Synopsis: Carroll's Last Few Weeks

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.

Update: Sunday the 21st

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.

MUSC Patient Services, Family & Superman

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)

Wednesday's Update #2

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.

In the Hospital

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.

Out of the Dawg House

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.

Monday Update

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.

Day 6 in the Hospital Part 1 - Good News

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.