Carroll - The Dawg

From the Memorial Service

2009-06-29T16:03:00.003-04:00

Below is the text of the sermon delivered by Pastor Holley at the memorial service for Carroll at St. Luke's and conducted by Pastor Stephen Troisi and Pastor Bob Holley:

At the Memorial Service for Carroll T. Smith
June 27, 2009 – John 14:1-6

We gather today to remember, to give thanks and to seek a sure and certain hope in the midst of our grief. We gather to remember, to give thanks and to hope together.

Let's begin with remembering. Carroll Smith was a Georgia gentleman. That is, a gentleman in the best sense of the word. He welcomed you, befriended you, and presented the best of what a loving family and the wonderful state of Georgia could make him.

Carroll had the unusual hobby of homing pigeons. Visit Carroll and he would point out the pigeon coop and talk about his pigeons. It was a life-long hobby until just recently when his health would no longer allow it. You could say he was for the birds, and he would agree. His birds were so very important to him.

There is a lot more about Carroll. He was a great lover of baseball and so many other sports; or, you could say, he simply loved sports. He loved to play when he could and always to talk sports. A baseball player, a pitcher at that, he let his duty to country lead him away from a promising career that probably would have seen him play professional ball. Instead, he joined the Air Force, though he did play a great deal of baseball in Europe during his time of service.

You could say of Carroll that he was definitely a fanatic. After all, that is the word we shorten to “fan” when speaking of folks who are die hard followers of Georgia football and the Atlanta Braves baseball. He was a fan in the true meaning of the word. I am not sure about God's wisdom to allow Carroll to die during the Braves season as Carroll himself told me they were not doing too well. The Braves could use all the fans they can find, and now they have one that will have to watch with St. Peter from the gates of heaven.

Professionally, Carroll worked in what might be called these days, 'human resources.' Employment was his thing and he served as Employment Superintendent and Deputy Director of Industrial Relations at the shipyard. He was good at his job and always tried to find work for those who sought his help.

“The Dawg,” as he was affectionately called, was considered by some to the unofficial mayor of Summerville. I am sure they said that because Carroll was loved by everybody. A loyal son, brother, father, husband, grandfather, co-worker and friend, Carroll was loved by all of us. He will be missed. He will be missed, not because he was somehow perfect or because he was a baseball fan or because he was good at his job. He will be missed because he was a great friend, the kind loved by all.

And Carroll loved all of you. Whether it was a friend to share a good cigar and a mellow drink with, or family he so appreciated, he loved in return. He made you feel comfortable in best of the Georgia way.

It is little wonder that folks say Carroll was loyal to family and friends. You could feel it in his words, his steady and kind focus on you as you spoke. And with all this remembering, we need to add that he was loyal to our loving God who redeemed him in the cross of Jesus Christ. Loyal Carroll was and especially to God who loves him unconditionally.

Thanks be to God for the amazing grace that saves as the old hymn says. It is in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus that God not only forgives all our sin, but graciously gives us life in the kingdom as well. Carroll trusted that truth and as death drew near he loyally kept faith that God gifts us all with life at the kingdom table of Jesus forever.

I remember reading the novel, “Doctor Zhivago.” There is a scene in it where the young doctor, who has just finished his training, has a conversation with his grandmother who is a devout believer in the grace of the cross of Jesus Christ. Zhivago asks his grandmother how she can believe in the resurrection, in the new life given in the cross. Her answer? Wisely, the grandmother tells her doctor grandson that through death we are born into a new life. Let me paraphrase what she says, “I did not know what was happening when my mother gave birth and I entered this life we have now. God can and will give us birth into a new life that we cannot yet even imagine. If God did it before, God can do it again.”

Indeed, we thank God today for the life we have in the cross, the new life at the kingdom table of Jesus. This life began for Carroll at his baptism. It continues now at his death. Thanks be to God for the new life Carroll and all of us have. Jesus is indeed the way, the truth and life as he says in the gospel reading today. Carroll loyally walked that way. Thanks be to God!

And it is precisely this loyalty, this faith, that gives us comfort and hope as we mourn. Our hope is the same as it was for Carroll, in the cross of Jesus. Our hope is in the cross where God is reconciling all through the unconditional love God has for us. How blessed we are that we do not grieve without hope. The gift of God is the comfort and hope of the cross.

Perhaps the final verse of the hymn we sang earlier says it better than I can:

He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same;
what joy this blest assurance gives;
I know that my Redeemer lives!

As we give thanks to God and commend Carroll to God's eternal care, may these words give us comfort and hope: “I know that my Redeemer lives!” Amen.

· Pastor Robert F. Holley

The End

2009-06-28T22:48:00.005-04:00

This was a short-lived blog, much as my life with Carroll. It was way too short.

The blog started on May 14th as a way to update family and friends during Carroll's hospital stay at Summerville Medical Center. I thought it would be a short-lived blog because I thought he would recover during that stretch in the hospital and then go home -- and we'd live happily ever-after.

Such was not the case.

His life on earth ended and, thus, so does this blog.

Carroll was such an interesting and multi-faceted person that I could probably write about him for days and days and days. However, I'm shutting down this blog. (Note: A tree will be planted in Summerville in memory of Carroll; I will post that info when the date is set, but it should be posted on this blog as well as on mine.)

I've just added a post about him on my regular blog; that link is below.

Thanks to all of you who have helped care for him, who have prayed for him and who have just been there in so many ways when we needed you. We have appreciated your comments here as well.

God bless!

http://blondesherry.blogspot.com/2009/06/last-thursday-my-husband-died.html

Synopsis: Carroll's Last Few Weeks

2009-06-27T23:30:00.005-04:00

Carroll Tyndell Smith

The Gentleman from Georgia

Over the last several months, Carroll had been feeling somewhat weak and tired, and was frequently short of breath. He thought it was because of a heart problem. After a visit with Dr. Crawford, open heart surgery was scheduled for May 19th to replace the aortic valve.

Just before that date, though, he was hospitalized at Summerville Medical Center with pneumonia and remained there for 9 days, then went home for a few days. During a follow-up appointment with Dr. Handshoe on June 1st, we were told he had Stage 3B lung cancer. It was in both lungs and in the fluid around the lungs. We left the doctor’s office and went to Waffle House for a late breakfast. He said one thing he did not want was to linger. He was not afraid of cancer; he was afraid of lingering. Even so, we all thought he had several months ahead of him.

The very next day, Carroll, Sherry and her mom went to Garden City and spent 5 days at the beach. He sat on the balcony, looking out at the ocean and said it was the best breathing he had done in a long time. He also said it was the best sleep he had had in quite a while. He got to spend an evening with Becky during that time also.

Returning home, he continued to have trouble breathing & was hospitalized at MUSC on June 16th following an appointment with Dr. Steinberg. On Thursday he had a procedure in which he was catheterized and a balloon was used to stretch the aortic valve, making it easier for him to breathe. That afternoon, he was breathing much better. By the next day, though, he was on oxygen. He came home on Saturday the 20th but was on oxygen 24/7.

He had visits and quality time with Lisa, Chuck & Pat, John, Vic & Edie and their family.

At about 2:00 Monday night/Tuesday morning, he said he needed to go to ER. He was transported to Summerville Medical Center and then transported a few hours later to MUSC’s critical care unit. There was a blood clot in his lungs. Because of the cancer, the doctors could not operate. He continued to weaken.

On Wednesday afternoon, there was a prayer service in his room by Pastor Briner. Several family members were present: Vic, Edie, Jeff, Laura, Courtney, Lisa, Susan, Pam, Kelly, Chelsey, Whitney and Sherry.

We all had time for some good-byes; Chelsey even made him chuckle and smile a few times. She’s the one who gave him the name “Poppy.”

Sherry slept in the hospital bed with Carroll Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night. He wrapped his arms around her. Vic and Edie slept in the hospital room also, although Vic said he couldn’t sleep because of Sherry’s snoring.

Thursday morning, at 9:30, Carroll peacefully and gently slipped away, gripping Sherry’s hand as she said “Peace be with you, Carroll.”

Carroll was a friend to many and he was loyal to his friends. He was a classy gentleman who called Savannah and Summerville his hometowns.

His friends are placing an Atlanta Braves shirt with the number “1” and the name “C. Smith” on it and hanging it in O’Lacy’s.

In the near future, a tree obtained by friend John Clark will be planted in Summerville in Carroll’s memory.

