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A Birthday In Quarantine: Santa Clarita Resident Continues Chronicling Coronavirus Recovery – Part 11

Carl Goldman, owner of KHTS Radio, is continuing to share his first-hand account of living under quarantine with the coronavirus, after contracting COVID-19 after the Diamond Princess cruise.

Back In The States With The Coronavirus – Day 17 (Friday)

It’s Friday morning. My battle with the coronavirus, COVID-19 continues.

My low fever is gone, but I am not feeling as good as in previous days. I am coughing a lot. The slight tightness in my chest has returned.

My wife Jeri is doing well. Aside from yearning for our still-missing luggage and maybe a salad from Chipotle, she continues to be a trooper. She remains free of the virus. If her good health continues, she’ll return to Santa Clarita on March 3. My return date is unknown. It is up to my body.

At noon, I am given an inhaler. It helps. An hour later the tightness in my chest disappears. Aside from vitamins and supplements the only medication I continue to take is Gatorade.

My doctor is awesome. She’s an Air Force Academy graduate. My oldest son graduated from West Point. We tease each other about the outcome of future Army-Airforce football matchups.

The entire medical team at the bio-containment unit at Nebraska Medicine is incredible. They enter my room every few hours to evaluate me.

Everyone who enters my room wears a full hazmat outfit. Their outfits are sealed with duct tape. The three layers of medical gloves make for interesting dexterity. I eye them very cautiously each time they stick a needle in my arm to draw blood for yet another sample.

A fan is attached to their backs to allow air to circulate through their suits. Their fan sounds like a vacuum cleaner. My wife, Jeri would find that very soothing. Me, not so much.

michigan state carl goldman coronavirus quarantine

Most of the staff have 12-hour shifts, three days a week. They only wear their hazmat outfits for three or four hours. The time must feel longer due to the discomfort. The majority of members of my medical team grew up in Omaha. California to them consists of the lyrics to The Mamas & The Papas classic and maybe a Beach Boys or Eagles hit or two.

Financial stories are discussing the economic impact of the coronavirus. COVID-19. Airlines and cruise ships will obviously take a hit. I suspect Pepsi-Co stock will shoot up. Pepsi owns Gatorade.

Today, my medical team pitched in and bought me new clothes. I’ve been rotating the two sets I’ve had since arriving in Omaha. I continue to be touched by their kindness. I’m suspicious they have ulterior motives. They took away my Michigan sweatshirt and replaced it with a Nebraska Cornhuskers shirt.

They promise to return my Michigan shirt after washing. Sure, it may be lost down the same deep dark hole as our luggage.

carl goldman cornhuskers coronavirus quarantine

It doesn’t matter. I will proudly wear my ‘Huskers shirt. I am now a Nebraska fan for life.

Someday I’d like to return to Omaha. I’d see the sights that I can’t see from my quarantined room. I’d work my way through the top 10 restaurants to experience an Omaha steak. It’s the one menu item missing from my room service selection.

Back In The States With The Coronavirus – Day 18 (Saturday)

Another morning with no fever. Yippee!

I have a slight headache. I am still coughing up a lot of mucus as my body continues to battle the coronavirus, COVID-19.

I remain in quarantine in the bio-containment unit of Nebraska Med in Omaha.

Today is my 67th birthday. I woke up to a very fun video greeting our KHTS staff made to celebrate. I was touched. It put a big smile on my face.

I’ve been away from Santa Clarita for 36 days. Apparently, it took over a month for my staff to miss me. When I return to Santa Clarita, I am taking the over/under on how many days it will take our staff to wish I was back in quarantine.

This morning Jeri was interviewed live on Neil Cavuto’s show on Fox. For someone who has worked in radio her entire life and wouldn’t be caught near a microphone, she’s now a veteran of all the networks, ABC, CBS, and Fox to mention a few. She’s awesome, transmitting via FaceTime from her quarantined room, three blocks away from me.

Jeri continues to provide video updates on Facebook. 99 percent of the comments are very supportive. It’s the 1 percent of vile, hateful comments, wishing her grandchildren were dead, that makes me scratch my head, baffled. I suggested she stay away from social media. She’s a trooper and wants to keep everyone informed. She’s going to ignore the one-percenters. She’s a lot tougher than I am, although I know those comments hurt.

The other day I watched her live interview on one of the national networks. It was interrupted. The network cut to a live impromptu press conference as President Trump boarded Airforce One. I believe I am the only husband on the west side of Omaha who can claim his wife was pre-empted by our President.

electrolyte gatorade cake

Photo courtesy of CAKE(RE)MIX

Jeanna Crawford, owner of Inside SCV magazine texted a virtual birthday cake to me. It was, of course, made from Gatorade.

