Hospital Stay - Day 31 - Baby Steps

After a good beginning yesterday and then a real tough day in the afternoon and early evening, followed by some progress right at the end of the day, Jodi had a pretty good night and has done quite well today.

She's had a few bites of scrambed eggs and some juice and Ensure for breakfast. She's been able to incline her bed to 30 degrees and handle it. She has been up and to the bathroom, with help, but she did it. She also went for a real walk, with help again, but it was important for her to do. I know you've heard this before and seen pictures before, but all of those were over a week ago and before this last surgery. She's had to start at the beginning and do it all over again. So today, thus far, is a day of noticable progress...maybe they are "baby steps", but they are real and are promising.

Now we are praying they continue without the pattern of the past and a drop back down later. We hope she just keeps climbing upward from here. Whatever it takes she will do...as much with your help, encouragement and support as with her own natural optimism and determination.

Oh, the doctors are still trying to determine why her headaches continue. They may do an MRI today to see if the area where she had her last lumbar drain is leaking under the skin. If so, they may do another "blood patch" to try and seal it. In the meantime, the plan is for her to keep stretching herself with enough activity to move forward without going too far, too fast, and creating a problem.

In any case, things right now are looking up.

Also, Tolan is at Lagoon (an amusement park) with the kids today. Since they missed out on their planned trip to Disneyland and Hawaii, he is treating them to some fun.

Jodi wants to thank everyone again for their prayers of support. She's been hearing from childhood friends and high school friends she hasn't talked to in years and that has really been a blessing to her.

Jodi taking the "baby steps" needed to get back to something closer to normal.

Jodi resting after those "baby steps" before she is wheeled back to her room.

Jodi appreciated a visit today from her Grandma and Grandpa Ketchum.