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Buddy’s Story

Site created on August 31, 2018

Buddy was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland back in March, had surgery in April, followed by 33 radiation treatments. During this time, he developed pain in his ankle and became unable to walk. After numerous misdiagnosed Doctor visits, he entered Carilion Roanoke Memorial on 8/2 with compartment syndrome and bone infection. Three surgeries followed within a week and a wound vac was put in place where the area could not be closed. During this time he had issues with high potassium and due to the already weakened state of his kidneys, his kidneys failed and he was started on dialysis. Because of the MRSA infection in the bone, a Picc line was put in and intravenous antibiotics started. He must stay on the antibiotics at least till 9/20. Due to the complexity of his condition- “ stretcher dialysis, wound vac, and a high priced antibiotic that no nursing home in our local area would cover, we were so blessed to be able to be accepted at the UVA Transitional Hospital in Charlottesville. Geraldine and Sabrina have temporarily relocated to Charlottesville to be with and help care for Buddy. The Family would like to thank Campbell Insurance in Lynchburg for allowing Sabrina this time to be with and take care of her family!! Our objective is to be here till 9/20 to 9/22 when the antibiotics are completed and then transfer to a facility close to home for additional therapy. We will update here as things progress. God Bless and thank you to everyone for their Many, Many prayers, visits and phone calls.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Sabrina Nelms — Sep 25, 2018

Today Dad became unresponsive to nurses, doctors and to Family as well.

He has had a lot of pain these last few days and has been heavily medicated. Dialysis pretty much wiped him out yesterday as well. Drs. believe we are close to him leaving this earth to join those who have gone before us in Heaven. He is in comfort care / hospice here at UVA Transitional Hospital still and we will not be moving him to Roanoke. Please pray for his comfort and for our Family as we prepare to go through what short time we have left with him and in the days following. Thank you all for your continued love and support.

Read More of the journal titled "Tuesday, September 25,2018"

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