Karen Richard

First post: Aug 25, 2017 Latest post: Apr 25, 2021

*Overview of Current Condition* -  Lung cancer

In March 2020 Karen went to the Emergency Room with a severe pain.    An ultrasound revealed the pain was due to gall stones.  The physician noticed other suspicious areas on the ultrasound and ordered additional tests.  She was subsequently diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.

See Journal entries for details, updates, and progress.


*Overview of Prior Condition* - ARDS

On August 10 2017 Karen went to Falmouth Hospital for a hiatal hernia surgery.  The surgery went well but afterwards she had challenges maintaining adequate blood oxygen levels and was admitted to the ICU.  She was diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).  

On August 23 2017, she was transferred by helicopter to a Boston ICU for further evaluation and treatment.   Pneumonia seemed to be the main driver of her ARDS.  She made significant progress and was weaned off the ventilator.

On Sept 8 2017, she was transferred to the Long Term Acute Care facility, Vibra Hospital in New Bedford, MA for daily physical and respiratory therapy.  She made significant progress and was able to have her tracheostomy tube and gastric tube removed.

On Sept 27 2017, she was transferred to the Skilled Nursing facility, Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation in South Dennis, MA for daily physical therapy.  She made further significant progress with her physical therapy and was approved for home release.

On October 11 2017, she went home.   


See Journal entries for detailed timeline of events.

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