Plans

2009-06-26T17:01:00.001-04:00

If you're in the area, feel free to drop by Carroll's house tonight between 6 pm and 8 pm. Nothing is "planned." It's just a time to share memories of good times with Carroll and it is VERY casual.

Services are tomorrow at 3 pm at St. Luke's Lutheran Church with a reception following in Fellowship Hall.

The Dawg's Days Are Over . . .

2009-06-25T10:36:00.003-04:00

The Dawg's days are over - at least his earthly days.

Carroll died very peacefully this morning at about 9:30. I've lost someone I loved so very much and I am so grateful for the time we had together. We enjoyed each other's company - playing trivia, working crosswords, being with friends, worshiping at St. Luke's.

I will always miss him but there are so many wonderful times to remember. He is at peace.

Wednesday Night -- Is That What This Is?

2009-06-25T00:00:00.003-04:00

Carroll has been surrounded this afternoon. Family members and friends have visited, including Vic, Edie, Courtney, Jeffrey, Laura, Lisa, Kelly, Susan, Pam, Chelsey and Whitney. Pastor Briner came by prayer and a blessing with Carroll and me. She then did a prayer service with the whole family.

There have been lots of tears today and tonight but also some chuckles.

No further measures are being taken except to keep Carroll comfortable.

Wednesday Afternoon

2009-06-24T23:57:00.001-04:00

Docs hope to do a tap around 3:30 or 4 to drain fluid from Carroll's lungs. The estimate is that the procedure will take about 30 minutes. Not sure yet where they will do that - Ashley River Tower or the old hospital. That was one of the questions earlier.

Barely After Noon - Monday

2009-06-24T12:23:00.003-04:00

Carroll has been sleeping a whole lot, partly because of the carbon dioxide in his lungs. The doctors were wondering about his stage of alertness. Well, they just did another ABG test (see previous posts about how extremely painful this test is) and found out he is more alert than they thought. It hurt and he let them know it.

Late Morning Update - Wednesday

2009-06-24T11:26:00.003-04:00

Carroll is on the BIPAP machine right now. It's much like the CPAP I use at night for sleep apnea. The CPAP is a big help for me and makes a tremendous difference, although I don't like it. I don't think Carroll likes the BIPAP either, but it is making a difference in the sound of his breathing. Of course, he hasn't like anything they've attached to him, put on him or around him in the last 24 - 30 hours.

Because of the level of carbon dioxide in his lungs, the BIPAP is being used to normalize his breathing. This will be used for one hour and then we'll know more. That should be at around 12:15 when they remove the BIPAP. Then the doctors will confer and talk with us later. They have to wait for the results before they confer, so I'm hoping to hear something from them around 1:00 or so.

One of the oncologists came in. They will not start any type of chemo or anything else while he is in the hospital. What they do depends on how he is when he is released.

I got such a good night's sleep in the room with Carroll last night that it's a wonder anyone else in the hospital slept at all. Some of the staff folks have already mentioned me snoring!!!

Wednesday Morning

2009-06-24T10:34:00.003-04:00

Carroll got a good night's sleep last night - at least after midnight. Before that time, he was agitated, complaining and saying he wasn't comfortable and couldn't breathe. With the help of Benadryl and Mirapex (the latter for his restless leg problems) he was able to sleep in a recliner. He didn't wake up until about 10 AM and then not completely; he still wants to sleep, which is good - at least in some ways.

There is much more fluid build-up in his lungs. His team of doctors is consulting with the pulmonologists about draining the fluid some time today. This is the same procedure that was done over at Summerville Medical in May. It helps tremendously but only until the fluid builds up again.

A BIPAP has just been brought into his room; this will help breathe more easily. Based on the new ABG test done this morning, he is retaining a lot of gas (carbon dioxide) in his lungs, which is not good. The BIPAP will help him with this. Annette, the RT, said he would feel like he is in a wind tunnel while using it.

That's all of the news for right now. We're still in CCU at 10:45 A.M.

Guess Where We Are??????

2009-06-23T20:40:00.008-04:00

It has been a L-O-N-G day. It started at 2 a.m. when Carroll told me he needed to go to the hospital. He called EMS and was transported to Summerville Medical Center (SMC) with me following in the car.

In the emergency room, Dr. Greaves told us it might be congestive heart failure, but he later ruled that out. After some tests and phone calls with Carroll's primary physician, Dr. Bolster, it was decided that Carroll should be transported to MUSC's Critical Care Unit. By this time, it was about 4 a.m., I think. It really scared the fool out of me when I was asked if I knew - just in case anything went wrong - if Carroll wanted to be kept alive by a ventilator! Well, I knew what he and I have talked about, but I didn't want to be the only one to make that decision, nor should I have been. I called Carroll's son and daughter-in-law -- Vic and Edie. Soon, they and their daughter, Courtney, were at SMC also.

We all left SMC around 5:30-ish a.m., with Carroll being transported by the Critical Care ambulance. Vic rode in the front.

I'm not saying any of us drive fast, but Edie, Courtney and I all beat the ambulance to MUSC.

Because Carroll was put in CCU, we had a long, anxious wait before we could see him. Around 8:30 or so, we got to take turns seeing him. By that time, Carroll's grandson, Jeffrey, was also there.

The CCU unit is what we just left a few days ago following his valvoplasty.

It was later in the morning when we learned that Carroll has a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot in his lungs. Because of several other problems, surgery was not an option. He was put on blood thinner to prevent the clot from getting bigger and with the hopes that it will dissolve.

At SMC, Carroll had a couple of things happen that he couldn't stand. For example, an ABG test was done. This is where they test the arterial blood gases or something like that. I can't remember exactly but I've had it done once and I don't ever, ever, ever want to have it done again. It is the most painful thing I know of. I'd rather have 20 children at one time than to have that done again. It's awful. He hated it -- and they had already given him morphine when he had this done.

He was also catheterized. I don't have to tell you whether or not he liked that!

He had a CAT scan at SMC and a chest x-ray at MUSC. He was hooked up to all kinds of tubes and machinery.

After hearing from the doctors, including Drs. Powers, Townsend, Schreiner and Jenkins, I made a quick trip back to Summerville for a shower and to pack clothes for several days and nights at the hospital.

When I returned, I walked in with Pastor Briner from our church, St. Luke's. We had a nice chat while waiting for about 20 minutes to get to see Carroll.

Not long after she left, Carroll had more visitors, limited to two at a time in CCU: Lisa, Susan, Joanne, Kelly, Pam and Chelsey.

Dr. Steinberg came by in the afternoon, as did Dr. Townsend and Dr. Schreiner. They have all conferred with each other and with the oncologists to see what treatment is next.

Surprisingly, one of them told me they are considering letting Carroll go home tomorrow (Wednesday,) That was another shock!!!! The doc said they feel that Carroll will improve within 12 - 24 hours and then stabilize. They will likely keep him on blood thinner for several weeks and have PT at home.

Isn't it wonderful that he might be able to come home so quickly? The biggest problem will be making sure that he doesn't get worn out by phone calls and/or visitors. He will need lots of rest.

He has also suffered a minor vision problem and the cause has not yet been determined. It may be something that resolves on its own.

It's now 9 p.m. They said they would probably give Carroll Benadryl to help him sleep. They must have, because he fell asleep during the Braves game!!!

(PS - If you see a few typos in this post, I'm surprised that there are only a few! I'm only half-awake.)

Update: Monday mid-afternoon

2009-06-22T15:13:00.004-04:00

Carroll said he is weaker this afternoon than he was yesterday. He asked for a wheelchair. He says he cannot walk to the bathroom or to the bedroom. The last few walks have been with him holding onto me. Unfortunately, the hall is not quite wide enough for him and for my hips at the same time, but we're getting there. I called Dr. Bolster and just received a call back that he is ordering a wheelchair.

Because of the vision problem in his left eye, Carroll says he cannot work the crosswords or read much of the newspaper; he gets frustrated trying to watch TV.

Dr. Steinberg said to let Carroll eat whatever he wants to eat. He had pound cake and milk for breakfast (his request) and half a banana for lunch. I'll probably try to get him to eat something else after he wakes up and has his breathing treatment.

He has had a hard time sleeping. His coughing wakes him up; trying to catch his breath wakes him up; the ringing phone wakes him up (I'm trying to figure out how to turn the ringer off or way, way down.)

There have been 12 calls from people today who want to know how he is. Loads of people care a lot about him, but I just cannot give complete information when he is listening. His vision might have been affected somewhat, but his hearing hasn't been. If I give one-word answers or vague answers, he asks about the conversation when I hang up. Hope y'all understand. That's another reason for trying to keep everyone informed by blog instead of phone.

