More Info

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

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

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.

Day 8 in the Hospital Part 2

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

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 2

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.