Settling back in

Lee remained in the Recovery Room over night but was already fully awake and had the breathing tube out by the time I made it back to see her. We are very thankful that they appear to have developed an anesthesia "cocktail" that agrees with her! We just got her moved back to the regular neurology floor and settled in a room. She has to remain flat for 24 hours from surgery, so that is about 10 pm EST tonight. She's not too upset with that since she is quickly realizing that most EVERY movement requires involvement of the low back and hers is pretty aggrevated from the surgery.

The Physican's Assistant for Dr. B who saw her this morning said that today would be rough and tomorrow likely even worse (she equated it to going back to them gym for a workout after 20 years off) due to all of the muscles that had to be separated during the surgery. That would be our primary concern and prayer request for today is adequate pain control AND the ability to eat while lying flat WITHOUT choking.

Otherwise, all is going well and Lee remains very positive and retaining her sense of humor even amidst the discomfort. If all continues to progress as anticipated then it is likely they will begin plans to get her discharged by or on the weekend. The recommendation is for us to stay in town for a day or two after that to make certain she does well with the increased activity, but our "escape planning" can at least begin to come together! I'll plan to stick with a daily update unless something changes dramatically. It has almost feels cliche to say at this point but it continues to be as true as ever that we so appreciate your prayers, notes, love, and support and can't wait until we get to start seeing you again in person!

Steve

## Messages

Lisa Currall

December 18, 2013, 4:18 PM

Praising God and hoping for NO MORE visits to the O.R. anytime soon!! Please say Hi to Lee from all the Curralls. Blessings~

norma bannon

December 18, 2013, 4:19 PM

So glad to hear that all went well. Praying for Lee to have a good day today and tomorrow too..

Lee Anne Giurintano

December 18, 2013, 4:25 PM

Thanks for the update on Lee's progress post surgery, Steve. Sounds like Lee is hanging in there, like the trooper she is! I will ask God to bless Lee with comfort,

so she may continue to heal and pray that she will be able to get some nourishment without difficulties. She must be starving! It also sounds like the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and hopefully you can all go home very soon! Hang in there guys!! Keep the Faith!! Hugs from Paducah, Kentucky, Lee

Tom Jursik

December 18, 2013, 4:28 PM

Love and Hugs to all of you from your Glenwood family. Tom and Kay Jursik.

Brian VanCamp

December 18, 2013, 4:29 PM

Its great to see that Lee continues to successfully respond to the medical treatment, no doubt due to her strong support from family and friends! A bit of a holiday miracle? Everyone here continues to dial in their support & prayers! Hang in there, both of you!

Evalyn Forlines

December 18, 2013, 4:29 PM

What a girl!!!!! We are just so happy she has come this far. We are praying she can get something down (to eat) as you know that's important to us also. Steve, I can say what a guy.!. Both of you continue to " take care", and know love and prayers are still on the way. Bruce and Evalyn

Debby Swecker

December 18, 2013, 4:38 PM

This is marvelous news. Will pray as you directed.

sue ensign

December 18, 2013, 4:40 PM

Thanks for the privilege to be part of intercessory prayer. Praise God for all he has done, and will do for both of you!

Judy Wilson

December 18, 2013, 4:43 PM

Good News! Thank you. So glad this part is over and all Lee's focus can be on improving. Judy

Wendy Sternshein

December 18, 2013, 5:05 PM

So pleased both surgeries have gone so well. It's exciting to hear that Lee is emerging from the incredible challenges she has faced for so long now. Hearing that she is able to eat is quite a victory in itself! Her strength and spirit are amazing and we are all looking forward to seeing you both very soon.

Bill Terhune

December 18, 2013, 5:13 PM

Continued prayers for you two and blessings for staff and surgeons. Great news! Modern medical miracles ... wow! Praise His name.

Carter & Deanna Barnes

December 18, 2013, 5:24 PM

We are so happy all is progressing as planned/prayed for. Prayers will continue. Out of the hospital by Christmas will be such a blessing!

Jan Bennett

December 18, 2013, 5:26 PM

So thankful for God's faithfulness to you both! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! We will continue to pray.

Alan Provencher

December 18, 2013, 5:41 PM

More blessings! Happy to hear things are progressing well. Lee will be back here in no time at all. Hallelujah!

