The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Beau Carlson is home.

Carlson, a sophomore at Wahkiakum High School, suffered a head injury during a football game with Adna in September. He spent the last month in a Portland hospital battling a life threatening infection and undergoing a second brain surgery.

He came home on October 31 with a PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) line in his arm and a pump to move antibiotics through his system to continue to stave off the infection.

According to family friend Amber Wassell Mace, Carlson will be spending a lot of time going to appointments each week for physical therapy, MRIs, and infection control. Aides from Home Health have been visiting Carlson to change his dressing and provide a supply of antibiotics each week.

His mother, Leihanna, has learned how to flush his lines and change the bags, so Beau is able to be home and comfortable, Mace said.

On Monday, Carlson woke up with a significant headache, chills, and some fluid retention. He went in for a precautionary MRI and some labs.

The MRI was okay, Mace said, and Carlson was able to come home the same day. On Tuesday, he was exhausted and wanted the house quiet and dark.

She advised that anyone wanting to visit Beau should contact his parents, Brad or Leihanna, prior to stopping by.

"Beau loves company," Mace said, "but sometimes it is just too much for him when he is having a bad day or is exhausted. Also please keep in mind that loud noises are too much for Beau to handle at this time. He needs a lot of quiet time and rest to help him heal."

"The family continues to rally around Beau," Mace added. "He has a long road ahead of him. In four to six weeks, if all scans and blood work come back good, they will start to discuss putting his skull back in, which will require another surgery."

"The Carlsons can't thank everyone enough for all the continued support and prayers," Mace said.

A Go Fund Me account has been set up in Beau Carlson's name to help support him and his family during this tough time, gofundme.com/carlson-strong. Donations can be given to Mace as well. She is accepting gift cards, cash or checks for the family. She is also working with people who want to help out by making dinner for the family. She can be contacted at 360-430-9690.