Today we saw the neurologist's physician's assistant and the nurse who does the baclofen pump refill.  We had three stitches removed from a site where the surgeon had removed some inflamed tissue from the previous back incision. There have been no signs of infection!  The other two incisions also look good.  The pump was refilled, but the dosage was left at the same rate.  Right now her body is nice and relaxed, and not moving so much!  We are now tapering off the two remaining medicines she was receiving by mouth since the pump's removal.  In 10 days, she should be only taking the one medication she has been on for the past three years!  We will go back to see the neurologist when the clocks are adjusted for Daylight Savings time, and he will make any further adjustments to the rate at that time, if she needs it.  We will also be starting some physical therapy to do some strengthening.  

Lauren has been so happy these last two weeks as she feels better, and is appreciating things that she has been missing for the last six months.  Yesterday Lauren and Mitch ran the Prairie Fire Half-Marathon in the rain.  Lauren was squealing with delight as she was so excited to be doing this with her dad again.  Mitch said they had at least 20 minutes of stops, however, as he had to keep scooting her back up in the running chair.  He had put a big garbage bag over her lower half to keep her dry, and she just didn't have her usual strength to push herself back up.  Even so, they had a great time!

Lauren is looking very forward to getting back to her apartment in a couple weeks, hoping to move forward in her new "normal:"  growing in independence as she explores what it is like to live more on her own.  Her staff is looking forward to experiencing this new normal as well.  Transfers are easier, and she should be able to do many things better than she has been able to. 

We definitely all have a greater appreciation for many things than we did at the beginning of 2018,  not the least of which is you, our family and our friends.  Thank you for walking this journey with us.  Thank you for your prayers, your cards, your expressions of concern, and your service.    We are genuinely grateful.

With love,
The Herrens