D Ward

December 18, 2013, 5:44 PM

Thank God for the good news!Thank you Jesus for the answered prayers. We will keep praying. Love to all, Debby and family

Nola von Neudegg

December 18, 2013, 6:14 PM

Good report! Keep 'em coming!

Susan Jenkinson

December 18, 2013, 6:33 PM

Praise The Lord for continued good news! Thank you so much for the updates to us in such times of stress and joy. Give her a hug from us in Knoxville.

Terry Puckett

December 18, 2013, 7:35 PM

THIS WEEK END?!?! WOW GOD IS INDEED GREAT!! Will be praying for pain control and the eating while laying down. Also continued prayer for Steve and the parents. Love to you all.

Sandi Henry

December 18, 2013, 7:39 PM

Praises for God answering everyone's prayers! I hope the doctors write down the recipe for her cocktail! ;-) We'll be praying that the drs. can manage her pain. As someone who works out about once a decade, I can imagine about 1% of what Lee might

have to experience. I know you guys will figure out a way for her to eat without choking. Give Lee a kiss for us. Susan Rowley December 18, 2013, 8:16 PM Praise God! Lee, My prayers are with you! Such great news, thank you Steve for the awesome updates!

Eunice Goodwin

December 18, 2013, 8:54 PM

So good to hear all this even though the pain must really be tough! Will keep praying for recovery and your escape plan! Eunice and Dan

Chris Hill

December 18, 2013, 10:01 PM

Steve, Sounds like Lee has an exceptional team at that facility for the best care & comfort during each phase. Also with East/West time zones and A,B,C shifts, you know prayers and thoughts are in the air 24/7.. How about YOU? Stay healthy & able. Focus on this event has been full throttle for

nearly 2 weeks. Don't slight your time for nutrition, liquids, walks, real rest and occasional getaways. You can multitask for precise & timely results but you need to care for yourself like you do for others. Prayers continue. Bob & Chris Sylvia O'Dell December 18, 2013, 10:01 PM Praying for you! Praying pain management works very well especially when she begins to walk. Praising God for surgery results! Dolly and Digger

Joan Bouck

December 18, 2013, 10:43 PM

We can't wait for you guys to be on your way back either! As much needed care as has been given and relied upon, we miss you both and want you home as soon as you are able. Prayers and best wishes for a speedy and sound release for Lee, and a comfortable and safe flight back. Joan LFD3

Sandy Temple

December 18, 2013, 11:18 PM

Praying, praying, praying!

Carolyn Hamby

December 19, 2013, 12:02 AM

So encouraging! Bless you for your steadfastness in updating us! Praying!

Emily Dreyer

December 19, 2013, 4:29 AM

Woohoo! You do have a long road of recovery ahead, but you already have so much done! I am so pleased for you. Laying flat and not choking while eating definitely gets old after a while (I had to be flat three days after my last TC), but it is so great to get up. Hopefully you have been up successfully by now! Love & Prayers, Emily

Sammie Rodriguez

December 19, 2013, 4:37 AM

Wonderful to hear. Still praying!

Bruce Ensign

December 19, 2013, 5:16 AM

Thank you, Steve. You have my prayers - and definitely appreciate the exact things to pray for - especially not choking. That would be too traumatic, I'm sure. God bless you two.

Jim Dickson

December 19, 2013, 5:35 PM

This is Great news, my friend. So glad to hear that everything seems to be falling into place with regard to Lee's surgeries and recovery. But let's not forget you, and your health, both physical, mental and emotional. Be sure to take care of yourself along the way as well, so that you can continue to be there, strong and fit, for whatever she may need as time goes by. As noted by others, we are looking forward to having you both back, in good health and good spirits. We would also like to wish all of

you, parents included, a very Happy Christmas, and a safe trip back to Tennessee. Love and Caring, Jim and Kathy

Karen Hoffman

December 21, 2013, 10:29 PM

Hello Brooks family! We are thinking of you both today out here from Medic 2 and sending thoughts and wishes for a speedy recovery, a blessed Chiristmas, safe travels. Lee...keep up the strong work! The Chiristmas Family night was wonderful, and I cannot say enough what a great experience it was to turn the station into a giant celebration of joy and giving. I even got

my teenages to sit on Santa Harns lap for a photo op...and they even smiled...which was our own persoanl Chirstmas miracle. Can't wait to have you both back with us, but I can image the folks around you will not want to let you go either, so for now, we will share. =) Happy Christmas! Much Love, Karen Hoffman & Brian Pedlar