October 8, 2017

I apologize for the silence.  I know people are wanting updates and the latest on how Steph is doing. The truth is, the news is more of the same.  Steph is continuing an amazing recovery and makes little steps of progress every day.  She recently met with her neuro team and they reminded us all that it is a miracle that Steph survived the accident and an even bigger miracle that she is doing as well as she is.  She is adjusting to her outpatient program, during which she meets with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech/language therapists.  According to that team, Steph is regaining her balance and getting stronger every day.  While she can’t to run yet, she’s  able to do some walking and able to get some movement.  Some next goals in terms of occupational therapy, will be to help Stephanie regain some of her independence and ensure that she can do things on her own (e.g., shop, cook).  And with speech, she will still continue to work on being able express her thoughts accurately and to be able to more consistently match words with people, places, dates, and things.  Basically, Steph is making slow but sure progress and she continues to be more and more herself everyday.  

But, tomorrow IS a big day and Steph could use a few extra positive vibes, prayers, and healing thoughts sent her way.  The night of her accident, nearly 2 months ago, the neurosurgeon had to remove a larger part of Steph’s skull to make room for all the swelling.  And while she still has some minor swelling (to be expected), it’s gone down enough and she’s strong enough that tomorrow she is having cranioplasty surgery.  Essentially, she is getting her skull, which was frozen the night of the first brain surgery when it was removed, put back in.  It’s hard to believe she’s been out and about these past 2 months with only part of a skull, but she has.  Modern medicine is truly remarkable.  We are told that, as far as brain surgeries go, this is a fairly straightforward procedure.  And Steph seems calm, even excited about ditching her helmet (which she will no longer have to wear once this surgery is complete).  But to us, it feels huge.  The procedure will take several hours.  In replacing her skull, the neurosurgeons (who have been incredible and deserve so much credit), will affix her skull with permanent titanium plates and screws.  She will likely be in the hospital several days following the surgery.  And there may be some regression in her recovery before making more strides forward.  

Steph doesn’t let much stop her from anything and this surgery will be no exception.  She has been positive and optimistic every step of the way (and Dennis too for that matter), and I have no doubt she will continue to inspire us all.

With a little nod to Tom Petty, I leave you with this song:

And I won't back down
(I won't back down)
Hey, baby, there ain't no easy way out
(I won't back down)
Hey, I will stand my ground
And I won't back down

With love & gratitude for everything you all have done and continue to do. Go Steph Go

- LeeAnne

https://www.gofundme.com/gostephgo