Frankenstein!

WARNING: This photo if not for the squeamish or faint at heart!

Can you even believe that incision? Wow!  I knew no one would even believe me without actually seeing it for themselves. They didn't have to shave much hair, so unfortunately my plans to give Travis a mohawk have been foiled. Just a quick update while I am home and taking my 2nd shower in over 4 days. Every day is better for Travis. His pain and nausea are totally under control. He ate a very healthy breakfast today consisting of frosted flakes, hot chocolate, cranberry juice and grapes. He even asked for a Twix and a Coke late last night. Yah, his special new diet will hopefully be short lived until I can get him home to his spinach and tofu smoothies! No one eats healthy at the hospital, right? Also great news, the lumbar drain was removed last night and he is off all monitors. We are waiting for a bed in a regular room, but he is off ICU status. He also isn't requiring pain meds as often.

We have an idea of what his recover is going to be like. A physical and occupational therapist both evaluated Travis and both recommended an inpatient rehab facility once he is discharged from the hospital. This will give Travis a fast track to overcoming the weaknesses he is having. The brain stem controls balance, coordination, vision, speech, swallowing, and a lot more. He is a little weak with the balance and coordination and vision. When I say weak, I mean he just needs some concentrated work to get back to normal. The therapists assured me that he can make a complete recovery. Inpatient rehab will move that along more quickly so Travis can get back to work and helping me out with the kids and house! He has been doing techniques already to improve all of this. He did mention to me and Kevin, the physical therapist at the hospital, that walking with the help of a walker and another person is "very humbling". But you should see him, he is soooo determined to bounce back quickly. He is truly the most positive and motivated I have ever seen him.

We are doing so well, mostly because of the HUGE support we are receiving for family and friends. My kids think this is the best vacation ever! They have loved spending time with wonderful friends and family. I don't know why, but it still makes me so emotional when I receive calls, emails, comments here, notes, etc. I feel absolutely no stress or anxiety about this process because I know I have countless people to help the second I ask. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! You are all angels to me.