needed it, too. He even was able to do a little parenting when Izzy tried to cheat during a heated game of Strawberry Shortcake Adventure. (She hates to lose; I have no idea where she gets that!)
It feels like we have lived a month in a week. It's hard to believe how far we have come in 7 days. Your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement are working. Bless you all.
Best,
Lisa
DAY 10
Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 9:03 PM
Good Evening! It has been another good day for Team Boyd. David bragged that the doctor told him that he wished all his patients were like him. David is faithful to working toward his daily goals and doing whatever he can to heal. He emphasized to me tonight how much the cards and pictures you are sending really help keep him going. Thank you for that.
I did not make it to the hospital today; instead, I spent the day with the kids. However, David had wonderful visitors who he really enjoyed seeing.
I do have a few business updates. First, our good friends in Athens have created a Team Boyd blog. They are still trying to work out the kinks, but you might want to check it out at
www.weloveteamboyd.com. David and I are honored and deeply touched that our friends are pulling together in all sorts of ways to take care of us.
Secondly, we met with our blood and platelet donation coordinator at the hospital. You will begin hearing about opportunities to donate. Nelda Van Schoick, one of the powerhouse women at our church, has enthusiastically agreed to be our organizer. If you see her name on an e-mail, read it! Also, if you plan to visit, think about taking extra time to go to the inhouse clinic to donate blood or platelets before you leave:) FYI: Donating blood is fairly quick, but it takes 2 hours to give platelets.
For those of you who are out of state, I'm still working on that angle. I'll let you know soon.
Until tomorrow, much love to you all.
Hugs,
Lisa
DAY 12
It was a happy Friday! David continues to get stronger every day. His appetite is to the point that he has been requesting two breakfast trays of blueberry pancakes! His blood counts are still too low to send him home; however, they are slowly rising. I have to remind myself that this journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
David's spirit continues to be upbeat and positive even in the moments when fatigue sets in. He misses the children terribly, but he is looking forward to seeing them on Sunday. Our wonderful visitors continue to strengthen us both as well as your messages of support you continue to convey from across the miles.
Izzy and Cap are doing extremely well, and their happiness is a result of all of the wonderful people working tirelessly (well, maybe a little tired) to nurture them. Our situation right now has forced many people to step up and be caregivers along with me because I cannot do this by myself. My mom and dad are holding the fort down while I travel back and forth from the hospital daily. They have been on "high alert" since November 1--Cap's birthday--and I can't imagine what we would do without them. The BEST babysitter in the world, Kerry Nemetz, has followed us down to my parents' house and is doing her thing. She has quickly become my parents' favorite and the kiddos love her! (Back off Athens people; you can't call on her until we are in the clear!)
We are keeping Izzy's dance card full with lots of activities and not just with my parents and Kerry. She is spending time with David's mom and with my sister's family which includes 4 children. Izzy has thoroughly enjoyed being 1 of many, and my big sis has done a wonderful job of being loving but firm with our high spirited child.
David and I are truly blessed to be surrounded near and far with so much love. Supposedly one finds out who his true friends are during the lowest moments in life...our cup runneth over.
Bless you all,
Lisa
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Tri To Beat Cancer
Honoring David "Superman" Boyd
What: Sprint Triathlon (400 meter swim, 15 mile bike, 5K run)
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 @7am
Register quick, it sells out fast - www.cancerfoundationofnega.com
Honoring David "Superman" Boyd
What: Sprint Triathlon (400 meter swim, 15 mile bike, 5K run)
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 @7am
Register quick, it sells out fast - www.cancerfoundationofnega.com
When:
In 65 days
08/21/2011 7am
PLEASE WEAR A SUPERMAN SHIRT IF YOU ARE ON TEAM BOYD!
PLEASE WEAR A SUPERMAN SHIRT IF YOU ARE ON TEAM BOYD!
Where:
Sandy Creek Park in Athens
400 Bob Holman Rd Athens, GA 30607
400 Bob Holman Rd Athens, GA 30607
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
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