Dear Team Boyd,
The Boyd family is incredibly thankful for all of you and your love and support. We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family as did we. A big "thank you" to Brenda and Chuck Horton and their family for providing us with a delicious meal. And thank you to each of you who continue to travel to Northside to give blood and platelets. Your tireless generosity continues to amaze us.
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!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Update - November 3, 2011
Dear Team Boyd,
It hasn't been easy to formulate the words to update you on David's status. To write them down feels like giving power to them, and I just couldn't bring myself to do it. The fact of the matter is that we were told last week that the doctors estimate that David has a few weeks to a few months left. We find this prediction unacceptable. We are determined to prove them wrong.
We have been taking it one day at a time. David's spirits are good; he has been extremely feisty. I actually get to be the calm one these days. It's quite the role reversal.
David started a new chemo regimen today. He does not qualify for any clinical trials at the moment because of his low platelet count, but that's ok. His doctor is using a combination of drugs used in a trial at MD Anderson but he will add lots of blood products to support David's system. So basically we are getting cutting edge drugs, but David gets to stay in Atlanta. It's a win-win situation.
The children are doing well. Cap had a great first birthday and Izzy performed beautifully at her dance recital. They seem to be ignorantly blissful.
So what can you do to help? I heard today that Northside is in need of platelets again. If you have the time and energy, you can always donate. The meals we are getting are also a big help. I don't always know who will be at the house with the kids, but I know a hot meal is coming. The gas cards and grocery cards have been amazing. I'm tearing up the road going from Athens to Atlanta to Augusta. I actually traveled to all three cities in one 24 hour period two weeks ago. My gas was covered by your generosity. Most importantly, you can continue to pray and send positive thoughts our way.
Lastly, I want to send a special thank you to Whitney Freeman and all of her Barrow Buddy helpers who made the Family Dinner and a Movie Night at Locos such a success. Izzy and I both had a wonderful time and we are greatly touched by everyone's generosity. I have not done a very good job of thanking everyone and all of the special things each of you do for us. Please know that we are so thankful. Our cup runneth over.
Love,
Lisa
It hasn't been easy to formulate the words to update you on David's status. To write them down feels like giving power to them, and I just couldn't bring myself to do it. The fact of the matter is that we were told last week that the doctors estimate that David has a few weeks to a few months left. We find this prediction unacceptable. We are determined to prove them wrong.
We have been taking it one day at a time. David's spirits are good; he has been extremely feisty. I actually get to be the calm one these days. It's quite the role reversal.
David started a new chemo regimen today. He does not qualify for any clinical trials at the moment because of his low platelet count, but that's ok. His doctor is using a combination of drugs used in a trial at MD Anderson but he will add lots of blood products to support David's system. So basically we are getting cutting edge drugs, but David gets to stay in Atlanta. It's a win-win situation.
The children are doing well. Cap had a great first birthday and Izzy performed beautifully at her dance recital. They seem to be ignorantly blissful.
So what can you do to help? I heard today that Northside is in need of platelets again. If you have the time and energy, you can always donate. The meals we are getting are also a big help. I don't always know who will be at the house with the kids, but I know a hot meal is coming. The gas cards and grocery cards have been amazing. I'm tearing up the road going from Athens to Atlanta to Augusta. I actually traveled to all three cities in one 24 hour period two weeks ago. My gas was covered by your generosity. Most importantly, you can continue to pray and send positive thoughts our way.
Lastly, I want to send a special thank you to Whitney Freeman and all of her Barrow Buddy helpers who made the Family Dinner and a Movie Night at Locos such a success. Izzy and I both had a wonderful time and we are greatly touched by everyone's generosity. I have not done a very good job of thanking everyone and all of the special things each of you do for us. Please know that we are so thankful. Our cup runneth over.
Love,
Lisa
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sat, Oct. 22 Benefit!
As we lift up the Boyd family in our prayers, I wanted to tell you about a benefit night being planned here in Athens for Saturday, October 22nd at Loco's on Baxter. For $12, you get dinner (bbq burgers and dogs) and a movie (Charlotte's Web), both held outside in the Mooseyard. Not only will proceeds go straight to the Boyds, but it will also be a great chance for all those who love this amazing family to come together in a show of support. We would like to sell tickets in advance so we can give Loco's a heads up for dinner prep, but they may be purchased at the door if seats are still left. Included in the flyer is contact information for those of us selling tickets. Thank you for being part of teamboyd, I feel blessed to be surrounded by such faith and hope and love.
peace,
Kim Ness
kimjness@yahoo.com
peace,
Kim Ness
kimjness@yahoo.com
October 10, 2011 Update
Dear Team Boyd,
Over the last 48 hours the game plan for David's treatment has fluctuated, but we are finally settled. David did get to go home on Sunday and spend the day with Izzy, Cap, and me; sadly, I had to drive him back to the hospital this morning. The doctors decided it was imperative that David start chemotherapy right away.