The good news is Carroll's attitude. Even though he said he is weaker, he tells me he is going to get better and he tells me things he is going to do when he gets better.

Monday Around Noon

2009-06-22T11:41:00.007-04:00

Carroll got more sleep last night than he did the night before. He went a little longer between breathing treatments after the one at 4 AM.

Pam called last night and he talked just a bit to her on the phone.

He has still had absolutely no pain in the groin area where the catheter was inserted. That's good news.

Carroll is still really weak. He isn't eating much, but he's eating a little. He doesn't seem to have much of an appetite and prefers food that doesn't require much effort to eat.

He is still having the vision problems he experienced Friday in the hospital. We think it's just the left eye but we know it's on the left side of what he's is trying to see, whether it's the TV, the newspaper or anything else. This has frustrated him a lot.

Note to anyone who calls: I am almost always in the room with him when I answer the phone. If you call and ask how he is or for an update -- especially if there has been a worsening or change -- I am not willing to say those things in front of him. And if I don't say much at all, he always wants to know what the discussion was about when I get off of the phone. In other words, you might not get the whole story on the phone.

Carroll tires easily. He doesn't mind visitors if the visits are relatively short. In fact, I believe visits are good for him, although he would never admit it. Part of his hesitation is that he doesn't want people to see him in a weakened condition. So, if you come visit, please be positive and upbeat -- and know that sometimes it's quite an effort for him to talk.

In the few minutes since a I started typing this, he seems to have gotten better than he was earlier. This is typical, though. Some good times, some that are not so good. He just talked to Vic on the phone and sounded pretty good, maybe the best since he has gotten out of the hospital. That's good news!

We just heard from MUSC regarding his follow-up appointments, so they are now scheduled.

Carroll - Pictures from Days Gone By

2009-06-21T17:22:00.002-04:00

Do you recognize Carroll in any of these pictures?

Update: Sunday the 21st

2009-06-21T17:09:00.004-04:00

It's Father's Day, and Carroll got to spend several hours with Vic, his son. Vic stayed at the house while I taught Sunday School and went to church, then picked up a few things from the grocery store.

When I got back, Carroll had a room full of visitors: Vic, Edie, Courtney, Chuck and Pat.

Loads of people asked about Carroll at church, some of whom he had known since his days at the shipyard, some relatively new friends and other acquaintances. He's had loads of prayers lifted up for him.

Diane Lyles brought one of her famous pound cakes to us. She must have the best recipe in the world for pound cakes.

Lisa came by mid-afternoon; she and I gabbed enough to put Carroll to sleep.

Becky called this afternoon and he talked to her. It was brief, because he doesn't have much energy.

A little later, Edie brought by two plates of food for us. Yummy, as usual.

HOME!!!

2009-06-20T15:54:00.006-04:00

The Dawg is home from the hospital. He's on oxygen 24/7 but at least he is home, out of the dress (hospital gown) and into regular clothes.

This is Mandy. She's the one who wheeled him and the oxygen tank out to my car from his hospital room. It's ironic that she was the last one we saw, because she is a big Braves fan, just like Carroll. So is her husband, Harrison. (My daughter is named Mandy and her son is Harrison.)

I've sorta moved in and taken over the extra bedroom at Carroll's house for the time being 'cause he needs someone around all the time right now.

He'll have follow-up with Dr. Steinberg next week.

Vic, Edie & Jeffrey were at his house when he got back from the hospital; they helped get his belongings inside. Jeffrey hooked up a router so that I could have internet access anywhere in the house -- thank goodness! Edie brought boiled peanuts, one of Carroll's favorites (which I MIGHT share with him.) They live a few doors down and are available and willing any time he needs anything.

Lisa came by and visited for a while. She also offered to help in any way that we needed.

John came by yesterday afternoon at the hospital; he, too, has offered to help.

Tonight, Carroll gets to watch the Braves from inside his own home! Yippee!!!

Carroll and I are both blessed with such good friends and we appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers.

Again, It's Superman - and More of the Wonderful MUSC Folks

2009-06-19T22:45:00.005-04:00

Superman a/k/a Dr. Steinberg came by The Dawg's room this afternoon. He says Carroll will probably be released Saturday morning.

Here's Jennifer, the day nurse in his new room.

This is Judy from Respiratory Therapy.

I caught Tarra by surprise - and she still looks nice!

Here's the big smile that brought Carroll's food to him. I think he said his name is Tim, but I'm not certain -- but he certainly was nice and friendly.

Tiffany is Carroll's nurse tonight. Boy, she'll have her hands full!

Tesha is another person with one of those beautiful smiles -- even while she's working.

Charlotte is helping with Carroll's medical care tonight. She has always lived in the lowcountry.

The Warehouse

2009-06-19T19:51:00.002-04:00

Carroll has asked me several times today why I put him in this warehouse.
He has also asked if we know the people here.
Then he wanted to know if the doctors do anything other than walk around the halls and come in the doors from time to time.

So, yes, he has been disoriented. There was also a question about a vision problem, which the doctor checked tonight. In fact, he checked because these could be signs of a stroke, but he seems convinced this is still a result of heavy medication, including morphine, given to him and that it just hasn't worn off yet. Let's hope so.

The Day After

2009-06-19T14:29:00.007-04:00

I wasn't allowed to stay overnight in The Dawg's room in CCU, so after seeing him twice on Thursday afternoon and after almost-no-sleeping in his room Wednesday night, I decided to go home and get a really good night's rest.

There was a phone call from the hospital at 7:30 am. It was Dr. Jenkins. She said, "Mr. Smith seems confused and agitated. He insists that we have kept you away from him for three days. He is asking for his wife." She asked if I would talk to him if she called back from his bedside. Well, of course I would.

Within moments Dr. Jenkins called back and put him on the phone. He sounded just find to me, and much better than he had sounded during the week before Thursday's procedure.

Carroll asked when I would be at MUSC; I told him it would be this morning but that I didn't want to drive in the morning traffic into Charleston, that I hadn't yet dressed, that I had a few errands to run, including going to the bank, and I needed to pick up something he had requested.
It took a bit longer than anticipated and was late morning when I arrived.

Time I walked in, Carroll asked where I had been; he said they had been treating him like a child and had put him on restriction! He said to please go let them know I was there so they would let him off of restriction and out of there. He was sitting up in a chair.

He said he wanted to get off of restriction so he could go get a beer tonight.

Carroll also said they thought he was crazy. He kept trying to figure out what he had done wrong to make them mad at him and put him on restriction.

I told him that morphine sometimes makes people disoriented and confused and perhaps even agitated. He said he would never take that stuff again. He continued to insist he isn't crazy.

Then he asked again where I had been before I got to the hospital and why I hadn't come to see him yesterday. (I was with him the entire time before the procedure and went into his CCU room twice afterwards. He also didn't remember that Vic, Edie and Courtney had visited.) He also didn't remember watching the Braves play ball, but later said they won, which they did.

When he dozed off, he kept saying "one day" and "restless man."

Hospital personnel told us that all of this could be attributed to the morphine and to his disorientation. Dr. Schreiner said that sometimes coming back to a different room could cause a patient to become confused, especially in CCU with all of the equipment.

Look at these beds and the surrounding equipment. It's much more intimidating than it looks in the photos.

This is Kissia, a nurse in CCU. She patiently answered all his questions.

Sam came in and touch Carroll's blood sugar level so that he could eat.

Becky took time with Carroll also. She's originally from Montana.

Kim is another friendly MUSC employee; she's with environmental services.

As of mid-afternoon, he has moved out of CCU into a room on 3rd floor.

He is still on oxygen; Dr. Schreiner tried to take him off of oxygen, but his oxygen level dropped when he took a few steps in the hall.

As the morphine is wearing off, he is becoming more oriented, but not totally.

Dr. Townsend just came in and said Carroll may be able to go home tomorrow (Saturday) but it will be with a portable oxygen tank.

Dr. Schreiner told us that they (the "team") are very pleased with the success of the procedure and believe Carroll is doing quite well. That's good news, huh?

MUSC Patient Services, Family & Superman

2009-06-18T16:34:00.005-04:00

The Dawg's son, Vic, waiting to see the patient.

Vic's wife, Edie.

Vic with their daughter, Courtney.

All of the folks at MUSC have been wonderful, helpful and friendly.
Here are a few we met today from Patient Services.