Our traveling companion, Jerri Jorgensen tested positive once again for the novel corona virus, COVID-19. She has been recovering in her Fukushima, Japan hospital. Big, big bummer. Jerri has been in good health since the day she entered the hospital, with no side effects of the virus, unlike me. All of us will have to receive two negative tests, 24-hours apart to be free of the virus and released to freedom. Jerri looked as if she might win ‘The Great Quarantine Race’ back home. Now, we are all back in the running.

My dear friend, Chris Hoefflin commented about my tangled monitor wires each time I return to bed and try to re-hook them myself. He hinted I should mix them up and cause a little havoc for my medical team in central command down the hall. It’s a funny idea, but I’m already causing them enough stress. I decided to store Chris’ idea for April Fools.

My medical team brought me a cake with an unlit candle taped to the box. It’s a nice touch. It is against regulations to light a candle here in Nebraska Medicine. I saved the unlit candle as a souvenir of my very memorable 67th birthday.

Before I turn in for the night, the computer screen across my room flashes on. My entire medical team is on camera singing happy birthday. I smile and wave, now knowing how the astronauts felt celebrating birthdays in the middle of missions. My “Houston Control” rocks.

carl birthday cake coronavirus 022020

The cake given to Carl Goldman by his Omaha medical team during coronavirus quarantine.

Read All Of Carl’s Journals Here: Carl Goldman Coronavirus Journals

Part 1: Santa Clarita Residents Share First-Hand Account Of Quarantine On Diamond Princess Cruise Ship Due To Coronavirus

Part 2: Santa Clarita Residents Share First-Hand Experience Of Coronavirus Quarantine On Diamond Princess: Part Two

Part 3: Santa Clarita Residents Share First-Hand Experience Of Coronavirus Quarantine On Diamond Princess

Part 4: Trapped In The Coronavirus Quarantine Aboard The Diamond Princess: Part Four

Part 5: Santa Clarita Residents Share Emotions As They Prepare To Leave Coronavirus Quarantine Cruise: Part Five

Part 6: Santa Clarita Residents To Return To United States After Coronavirus Quarantine On Diamond Princess: Part Six

Part 7: Santa Clarita Resident Diagnosed With Coronavirus Sets Record Straight: Part 7

Part 8: Santa Clarita Resident Battles Coronavirus After Diamond Princess Cruise: Part 8

Part 9: Santa Clarita Resident Continues To Recover From Coronavirus Diagnosis: Part 9

Part 10: Living With Coronavirus: Santa Clarita Resident Continues To Share Story — Part 10

Part 12: Coronavirus Quarantine Continues As Santa Clarita Resident Recovers From COVID-19: Part 12

Part 13: Coronavirus Patient From Santa Clarita Continues To Clear Misconceptions About COVID-19: Part 13

Part 14: Third Member Of The ‘Four Amigos’ Tests Positive For Coronavirus: Part 14

Part 15: Santa Clarita COVID-19 Patient Continues Recovery In Nebraska After Contracting Coronavirus: Part 15

Part 16: Carl Continues To Test Positive For Coronavirus, Jeri Still Negative: Part 16

Part 17: Carl Still Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Jeri Prepares To Return Home: Part 17

Part 18: Jeri Cleared From Quarantine, Carl Continues Coronavirus Recovery: Part 18

Part 19: Jeri Back Home, Carl Continues Coronavirus COVID-19 Recovery In Nebraska: Part 19

Part 20: Coronavirus COVID-19 Patient Carl Goldman Continues Path To Recovery: Part 20

Read All Of Carl’s Journals Here: Carl Goldman Coronavirus Journals


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A Birthday In Quarantine: Santa Clarita Resident Continues Chronicling Coronavirus Recovery – Part 11

52 comments

  1. Happy Birthday! It will truly be a memorable one.
    Thank you for letting everyone know you get to eat food. I thought you only got Gatorade.

    Get well soon!

  2. Ah, yes, Carl! Things seem like they’re looking up! Nothing, not even the Coronavirus can stop your awesome sense of humor! As for the internet haters, hey, you know there’s always gonna be those rotten apples! Only 1 percent you say? That’s NOTHING! I’d say that’s great! ? I’m surprised Gatorade by now hasn’t gifted you a lifetime supply considering all the free advertising, though! ? Soon you’ll be back home in SCV! I’m sure you and your wife are having a Wizard of Oz moment thinking “There’s NO place like home”! Think my husband has talked Lorena and Jaz into free margies for you at Betitos! Mmmmm!
    See you guys soon!

