Update on Dick Carlson

by Dianne

Thursday, April 19^th - He met with the Doctors at Henry Ford as scheduled. They went over his records and did a CT scan. Once results are read they will schedule another appointment with him to go over their plan of action for his treatment.  

Friday, April 20^{th -} He was very tired and spent the day in bed, thinking that the previous day was too much for him to tolerate.  Did not eat or drink much all day. Did not have a temp.

Saturday, April 21^st – Upon getting out of bed that morning, he fell and Lucille was unable to get him to his feet.  An ambulance was called to transport him to Covenant Cooper Hospital in Saginaw. Upon admission he had a temp of 104.5, caused by an undetermined origin. General antibiotics were started. Lab cultures were being processed. 

Sunday, April 22 - Saginaw Drs. contacted his Drs. at Henry Ford and it was decided that he should be transported to Detroit since they are in the process of outlining his care. General antibiotics helped bring temp down.

Monday, April 23^rd – Dick is transported to Henry Ford by ambulance.  Lab cultures showed a blood infection – MRSA.  Specific antibiotics administered.  X-ray shows he also developed Pneumonia. 

April 24 – 28 – Dick is still receiving antibiotics. Lungs are clearing and he is feeling better.  Doctors plan to do a TEE test on Monday, the 30^th.  TEE is a TransEsophageal Echo. It’s a scope administered through the throat going behind the heart which helps detect infection of heart valves.  Doctors want to make sure the MRSA has not infiltrated the heart area.

If Monday’s test renders a good report, they should release him on Tuesday.  However, he will have to continue with the antibiotic for 30 more days which must be administered via the hospital. This means that Lucille will be taking him to their local hospital every day for his daily dose of antibiotics.   

Once the infection is completely gone, they will perform an embolization of the small tumor in his liver’s left lobe.  Then, we can talk about his follow up cancer care.  Until then…

PS – Dick said to tell everyone hello and that he is feeling better and looking forward to going home.

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