John -

Brenda -

Suzanne -

And here is Superman a/k/a Dr. Steinberg!

Important Reminder about Visiting in CCU:

Maximum of 2 visitors at a time

Short visits: 10 - 15 minutes

No latex balloons, plants, flowers, food or drinks in the Unit

No visitors 12 or under

Wash hands before entering unit; then ring bell for entry.

Wait for permission; must always have permission to enter unit.

No visits between 6:30 am and 8:30 am or between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

No visits on the unit after 11 pm (or earlier if patient requests)

Just Saw The Dawg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-18T14:14:00.003-04:00

And he looks so much better. He's watching the Braves game and they're ahead!!!!

Carroll said it worked and they he can already tell a big difference. Hurrah! Isn't that fantastic news?!!?!!

He's talking up a storm, watching the game and breathing.

To go in for a short visit, each person has to wash hands, put on a gown and latex gloves. Look at other restrictions in previous post. They are enforced in CCU!

CCU for The Dawg

2009-06-18T12:55:00.003-04:00

We still haven't seen Carroll. He's in recovery. He will spend the next day and night in CCU.

Just FYI:

Maximum of 2 visitors at a time
Short visits: 10 - 15 minutes
No latex ballooons, plants, flowers, food or drinks in the Unit
No visitors 12 or under
Wash hands before entering unit; then ring bell for entry. Must always have permission to enter unit.

No visits between 6:30 am and 8:30 am or between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. No visits on the unit after 11 pm (or earlier if patient requests)

Yippee!!!

2009-06-18T12:24:00.003-04:00

He made it through the procedure!!!!!! We'll know how much it helped within hours. I've just talked with Dr. Steinberg. He doesn't know to what extent the valve was causing the breathing problems; it could have been 50%, 75%, etc. He believes it was a big part of it. He also said that, based on yesterday's x-ray, there wasn't enough fluid on the lungs to risk putting needles in to drain fluid.

Thank you, Lord!!! And Dr. Steinberg and team.

Over!

2009-06-18T12:12:00.001-04:00

The procedure is finished, according to a phone call received by the folks at the desk. The doctor will be out soon. That's all I know. Stay tuned.

Phone Call

2009-06-18T11:52:00.002-04:00

Someone from the team working on The Dawg called to the waiting area and said they actually started at 11:14 AM. So, we're all playing the waiting game. I'm glad to have access to the Internet throughout MUSC. I'd go crazy without it.

Undergoing the Procedure

2009-06-18T10:40:00.004-04:00

Jen and Ryan seem pretty happy to be taking The Dawg away, don't you think?

Javainta took his vitals. Look at that awesome smile!

Dr. Powers and several other "white coats" came in to talk to Carroll. Behind him is Dr. Schreiner. Dr. Townsend is nearby.

Here's Kelly. She's got a great smile but I caught her by surprise. She has been extremely helpful.

David is a respiratory therapist. He gave Carroll two treatments. The one this morning helped a lot.

THE PROCEDURE --

Carroll is in surgery. Oops! I'm not familiar with medical terminology; I've been advised this is NOT surgery but rather "a procedure." Sometimes I forget and use "surgery" instead of "procedure."

At 8 AM, we were told it would probably be an afternoon procedure. In fact, all along we've been told it would likely be in the afternoon. In the 8:30 to 9 am range, we were told it might be late morning, that they were waiting on a bed in ICU, because that's where he'll be after surgery. Then, around 9:30 or so, things started moving. I believe we'll know something in about two hours from right now (10:45 am).

Oops! As I typed, Dr. Steinberg walked out and told me they are getting ready to start, so, obviously, they haven't started yet.

Carroll has been extremely uncomfortable for the last 12 - 24 hours. He said he absolutely could not live like he was. He had to have help to even sit up in bed. He is looking forward to the relief this procedure should bring.

Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Timothy and Kelly have said that, if surgery goes well, Carroll should notice immediate improvement. Dr. Powers said it could be immediate or it could take several days.

When surgery is over, and if things go as expected, he will spend one night in ICU, then probably 2 or 3 nights in a regular room.

Once he is out of ICU, he should be able to have visitors or talk on the phone. Because he has been so weak and lost so much weight, he probably won't have much strength, so, if you visit or call, please limit the visit to about 10 or 15 minutes and calls to about 2 minutes. He will still need to rest a lot, so he is certainly not asking for visitors or calls.

Dr. Timothy said Carroll could be up and about some this afternoon but will still need a lot of bedrest for a while.

If you have a moment, please leave a comment under this post for Carroll to read. Since the Braves haven't been doing well lately, he needs cheering up!!!

Relief is Getting Closer

2009-06-18T09:23:00.004-04:00

Dr. Timothy is meeting with us right now, going over risks and the procedure itself.

Here are some of the risks he mentioned, while saying it is a moderate to high-risk procedure:

vascular damage or kidney damage

damage to organ

infection

perforation of the ventricle - 1% to 2%

stroke - 2 to 5

death - 2 to 5 per cent

heart attack - 2 to 5 per cent

allergic reaction

needing emergent surgery

needing blood transfusion

other

All of the risks listed that do not have percentages by them seem to be less than 2%.

This is a bit different from what we had been told before but Carroll says anything is better than the way he is right now.

Here are Dr. Timothy and Kelly; they are going over the risks and such with Carroll.

Late Wednesday Night Update

2009-06-17T20:55:00.010-04:00

The Dawg didn't have a real good night last night. He got up around 4 AM and just couldn't breathe. Today he's had a hard time breathing -- but he is certainly where he needs to be. The valvoplasty is supposed to help with this significant problem; if it does, we will know immediately. As mentioned before, it's a medical procedure, and almost all medical procedures have risks. Dr. Steinberg told us there is 5% chance of death, a 5% chance of stroke -- but that leaves a whopping 90% otherwise, so those are pretty good odds, don't you think?

The Dawg is too short of breath to talk on the phone or to talk to anyone. Maybe by Thursday night, he'll be talking up a storm.

Carroll's blood sugar has been very high today, reaching 305 at one point. It has lowered some - to 234 -- but not enough. Everyone believes this is because of some of the medications he has had to take.

Here are the two people who will be putting up Carroll and me tonight. They are Nicole and Chris.

No one has given us an exact time for the valvoplasty, but we've been told it will be Thursday afternoon. It's anticipated that The Dawg will spend one night in ICU following the procedure.

Keep him in your prayers, okay?

Wednesday's Update #2

2009-06-17T19:30:00.003-04:00

Dr. Schreiner came by again today. He's the one who is a Cincinnati fan.

Courtney was back today also - "needling" him again. :)

This is Angela. She brought Carroll another one of those delicious meals tonight - pork loin, sweet potatoes, turnip greens and more!

Raven is the one who picked up Carroll's tray. It was a lot lighter after he finished eating.

The Dawg - More from MUSC

2009-06-17T18:59:00.005-04:00

Tyesha came by the room last night to get Carroll to sign a whole lot of paperwork. Like all good patients, he signed everything - without reading anything.

Erin was Carroll's nurse today. She's also friendly and helpful.

Christine from Patient Services came by today with information about the valvoplasty and other things.

Carroll had x-rays late this morning. Holly provided his "transportation."

Monique brought Carroll's lunch today. Yummy food at MUSC.

Lisa and Susan visited Carroll this morning. Edie and Vic will be here tomorrow.

Feel free to leave a comment for The Dawg.

Update 7 pm Tuesday the 16th

2009-06-16T18:17:00.010-04:00

The Dawg says this is the "helpingest" place he's ever seen. There have been people in and out all afternoon - helping, helping, helping. Of course, sometimes the helping has been with needles! He's had an EKG, x-ray, blood work, etc.

The food looks and smells delicious. I get to watch while he eats! He had roast beef, baked potato, salad, pudding -- and said it's probably the best hospital food he has ever had. Me? I'm starving!

By the way, Carroll has requested no visitors until he has recuperated from the procedure on Thursday. It will be easier for him to talk and carry on conversations after that. Right now the shortness of breath keeps him from talking comfortably, so he's trying to stay off of the phone and to talk very little.

The doctors have said he'll probably stay in the hospital for 2 or 3 days following the valvoplasty. Since Dr. Steinberg said Carroll will feel better immediately, my guess is that he'll be eager to leave.

Amazingly, there is an Internet connection in his room; the TV is Internet-capable, so The Dawg will have the opportunity to see every comment left on this blog (if he is willing to use the Internet.) I enjoy having the Internet in here.