  3. I look forward to your daily reports. I wish you speedy recovery!! And happy birthday to you ?

  4. Happy Belated Birthday Carl.

  5. Carl: Take it easy and enjoy this down time. You deserve it. We have it all handled here in the SCV. they should have at least burned the candle before giving it to you. A very memorable trip, cruise and birthday. Happy Birthday Day Carl. Savor it for the entire week, month and year. Your deserve it — and I am of your vintage. Blessings – Chris & Linda.

  6. I am so unhappy knowing you both are forced to go through all this! I am in awe of your strength and seeming good nature. I would be literally hysterical! My dearest wish is for your good health to return and time to pass quickly so you and Jeri can come home to us. Happy (ha ha) Birthday & hugs from Ruthann

  7. Happy Birthday! Safe travels home whenever that is! Thank you for sharing your life with us!

  8. Happy Birthday, Carl. Godspeed to you and Jeri.
    Oh and I just wanted to mention….lit birthday candles and oxygen do not mix. FYI.
    Take care,
    ~cb

  9. Hi Carl:
    I met you and Jerri in 2009 when you interviewed me regarding my prismatic artwork. I have been following your story and admire your perseverance and sense of humor. I am praying for your full and speedy recovery and for s safe trip home.
    Carrie Dawn

  10. Happy Birthday! THANK YOU! for this blog and sharing your experiences.

  11. Happy Birthday, Carl! Hope you have a great celebration when you return home.

  12. Mr. Carl……I live in Ventura county. Saw your story by coincidence and what a lovely person you seem to be.
    Even though it is YOUR story you have such kindness and uplifting things to say about everyone else.
    Wishing your wife and yourself a very fast recovery.
    I am sure Santa Clarita will be glad when you return.
    People such as yourself restore my faith that there are good people in Cali. Angie

  13. Not surprised by the Nebraska hospitality or the fact your new wardrobe may be red going forward… request a Runza another local fave! GBR!

  14. Happy birthday to you! Sure hope you are feeling better soon! Santa Clarita sure misses you!

  15. Happy Birthday Carl! I thought you were 39.

  16. Happy Birthday, Carl! Appreciate the updates and I pray for a speedy recovery for you and all of those affected.

  17. Happy Birthday, Carl,

    Wishing you and Jeri the best. As a fellow former Midwesterner, I’m not surprised that the Nebraskans are taking good care of you. I’m so sorry that there are crappy people saying terrible things. I hope you both return home soon, healthy and safe. Take care!

    Michelle Mapes

  18. Happy birthday Carl kick that virus in the tail get well soon oh I feel so bad for you guys so sad

  19. Happy Birthday Carl!

  20. Happy Birthday Carl. We celebrate your return home!

  21. Thanks for sharing; I enjoy your humor. Wishing you a speady and FULL recovery.
    Wondering: will you get a big fat medical bill for your treatment when you get home? is this covered by your insurance? HA! I suppose this is the only way Americans get good health care… to contract a highly contagoius virus! Can you imagine the bill you would get otherwise?
    #MedicareForAll #GatoradeForAllToo !!!

  22. Wishing you a wonderful birthday! I always enjoy reading your updates and will continue to send prayers to you, Jeri, Jerri, and Mark.

  23. Happy birthday sir! Welcoming your imprived health and wishing you continued health, 2 negative tests and a quick plane trip home!!

  24. When you return to Omaha, you have to visit the Omaha Zoo, one of the finest in the nation. Get well soon and keep your spirits high and your medical team laughing.

  25. Happy Belated Birthday! You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May you recover quickly to return to your family.

  26. Thank you for sharing your story! Happy Birthday! and I hope you are completely well very soon!!

  27. Happy Birthday !! I have been following your journey and the faith with positivity you hold ! Such a great example of humanity. I live about 90 miles East of Omaha. Next time tell your team “Go Hawkeyes” and see what reaction you get. While, I am a true Iowa State Cyclones Big 12 fan, I have a heart for any Iowa team. Prayers for continued health and returning home soon.

  28. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Praying you get well soon & return home to all your fans.

  29. Hi Jeri and Carl

    We sure miss both of you at the studio!

    Part of any illness is the psychologic impact it has on us. The worry, lack of information and direction, and how your body will respond are factors that try our minds.

    For you and Jeri though, to provide an inside view as journalists and human beings, has allowed the rest of us to feel more comfortable with the threats all of us face.

    Thanks to both of you for writing and discussing your emotions and feelings during this stressful time. It does show your true character, and that is why we can’t wait until you are both back home at the studio.

