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.

Crosswords, the Beach & Relaxation

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

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!!!

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.

Day 8 in the Hospital Part 3

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 7 in the Hospital Part 3

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!