And he's already found the TV channel for tonight's Braves baseball game.

This is Dr. Jenkins. Aside from having a great sense of humor, she brought us some good news today. The MRI from last week showed "there is nothing in his brain." And there is nothing new from the PET scan either!!!! These are two very good reports.

Susie is a respiratory therapist. She brings The Dawg his breathing treatments.

Don't you think Penny looks like she's having too much fun?

Here's one of several doctors we met with today and who answered some of Carroll's questions. He's Dr. Townsend.

Shan is another one who seems to be having too much fun with those needles. I didn't feel a thing!

This is Dr. Steinberg. He will perform the procedure on Thursday; at this point he says it may be Thursday afternoon, although it could be Thursday morning. Dr. Steinberg doesn't believe he needs to hurry it by pushing it up 'til Wednesday because all tests look good so far. He's been highly recommended, even though he's a Phillies fan.

Well, the Braves game is on - and The Dawg is sound asleep. I'm keeping the ringer on my cell phone off in the hospital so that the ringing won't disturb him and so that my talking won't bother him.

In the Hospital

2009-06-16T15:46:00.008-04:00

The Dawg is in the hospital -- and so glad to be!

He had a doctor's appointment this morning at MUSC (see previous post.) Dr. Steinberg scheduled for Thursday a procedure that he anticipates will resolve Carroll's breathing problems. It's the shortness of breath that has kept him weak and unable to get around much.

Carroll was originally scheduled for open heart surgery to replace the aortic valve on May 19th but couldn't have it because he was hospitalized for pneumonia. While he was in the hospital then, one liter of fluid was removed from his lungs.

Now there is more fluid, which was expected. Part of that is because of the problem with the aortic valve.

Dr. Steinberg is not replacing the valve on Thursday but is doing what is called a valvoplasty (or something like that.) He described this as a simple procedure to open up the valve's passageway, using a catheter and a balloon. He also said Carroll will improve immediately. Steinberg said the downside of the surgery (other than the usual risks with surgery) is that this is not a permanent procedure. It lasts about 6 to 12 months typically but can be done again.

When Carroll explained how short of breath he was, Dr. Steinberg admitted him to the hospital. There is a slight - very slight - chance that he will be able to do the surgery tomorrow instead of Thursday, but probably not.

Here are some of the people we've met this afternoon - all by 4:30 pm.

Tony Singleton transported Carroll from the doctor's office to the hospital room. Tony lives on James Island.

Courtney Norris lives in Summerville. She was the first person we met in his hospital room. She's been in and out several times already and is always smiling.

Sam Wilkins is from New Jersey. She and The Dawg hit it off immediately because they've both lived in England.

This is Dr. Schreiner came in and took more history and explained more about the procedure Carroll will have.

Alexys brought The Dawg's food tray. Look at that bright smile!

Nat took Carroll for a quick x-ray. Nat is the youngest of 31 children!!!!

More later tonight.

Today's Appointments

2009-06-16T13:55:00.003-04:00

Carroll had appointments scheduled with doctors at MUSC for today.

Doesn't he seem overjoyed while having his blood pressure checked?

This is Fredricka Frasier. She's the one who took his blood pressure, among other things. She is nice and has a great smile.
After Fredricka put us in the room to wait for the doctor. Carroll used this time to work today's crossword.

When he was tired of sitting up, he continued to work the crossword while on his back.

Ashley Sisson was the next friendly MUSC employee we saw. One can only wonder why The Dawg has on his sunglasses. Maybe it was her bright smile???

There'll be an update in an hour or so.

Out of the Dawg House

2009-06-16T12:37:00.004-04:00

The Dawg was out of the "dawg-house" on Friday for a while. Here he is at O'Lacy's with friends Chuck Krusey (left) and Danny Seay (right.) Do you any idea what Carroll is looking at when these pictures were taken?

Did you guess he was looking a pretty woman?
That's not it. See? He's looking up.

It's an Atlanta Braves game, of course!

Unfortunately, Saturday was his worst day. Sunday was just a tiny bit better. Monday was a little better but still not good. It's the shortness of breath that is a problem; he is quite weak because of the shortness of breath.

Monday night, Courtney brought down some spaghetti Edie made. It was delicious! We also received one humongous chicken pot pie which Jane Hartwig left in the refrigerator at St. Luke's for us.

Saturday Update: Trivia, Friends and MUSC

2009-06-13T14:15:00.005-04:00

The Dawg and I have been quite impressed with everyone we've met at MUSC Hospital.

He has appointments on Tuesday with two specialists, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

We hope that we'll know more as of Tuesday as to treatment and such.

He's gotten out a little more in the last two or so days. We played a bit of trivia, a favorite pasttime of ours. One thing he has learned: I don't let him win just 'cause he's been sick. When he wins (which is too often, I think), it's certainly not that anyone is letting him win.

Last night we dropped by O'Lacy's for a short while so that we could see friends we hadn't seen in a while (Chuck, Richard, Liz, Pat, Danny, Susan, Shanna, Stephanie and more.)

The Dawg still gets tired and experiences shortness of breath with just a few steps. We both hope the heart specialists at MUSC can do something about that. Even with all he's been through, he says he doesn't have any pain; it's just the shortness of breath that keeps him from doing much. If replacing/repairing/treating the heart valve helps that and if the fluid is drained from his lungs, he'll be able to get out and about more.

Testing 1, 2, 3

2009-06-11T23:11:00.003-04:00

A day full of medical tests at MUSC. I'm tired, worn out -- and I wasn't even the one being tested. The Dawg was "it."

He had a PET scan, which took about 2 1/2 hours, then an MRI. We won't know any results until at least late Tuesday.

Thanks for all of the calls, e-mails, prayers, well-wishes, etc.

Oh, the Braves lost today. That didn't help anything!

Improvement? Tests! Food!

2009-06-10T20:56:00.004-04:00

Today seems to have been The Dawg's best day since he got out of the hospital. Yippee!!!!
He still gets very short of breath but he's taking his breathing treatments. We learned there is still some fluid in the lungs; there are procedures to remove the fluid, thank goodness.

Part of the shortness of breath may be due to his heart valve problems. He has appointment with one of the heart specialists on Tuesday, so we're hoping something can be done about that.
He had open heart surgery to replace the valve scheduled for May 19th; that was postponed when he was hospitalized with pneumonia.

The Dawg will have more tests on Thursday at MUSC. We'll be there about five or six hours, or so we've been told. These were ordered after medical appointments on Tuesday.

He received a phone call today with a special pre-testing diet. He has to have black coffee, bacon and eggs and nothing else for breakfast on Thursday AND the exact same thing tonight for supper. Isn't that a strange pre-test diet????

That means he can't eat what he had last night:

That bowl was slap full of ice cream!!!

Tuesday night was a good one for the Braves! Hurrah!

Tonight wasn't so good for the Braves, but at least they've won 2 out of 3 in this series. There's one more game against Pittsburg on Thursday.

Flowers, Food and More

2009-06-09T09:49:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, The Dawg said he was "taking care of some business" on the phone. Could "business" be translated to mean some other woman??? Better not be!! (Don't worry; I know better.)

While he was on the phone, I went outside in his yard and took pictures of some of the magnificent flowers there. These gardenias are at the driveway. Such a fabulous fragrance!

There has some beautiful hydrangeas at the front porch.

According to one on-line reference, hydrangeas may be white, pink or blue. That source left out my very favorite color - purple. There are also some deep purple ones.

Yesterday Carroll received a beautiful floral arrangement from our church, St. Luke's Lutheran. These were altar flowers from Sunday's service and included hydrangeas. We also received food from our Casserole Ministry.

He has a follow-up appointment with a new doctor this afternoon. Well, no, not a new doctor but one who is new to us.

Oh, yes, the Braves won last night, or maybe it was actually this morning by the time the game was over. It went to 15 innings!!!!

Crosswords, the Beach & Relaxation

2009-06-05T13:47:00.003-04:00

The Dawg and I both enjoy crosswords. He's been working them daily at the beach this week. In fact, as you can see in the background of the picture below, Mom likes to work them also.
Here's The Dawg working on one.

Here's Mom working one also.

The condo is definitely right on the beach. You can see the Atlantic Ocean behind The Dawg in this picture.

One side of the room has lots of mirrors, so you can see The Dawg in the foreground and in the background below.

Garden City

2009-06-03T23:51:00.003-04:00

The Dawg, Mom and I came to Mom's condo in Garden City (Greater Myrtle Beach) so that she could see if any work or repairs needed to be done. We're also having a good time.