The treatment involves 2 days of chemotherapy followed several days later by a DLI which is a boost of the stem cells previously harvested by his brother Wesley. We do not know the date of the boost, but we should find out more in the next couple of days.
As I write to you all, David is resting comfortably. He is exhausted; however, I did see a glimmer of fight back in his eyes and in his voice throughout the day. We are taking this fight one day at a time.
I'll be in touch,
Lisa
Over the last 48 hours the game plan for David's treatment has fluctuated, but we are finally settled. David did get to go home on Sunday and spend the day with Izzy, Cap, and me; sadly, I had to drive him back to the hospital this morning. The doctors decided it was imperative that David start chemotherapy right away.
The treatment involves 2 days of chemotherapy followed several days later by a DLI which is a boost of the stem cells previously harvested by his brother Wesley. We do not know the date of the boost, but we should find out more in the next couple of days.
As I write to you all, David is resting comfortably. He is exhausted; however, I did see a glimmer of fight back in his eyes and in his voice throughout the day. We are taking this fight one day at a time.
I'll be in touch,
Lisa
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Prayers Needed - Lisa's latest update
Dear Team Boyd,
I apologize for the gap in updates, but the little Boyds have been keeping me quite busy. Cap has become mobile and is so close to walking. For all you dancers out there, Izzy is shuffle-ball-changing all over the house, which I completely don't get. She'd rather dance to Swan Lake than kick a soccer ball...go figure.
As far as David, we are facing another mountain. The cancer is back, and we are facing a new set of challenges. David is coming home to Athens for a few days to refocus and tap into the well of energy of Izzy and Cap. He heads back to Northside on Tuesday night. The doctors are waiting on more test results, but we are one play closer to the "Northside-hell-mary-pass."We are in the process of reaching out to MD Anderson to tap into their clinical trials. It ain't over 'til it's over. We just want possible.
I'm on my way to get David and bring him home. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.
Hugs,
Lisa
I apologize for the gap in updates, but the little Boyds have been keeping me quite busy. Cap has become mobile and is so close to walking. For all you dancers out there, Izzy is shuffle-ball-changing all over the house, which I completely don't get. She'd rather dance to Swan Lake than kick a soccer ball...go figure.
As far as David, we are facing another mountain. The cancer is back, and we are facing a new set of challenges. David is coming home to Athens for a few days to refocus and tap into the well of energy of Izzy and Cap. He heads back to Northside on Tuesday night. The doctors are waiting on more test results, but we are one play closer to the "Northside-hell-mary-pass."We are in the process of reaching out to MD Anderson to tap into their clinical trials. It ain't over 'til it's over. We just want possible.
I'm on my way to get David and bring him home. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.
Hugs,
Lisa
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Our Prayers Are Working...One Tough Bunch!
Dear Team Boyd,
Another crisis averted! Cap and I are home, and he is the picture of health. Along with my loyal sidekick Kerry, we have some new tools in our arsenal to combat his Hirschsprung's Disease. Each HD kid is different, and it takes trial and error to get the right balance of nutrition, medicine, and interventions (or as Izzy refers to it "suckin' out the poop!". Our family at MCG was amazing, and they once again have worked miracles.
Thank you to everyone who helped keep things running smoothly in Athens with meals, school, extra curricular activities, and plenty of love and support. Not to mention all the prayers! Thank you to all my hospital warriors who helped me get through each day and night at Chez MCG. Just having another person there made it bearable. Thank you also to our Barrow Elementary family who made it possible for me to see Izzy get her award for student of the month for kindness. It was a wonderful moment; thank you for that gift.
David is completing Day 12 tonight. Just 88 more days to go! He has his good days and his bad days. Today was a good day. He continues to walk or bike daily, and he is eating as well as he can when he can. Thank you to everyone who is taking care of him in my absence. It is comforting to know you are with him.