    Gene Dorio, M.D.

  30. We have been following your story and appreciate you keeping us updated on how you and your wife are doing. Our married son and his wife, both were born and raised in Santa Clarita, moved to Omaha last September. They really love it back there. They have tried out several of the restaurantes and I am sure they could give you some good advice. Instagram @brittney_gage
    Ironically, our son happened to be back in Santa Clarita the day we heard you were being sent to Omaha, NE. They are missing In-N-Out and Habit but not enough to move back to CA.
    Hope you can be reunited with your wife, your luggage and the Santa Clarita community very soon!

  31. Happy (belated) Birthday. Sending wishes for you and all of those in quarantine to get well and return home and to your lives. What you’re going through is unimaginable. Your grace and good nature are evident in your accounts. From a local (Agua Dulce) resident, Donna Saufley

  32. Carl, you weren’t looking too good before you caught the Coronavirus? Jeri now looks like her Mom. Are you guys still living in Del Shannon’s house? Heads off to Larry!

  33. Happy birthday Carl! Keep getting better. I hope your home soon.

  34. Happy Birthday Carl from College of the Canyons Campus Safety! We are enjoying your wonderful humor through story of recovery.

  35. Happy Birthday!!!! Your updates are amazing – I check for them everyday.
    I wonder if you could elaborate on the Gatorade and no Tylenol aspects of your treatment – it’s interesting to me – obviously they want to give you electrolytes – but why no Tylenol? For many of us – this is such a scary time and hearing a sane voice going through it in a world-class medical facility really is both interesting and helpful!!
    Sending the happiest of greetings from Los Angeles!!

    • Apparently for a current test using an Ebola combo drug, the managers had a tough time finding people who were sick but not using any drug. To keep Carl’s body unimpacted by any drug but the ones Omaha prescribes, they’ve 86’d Tylenol.

  36. Happy Birthday Carl! I have been following you since I heard of the virus and the predicament of the Diamond Princess cruise ship. In researching online I came across your blog. Your writing is entertaining and your story is fascinating. I hope your wife, friends and yourself all return safely!! Rooting for you guys from Bend Oregon!

  37. Praying for your recovery and hoping you’ll be home soon! You and Jeri are such troopers. God bless you both in this trying time. xoxo Kathy Allie

  38. Suggestion: If you want money or more recognition while being sponsored, consider talking to a couple of the PR/Agency shops in Beverly Hills. Plenty of folks will want to see you in flesh.

  39. Happy Birthday Carl! It’s Always GO Army—- but they do need the Air Force support from Time to Time! Sending you lots of Love from the No East this week! We are touched by your strength, your and Jeri’s positive Attitude and Everyone at the GBS CIDP Foundation International send their best wishes when I met with them last week! You’ve inspired a huge village! ?

  40. Best wishes to you in your recovery. I read all of your blogs and will continue to read them until you get home. I am a lifelong Nebraskan and I am SO glad that Omaha had this facility for you. I lived in Omaha several years and it is a wonderful city, with the best hospitals. Prayers to all of you!

  41. Happy birthday from the Southern Appalachians. I am so enjoying your blog. I hope you are moving forward in your recovery today.

  42. Carl – I’m sure you don’t remember me, but I took your Radio Programming night class at UCLA back in the early 90’s. I enjoyed it so much I never forgot about you. Been following your progress. God Bless – Rob Jordan, Charlotte NC

  43. Happy Belated Birthday Carl! This was so sweet to read!

  44. Happy Birthday from Austin, Texas! You will get through this, so hang in there. XOXO

  45. Hello! Welcome to our lovely city in Nebraska! I love seeing that you’re being well cared of and i hope you make
    It back to Omaha to enjoy the fun of it!

    FYI – i don’t think you’ll get your Michigan sweatshirt back go big red and come to a game haha!

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About Carl Goldman

Carl Goldman, along with his wife, Jeri repurchased KHTS AM-1220, Santa Clarita’s hometown station on October 24, 2003. They owned it from 1990-1998, and then sold it to Clear Channel Communication in 1998, buying it back from Clear Channel in 2003. Since then, they have rebuilt KHTS as a critical voice of the Valley. In 2015 the radio station moved to its new headquarters on Main Street in Old Town Newhall, in the original Newhall Hardware building. In 2018 an FM was added, 98.1, with its signal being simulcast with AM-1220. In January 2020, Carl and Jeri cruised on the Diamond Princess. Carl was one of the first Americans to come down with Covid-19. Months earlier he was impacted by Guillain Barre Syndrome as a result of a Shingles vaccine in September 2019. He is still in recovery from the vaccine.