The Dawg has NOT lost his appetite. Look at this morning's breakfast when he was already about 1/3 through!!! He had French toast, sausage, hash browns, grits -- and maybe I'm forgetting something. Here are the three of us on the balcony and then just the two of us.

Becky came over tonight; she works at Channel 10 in Myrtle Beach. Some of her stories have been picked by stations in other markets.

He also got a call from Jeffrey tonight and was glad to hear from him.

Here's The Dawg twice! He's sitting near a mirrored wall in the condo, so his mirrored image is shown as well.

This has been enjoyable -- and it's only been a bit over 24 hours so far.

Well, mostly enjoyable. The Braves lost in overtime tonight.

Relaxation!!!

2009-06-02T11:26:00.004-04:00

Today Mom, The Dawg and I are heading to the beach for a few days of relaxation and, for me, studying. And, of course, there's TV for Carroll to watch his ballgames, especially the Braves.

Part of the time, we'll play cards, I imagine; Mom and I have told The Dawg not to think we were going to let him win just because he's been sick.

More Info

2009-06-01T13:14:00.006-04:00

The Dawg and I met with Dr. Handshoe today. He is making a referral to another specialist. Since the latter is out of town this week, he will be at least another week before Carroll has that appointment.

He is still weak but seems to be gaining a bit of strength daily. He still gets winded walking for any distance at all, but feels pretty good when he sits for a while -- unless, of course, his team isn't winning!

The Braves beat the Diamondbacks yesterday: UGA had teams in the final rounds of the World Series of College Softball (men's and women's teams) and John Smoltz had a good game pitching for the Greenville Drive last night.

Medical Appointment

2009-05-30T08:48:00.003-04:00

The Dawg has an appointment with the lung specialist, Dr. Handshoe, on Monday.

We'll know more then, or at least we're hoping we will know more then.

Keep him in your prayers!

Turn About

2009-05-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

Well, there was a bit of a turnabout today. I had to have an injection in my back this morning, so Carroll went with me. The doctor won't release a patient who does not have a "designated driver" following the sedation and procedure.

The Dawg is okay driving. It's the walking that's a problem for him. I'm hoping we hear something soon from Drs. Handshoe and Bolster.

Wednesday The Dawg is Driving!

2009-05-27T21:29:00.005-04:00

Carroll is making progress and improving! Yippee!

Today he drove for the first time since he went into the hospital (unless he did some driving without telling anyone!) Thursday will be two weeks since he went into Summerville Medical Center.

Carroll said the driving didn't bother him at all. It's the walking that literally takes his breath away.

We don't know the results of any of the tests that were done last Friday. He has appointments with two of his doctors scheduled for next week. Maybe we'll know something then and let's hope it's good news!

Monday Update

2009-05-25T21:31:00.005-04:00

Woo-hoo! We went to a movie this afternoon. This was The Dawg's first day going anywhere. I dropped him off right in front of the theater, then found a parking space. Even so, by the time we got to our seats, he was winded and tired. It takes a while to get strength back after what he's been through, but he's making progress! Yippee!

We also ate hamburgers and hot dogs with Vic, Edie, Jeffrey, Laura and Courtney. Vic & Edie live on the same street and only a few doors away, but we still went in the car. Carroll watched part of the Braves game there and part back home. The end result certainly wasn't what he hoped for.

Vic grilled some delicious hamburgers and Laura made scrumptious cinnamon bread that was like cake.

Pam and John from England sent a message but left it on my blog instead of this one, so I'm re-posting it as a comment below.

Why did I use this picture of the upper part of his face? I don't know. Maybe just to show that he still wears a hat. It's best if I don't try to explain myself.

Sunday Update

2009-05-24T22:14:00.005-04:00

The Dawg is still quite weak, especially if he moves around.

Loads of folks asked about him at St. Luke's today.

Vic called him today and reminded him to use his home breathing treatment. He feels better after each one, at least for a while.

Yes, the Braves won again today -- that's three in a row against Toronto -- so he's in a good mood.

The Dawg played baseball -- and basketball, by the way - in his younger years. In fact, he played baseball in Europe for the Air Force.

He has mentioned a certain movie he wants to see, but we're not certain he has the strength to even go to a movie.

Lisa, Jake and Ben visited him tonight and brought boiled peanuts.

Since Monday is a holiday, we don't expect to find out the results of the tests done on Friday but we certainly are anxious about them.

First Day Out of the Hospital

2009-05-23T19:29:00.005-04:00

During The Dawg's last two days in the hospital, he was just itching to get out. He had energy, he said; he felt better.

Well, he IS better, but he's also realizing that what felt like energy IN the hospital is not the same outside the hospital. He's still very weak, tires easily and is very short of breath. Just talking on the phone is a struggle.

He gets weaker just walking to the kitchen or lifting anything at all, which is why he needs to rest, relax and do nothing.

We went to the Waffle House today. Thank goodness, there was a parking spot right at the front door, but Carroll still got tired walking in.

He lost a lot of weight during his 9-day stay at Summerville Medical Center. Of course, a meal a day at the Waffle House like the one he had today will put the weight back on.

And, naturally, I'm not going to sit there and watch him eat without also eating, so I'll probably be gaining as well. It's the story of my life - at least for the last few years!

The Braves won last night, so that was a picker-upper for Carroll. It was a great game!!!

He misses all of the nice, attentive folks at the hospital, but there are two things he likes about being out: he can watch all of the Braves' games AND he doesn't have to wear that "dress" any more.

We have more pictures that were taken yesterday at the hospital. Most were taken while the wonderful folks were rolling him out of the room for tests or bringing him back in after those tests. The two chest x-rays were done in the room.

It's amazing how mobile such equipment is now. There is so much that can be done right in the room. Even the transesophageal echocardigram earlier this week was done in his room.

Day 9 The Dawg is OUT!

2009-05-22T23:18:00.003-04:00

The Dawg had several procedures today, including a chest x-ray around 2:30 or 3 pm. He was able to leave the hospital at about 4 pm - finally. That means he was at his house to sit and watch the Braves win their game against Toronto tonight! Yippee!

It's wonderful that he was able to leave the hospital, but this does not mean all is well. We won't know the results of some of the tests for a few days, so continue to keep him in your prayers.

He is still tired and gets winded quite easily. There is no doubt, however, that he is better than he was - and that is good news!

More pictures tomorrow!

Day 9 in the Hospital Procedures

2009-05-22T12:14:00.002-04:00

Well, the Dawg had two procedures this morning. During one, he said they removed a quart of fluid from his lung. That ought to make a big difference, don't you think?

He'll have a chest x-ray at 12:30, then should be able to go home around 3 pm.

Day 8 in the Hospital Part 3

2009-05-21T21:55:00.008-04:00

Uh-oh. The Braves didn't win tonight. In fact, they got clobbered! That made this 4-game series with the Rockies 2 and 2.

But The Dawg can't really be upset when he's surrounded by such nice people.

Here's Latoria. She was laughing about something. You think it might have been his pulse rate??? Nah, I don't think so.

Anna is back after a vacation. She looks all rested!

Ernie "Pete" Black came by to visit tonight. Carroll had calls from Elke, as well as from Pam in Charlotte and Billy in Brevard.

I think Hazel called again from Scotland. We've gotten loads of calls and e-mails asking about Carroll: Rosa and Don, Ed & Diana, Pat, John, (brother) Shawn, Mom and more. The days are beginning to run together, as are visits and e-mails.

Tonight, after it was pretty obvious the Braves weren't winning, we worked on today's crossword while eating Edie's boiled peanuts and half-way watching the game.

Although Carroll is eager to leave the hospital, I think he has enjoyed all of the attention he has been getting.

Day 8 in the Hospital Part 2

2009-05-21T16:49:00.006-04:00

When I got to the hospital today, The Dawg was out of his hospital "dress" and in his regular clothes. No sheets on the bed and he was packed up. He was ready to go home. Dr. Bolster told him early this morning that he might be able to go home today, but that it would be up to Dr. Handshoe.

Here he is with Stephanie.

If you look closely in the above picture, you'll see a container of boiled peanuts next to The Dawg. His daughter-in-law, Edie, made them and brought them to him today. She also sent some on Sunday. Here's Edie:

Son, Vic, looks on as Stephanie checks Carroll, probably wiring him up to machine he took off when he got dressed.