The children and I are planning to visit David this weekend. It will be the first time we have all been together since he left Athens on August 18. I will be in touch afterwards. Until then, continue the positive energy and prayers. It is working!
Cheers,
Lisa
Another crisis averted! Cap and I are home, and he is the picture of health. Along with my loyal sidekick Kerry, we have some new tools in our arsenal to combat his Hirschsprung's Disease. Each HD kid is different, and it takes trial and error to get the right balance of nutrition, medicine, and interventions (or as Izzy refers to it "suckin' out the poop!". Our family at MCG was amazing, and they once again have worked miracles.
Thank you to everyone who helped keep things running smoothly in Athens with meals, school, extra curricular activities, and plenty of love and support. Not to mention all the prayers! Thank you to all my hospital warriors who helped me get through each day and night at Chez MCG. Just having another person there made it bearable. Thank you also to our Barrow Elementary family who made it possible for me to see Izzy get her award for student of the month for kindness. It was a wonderful moment; thank you for that gift.
David is completing Day 12 tonight. Just 88 more days to go! He has his good days and his bad days. Today was a good day. He continues to walk or bike daily, and he is eating as well as he can when he can. Thank you to everyone who is taking care of him in my absence. It is comforting to know you are with him.
The children and I are planning to visit David this weekend. It will be the first time we have all been together since he left Athens on August 18. I will be in touch afterwards. Until then, continue the positive energy and prayers. It is working!
Cheers,
Lisa
Friday, September 2, 2011
Turning the corner...support, love and something more!
Hello Team Boyd,
We have had a surprisingly eventful week. However, as the weekend nears so does our capacity for healing. Cap was successfully taken off of the ventilator. 24 hours later, he is out of the ICU and in a regular room on the Pediatric floor. He is still being closely monitored, but in the doctor's words, "We have turned the corner." We will probably stay in the hospital about 3 to 5 more days if all continues to go well.
David is 7 days post transplant, and he is doing better than his doctors expected. He feels really yucky, but he knows he has to go through the pain to get to the healing. He continues to be brave and strong, and I can't wait to see him.
There are so many of you out there who are doing things for Team Boyd. I want to throw my arms around all of you and give you a tremendous hug, just like I did to the Critical Care doctor at MCG when he shared the news that we were leaving the PICU! The poor guy didn't know what hit him:) There is no way I could mention each and every one of you, and surely I would leave someone out. Please know that without you, we would not have made it through this week. As the wheels were coming off on Friday and Saturday, I continued to have a sense of peace and strength. Many people have asked me how I am doing and how I managed to not fall apart as I watched the doctors intubate my baby. My only answer is that a strength from somewhere other than me surrounded me and got me through. Thank you for surrounding my family with such a powerful love.
Many of you have answered the call to help, and you have risen to the challenge. David and I were speechless when the result of one little text message ended with the Blood Donation Center at Northside being inundated with donors for David Boyd. Truly, our cup runneth over.
Hugs, Hugs, and more Hugs,
Lisa
We have had a surprisingly eventful week. However, as the weekend nears so does our capacity for healing. Cap was successfully taken off of the ventilator. 24 hours later, he is out of the ICU and in a regular room on the Pediatric floor. He is still being closely monitored, but in the doctor's words, "We have turned the corner." We will probably stay in the hospital about 3 to 5 more days if all continues to go well.
David is 7 days post transplant, and he is doing better than his doctors expected. He feels really yucky, but he knows he has to go through the pain to get to the healing. He continues to be brave and strong, and I can't wait to see him.
There are so many of you out there who are doing things for Team Boyd. I want to throw my arms around all of you and give you a tremendous hug, just like I did to the Critical Care doctor at MCG when he shared the news that we were leaving the PICU! The poor guy didn't know what hit him:) There is no way I could mention each and every one of you, and surely I would leave someone out. Please know that without you, we would not have made it through this week. As the wheels were coming off on Friday and Saturday, I continued to have a sense of peace and strength. Many people have asked me how I am doing and how I managed to not fall apart as I watched the doctors intubate my baby. My only answer is that a strength from somewhere other than me surrounded me and got me through. Thank you for surrounding my family with such a powerful love.
Many of you have answered the call to help, and you have risen to the challenge. David and I were speechless when the result of one little text message ended with the Blood Donation Center at Northside being inundated with donors for David Boyd. Truly, our cup runneth over.
Hugs, Hugs, and more Hugs,
Lisa
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