Well, he's not going home today. More tests Friday morning; however, Dr. Handshoe has already said Carroll can go home Friday afternoon.

Here is Dr. Handshoe giving him the news:

He'll have fluid drawn off his lungs tomorrow to testing to determine what kind of fluid it is and what's causing it. There will also be biopsies.

Cancer has not been ruled out but Dr. Handshoe said the spot on the upper right lung didn't look like cancer, although, as he mentioned, cancer can look different some times. There's also a possibility of "bird fancier's lung disease." There are probably other possibilities as well. We should know more after tomorrow's tests are read, which probably won't be until Tuesday since Monday is a holiday.

Everybody at Summerville Medical Center has been wonderful, but The Dawg still wants to go home.

Here's another one of the nice people. She's Jenny, and she shares Carroll's last name. She's a Smith.

Thank goodness, the Braves are playing tonight on a channel Carroll can get in the hospital room.

Day 8 in the Hospital

2009-05-21T10:46:00.003-04:00

There's a chance that The Dawg will be able to go home today!!! It's not definite, though. Dr. Bolster told him this morning the infection is not totally cleared but that he would let him go home IF Dr. Handshoe releases him as well. Even if he goes home, he will return on Friday for the bronchoscopy, based on yesterday's discussion.

We'll see.

Day 7 in the Hospital Part 3

2009-05-20T22:44:00.004-04:00

Earlier this week, we posted a picture of the flowers from St. Luke's. Now there are more; his room is beginning to look quite floral!

These arrived today from Elke and Pete. Aren't they gorgeous?

These are the ones Starla and her daughter, Tora, brought by on Monday night. Beautiful yellow roses in this arrangement.

Mom sent something to Carroll today; she said it was to take the place of flowers. We'd better not show the picture, though! You'll just have to wonder about this one!

Day 7 in the Hospital Part 2

2009-05-20T22:24:00.006-04:00

Krissy, Jackie, Connie, Lauren and Tiffany

Krissy, Jackie, Connie, Lauren, Tiffany, Jennifer and George were among those caring for and helping The Dawg today. Dr. Bolster was back today; Dr. Handshoe came in and ordered the CAT scan.

Carroll is feeling so much better tonight. The Braves won!

After a breathing treatment, George said Carroll sounded much improved but he could still hear some wheezing.

There have been loads of calls and e-mails wishing Carroll well. Thanks so much for all of them. Again, feel free to leave your comments below any of these posts.

Day 7 in the Hospital Part 1

2009-05-20T19:26:00.006-04:00

Today the Dawg had a CAT scan which took about 30 minutes. This wasn't until late afternoon, so we won't know the results until sometime tomorrow probably. A bronchoscopy might be done on Friday.

Carroll has still been somewhat nauseated today. He's still doing the breathing treatments, getting three antibiotics through IV and taking other medicines.

But, he seems to be feeling better today than he did yesterday - and a lot better than he did on Monday. Whether this is because of time and medication or because the Braves won last night is anyone's guess!

And, then again, it might be because Mary Meynardie from St. Luke's came in earlier and had devotions with him.

Day 6 in the Hospital Part 3

2009-05-20T12:12:00.003-04:00

The Dawg and I were both in his room when we started hearing a strange noise, which is not terribly unusual in the hospital. Something's always beeping. Maybe his IV monitor; maybe one down the hall. There are all kinds of sounds.

But this one was different. After the loud noise sounded a few times, we heard an announcement over a speaker system -- except that we couldn't understand it. I thought I heard something about behind the administration office. We heard scurrying in the hallway.

Then someone came to the door and confirmed our suspicions. It was a fire alarm!!!!

Now, here we are on 3rd floor - and he's hooked up to machines and such. (And him wearing what he calls "this dress" that's open down the back.)

The lady at the door said it was indeed a fire alarm, and then she started shutting the door. I asked what we were supposed to do.

She said to just wait. No one smelled any smoke. If there was anything to it, they would keep him (The Dawg) safe.

A short while later, someone else came and opened the door and said everything was okay.

Oh, well, so much for excitement in the hospital!

Day 6 in the Hospital Part 2

2009-05-19T21:12:00.004-04:00

Yippee! At some point tonight, The Dawg started feeling better. He's still on antibiotics, insulin, breathing treatments and several other medications.

All afternoon, he felt nauseous and was in pain. He didn't want to eat (except he was in the mood for peanut butter and thought he could handle that!) He hurt too much to talk and was too nauseated to sit up.

In the early evening - around 7:30-ish - he started feeling better. We aren't certain why.

Maybe the pain medicine kicked in, maybe the anti-nausea medicine kicked in and maybe the medicine that made him groggy for the TEE procedure early in the day finally wore off.

We both believe, though, he started feeling better while Pastor Bob Holley was there. Carroll really enjoys those visits from Bob Holley.

Not to take away from Bob, but it was right after his visit that Carroll learned the Braves were leading in the game against the Rockies. That certainly didn't hurt anything!

And, then again, maybe he perked up because he knew I was leaving after about nine hours of being there and bugging him!

You know the old saying: Some people make others happy by their arrival - and some by their leaving!

Day 6 in the Hospital Part 1 - Good News

2009-05-19T13:11:00.005-04:00

Carroll had the transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) today and the report is good. Dr. Coker said there is no vegetation on the other valve.

Team members look almost TOO happy to be starting this process, don't they?

There's still some infection in the lungs, based on yesterday's tests, so he's still on antibiotics. There's also a yeast infection in his mouth.

He has his cell phone and is able to receive calls on that, although he gets very winded while talking.

The Dawg has had some nice visitors this morning. Danny Seay came by, as did Ruben Grooms. Carroll's son, Vic, was at the hospital before, during and after the TEE. I wasn't in the room when Danny & Ruben stopped in, so I didn't get photos of them. Vic is pictured below.

Pat Gerwig, who works at Summerville Medical Center and who goes to church at St. Luke's, came by shortly after the procedure. Wanda Garris called to check on The Dawg today. She and Carroll worked together at the shipyard a "few" years ago. Wanda was stuck talking to me because Carroll had just been given the medicines to make him groggy for the procedure.

Courtney, his granddaughter, came by last night after I left. He enjoyed her visit also.

Day 5 in the Hospital Part 2

2009-05-18T21:07:00.005-04:00

There are absolutely no complaints about personnel at Summerville Medical Center. They have been wonderful!

Below are Lauren, Jennifer, Nancy and Kelly. Ella was back again today also.

Carroll saw three doctors today: Quinn, Kaelin and Coker.

There have been phone calls from Vic, Edie and Chelsey. Unfortunately, Carroll gets too winded doing much talking.

Just as I was leaving to teach a class tonight, Starla Pickens and her daughter, Tora, came by with some beautiful flowers, including yellow roses. Thanks!

Feel free to leave your messages for Carroll under the Comments section beneath this post.

Day 5 in the Hospital Part I

2009-05-18T17:25:00.005-04:00

These beautiful flowers were one of the arrangements at St. Luke's yesterday. How nice that Carroll was the recipient of one of the vases!

Carroll has been nauseated today and he had a headache. He finally asked for medicine for both - instead of trying to "grin and bear it." Well, actually, he wasn't doing a whole lot of grinning.

It seems there's a new infection in his mouth because all of the antibiotics they've been giving him have been so strong that they've also killed off the "good" bacteria.

Tuesday morning, The Dawg will have a transesophageal echocardiogram. Here's the info I found on the Internet from the Cleveland Clinic:

During the transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) test, an ultrasound transducer (which produces high frequency sound waves) provides pictures of the heart's valves and chambers and helps the physician evaluate the pumping action of the heart.
The ultrasound transducer is positioned on an endoscope (a long, thin, flexible instrument about 1/2 inch in diameter). The endoscope is placed into your mouth and passed into your esophagus (the "food pipe" leading from your mouth into your stomach) to provide a close look at your heart's valves and chambers without interference from the ribs or lungs.
TEE is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to evaluate blood flow across the heart’s valves. TEE is often used when the results from standard echo studies were not sufficient or when your doctor wants a closer look at your heart.

Dr. Coker says this will take about 15 minutes. It is not for treatment but rather for evaluation purposes. There's a chance there is something wrong with another valve (the aortic valve is the one that he's to have replaced during open heart surgery once he gets well.)

Day 4 with The Dawg

2009-05-17T22:58:00.009-04:00

Well, there was a minor problem today, or perhaps it was major, depending on one's perspective. The Atlanta Braves' games don't always come on the same channel. Up until today, their games had been on channels that we couldn't get in the hospital room. Finally - today - the game between Atlanta and Arizona was scheduled on a channel available at Summerville Medical Center.

There was a rain delay. Actually, it was delayed so long that it was finally postponed! No Braves game today.

Most of Sunday, The Dawg was tired, sleepy and not feeling well, although he was breathing a bit better. By the evening, he had improved a little.

For a while his arm was hurting a lot where the IV entered his right arm. The nurse said he probably bent the tube a little and it was likely pressing against a vein or something. It hurt, but he also didn't want it taken out, having to reinsert it. Laura said she had to take it out. After it was done, Carroll was glad it had been done.

In this picture, he and Sonia are both smiling. I guess she hadn't stuck him with a needle or done anything to bother him at that point! The truth is that she never did anything to bother him. I'm not so sure how she got that big smile out of him, though.

Sandra is another of the Summerville Medical Center personnel taking care of him today. Like Sonia and all of the others, Sandra is very nice.

Here's Betty, so friendly and so polite -- and always smiling.

The Dawg had several visitors today. Before I got to the hospital, Edie, Jeffrey and Laura came to visit. Jeffrey and Laura are busy planning a wedding, but they were nice enough to take time to come by. Edie made some boiled peanuts for Carroll. He LOVES boiled peanuts!!

Sunday afternoon, "the twins" - Mary and Helen - came to visit. They are always lots of fun.

John and Deb came by for a while and brought a book for Carroll to read. Wasn't that nice? John is one of Carroll's best friends.

Another of Carroll's closest friends is Chuck. You should have seen the umbrella he was carrying! Carroll and I play a card game called "Fan Tan" with Chuck and his wife, their son and daughter-in-law. We also play Fan Tan with other folks from time to time, especially Mom.

Pastor Sue Briner from St. Luke's took time out of her very busy schedule to come by, chat and have a prayer with us. She's getting ready to go to a "Preaching Festival" in Atlanta for five days. She's looking forward to it, but it doesn't sound like much fun to me. However, Desmond Tutu is the opening speaker for the festival, so it must be a pretty big deal.

Sunday night Lisa came by with Jake, Ben and Kelly. Those boys are growing!

Carroll got a call from his son, Vic, tonight and he was glad to hear from him. Loads of people have called or e-mailed. Some of their messages are in the comments below this post and also below previous posts. He even received a call from Hazel in Scotland.

Mandy and Lorri called to check on Carroll; Wendy and Susan sent messages.

Day Three

2009-05-16T23:33:00.008-04:00

Well, Day Three wasn't so good, but that's primarily because the Braves didn't win tonight. In fact, they didn't win by a whole lot.

The Dawg was still tired today, wheezing and short of breath, but he's certainly better than he was on Thursday.

Now, let's talk about the personnel at Summerville Medical Center. Have you ever seen people who seem so delighted to bring the needles to stick the patients?

Laura, Jenny, Lori, Bobbie and Pam certainly seem to enjoy their jobs! They've been wonderful!

In fact, I almost hate to leave at night. They seem to enjoy The Dawg too much!

Here, I think Bobbie is having the same problem with Carroll that Mindy had yesterday. He's not supposed to talk when he's taking the breathing treatment (i.e. "smoking the peace pipe.")

He had some nice visitors today, including Vic & Edie, Lisa, Pete & Mary, and Pastor Holley from St. Luke's. Pastor Holley, who had just arrived (two hours earlier) back in the area from his daughter's graduation in Chicago, had devotions with Carroll.

Friday Night - More Great Folks!

2009-05-16T00:21:00.003-04:00

In the previous post, we showed Mindy, the respiratory therapist who spent a long time with Carroll, listening to his stories about training pigeons. That's something he's been doing since he was about 12 years old. He had pigeons in a race last November in Jacksonville and has some entered in a race this coming November. In that race the pigeons will fly from near Nashville, TN, to the Spartanburg, SC, area.

The next friendly Summerville Medical Center employee we met was Julie. I can't remember exactly what she was doing in this picture, but I believe this is just after one of the contraptions he's hooked up quit working. It was telemetry monitor, I think. Julie had it working in no time.

Carrie was his evening nurse Friday evening/Saturday morning. Carrie is one more member of a great staff. She checked in on him several times and seems to be very patient. That's good!

George is another respiratory therapist. While The Dawg was taking another breathing treatment (smoking his "peace pipe"), we learned that George likes hunting and fishing.

Friday night, The Dawg watched the Georgia-South Carolina baseball game on TV, the live feed of the Atlanta-Arizona baseball game on the Blackberry and he worked today's crossword puzzle.

He's still coughing and there's still some wheezing. It will take more than these two days in the hospital to clear up the pneumonia and to find out if that is the only problem in his lungs. He's still getting three kinds of antibiotics and other medications.

There's only one time I've questioned his behavior. Yesterday when I looked up from paperwork, he was watching TV. He was watching one of those home shopping networks; they were selling nothing but bras! Somehow, I don't think he was in the market to buy one!

It's Day Two at the Hospital

2009-05-15T18:44:00.005-04:00

It's Day Two for this hospital stay, and there are still likes and dislikes.

The Dawg is better today. This is a great big like. Of course, he's not well, but better than yesterday. Apparently the antibiotics, breathing treatments, rest, sleep, oxygen, etc. are all helping. He even sat up in a chair for a while today.

Here he is shown smoking a peace pipe. That's what he calls it but actually he's taking a breathing treatment. The Dawg wasn't supposed to be talking while taking the treatment, but he kept trying to talk anyway. Imagine that!

The respiratory therapist kept turning it off each time he talked. He's looking at her, just waiting to talk again.

Below, Mindy, the respiratory therapist, has a great big smile. Maybe it's because he FINALLY quit talking and finished the breathing treatment.

And, yes, he's still tired of wearing "this dress." The dress is a dislike.

Unfortunately, the TV in his hospital room doesn't have enough channels for him to get to see the Atlanta Braves play tonight, so that might cause a temporary setback. Being unable to see the Braves game is one of his dislikes.

Jane Hartwig from church (St. Luke's) came by today and prayed with him. When she left, he said he thought he felt better already! Now, that's a real big like!

The Dawg: Hospital Likes and Dislikes

2009-05-14T22:27:00.006-04:00

This is the remote for the TV. This is a BIG dislike. Here's the reason. He can't go down on the channels, only up.

So, for example, if he has been watching something on channel 7 but wants to find something else. He can go up only. If he has just finished a show on 7 and knows there's a sports event on 5 that he wants to watch, he has to click on every channel up to about 125, then back to 2, 3, 4 and finally 5. No, he doesn't like this.

He liked his food tonight, especially the beef and rice.

Here, he's talking to Ella. She was the daytime nurse today -- and she's great. She even remembered us from his last stay in the hospital back in February (or early March.) Even if she weren't good, he'd like her. She has the same last name as a player for the Atlanta Braves. Nancy was there today also. Ella put up with a lot from us today - always with a smile.
Tonight, his nurse is Kevin, who is assisted by Tamme. I only got to see them briefly before leaving at 9 pm.

Oh, this picture also has a dislike. He dislikes the "dress" he is wearing. That's what he has been calling the hospital gown.

This sign, I guess, is a big like also. It's just outside his door; there's one just like it outside the door of the man in the next room. That's because both patients are men and both are named "Smith." Ella told The Dawg that if someone came in during the middle of the night with a humongous needle to tell 'em they had the wrong Smith.

In the Hospital

2009-05-14T17:41:00.007-04:00

The Dawg’s open heart surgery - scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th - has been postponed.
That’s because he’s in the hospital with lung problems.

After an initial x-ray, his doctor thought the spots on his lungs might be cancer. Now, after a follow-up MRI, it seems that he may have pneumonia instead. His doctor asked him to come into his office this morning and decided to put him in the hospital immediately.
The lung specialist saw him this afternoon at the hospital.

Pneumonia is what they’re treating him for right now anyway – with intravenous antibiotics. Actually, he’s on three kinds of antibiotics. There also may be some fluid in his lungs because of his defective heart valve.

One of the doctors said Carroll most likely will be in the hospital about 5 to 7 days. Any infection of any sort must be completely cleared up before he can have the surgery to replace his heart valve.

He's in pretty good spirits. That's because he just found a Georgia Bulldogs football game on TV. You're probably thinking it's not football season. You're right; it's not the right season. It's a game that's almost 13 years old!

As long as it's Georgia, the year of the game doesn't matter!