Journal entry by Amanda McAllister —
Hi everyone! Wanted to jump on here and give an update on Steph’s recovery! Sorry for dropping off the radar for so long - we’ve been busy busy busy. Steph’s been working her butt off the past couple months! Here’s a little update on things...
As you know, we’ve been at the Ulery’s during this transitional time. They’ve been beyond generous and so welcoming to us! Huge shout out to the best friends anyone could ask for! Steph has been receiving in-home therapy every day while here. Physical therapy to improve her mobility, balance, and overall strength. Occupational therapy to work on daily routine, self-care, and independence. And speech therapy which focuses on cognitive areas such as sequencing, communication, and higher order thinking. She’s also been working with a neuro-ophthalmologist on her eyesight and double vision. We’ve had regular checkups with her neuro-surgeon, primary care physician, and therapy assessment team. She’s doing great! Showing major improvement in some areas, minor improvement in others - but all to be expected. Some of the issues she’s facing will take months and years to fully heal. But she’s doing the best she can and we’re SO proud of her! It’s amazing how far she’s come since August 24th.
Her mobility has improved leaps and bounds! Still a bit wobbly, but getting around just fine without her walker. She’s on the move! Her short term memory issues are still pretty pronounced, but she’s remembering things more and more! We see progress and are hopeful that she will snap back! Her confabulation is still pretty wild, but she’s continually more aware of it each week. Progress is slower at this point than it was in the beginning, but we’ve been told it’s par for the course and we just need to keep working! She will get through this, we just know it! If anyone can, it’s Steph.
She’s had lots of fun outings and visitors over the past couple months. Visits to the lake to see dear friends, hangouts with local pals, and spending time with her mom and grand-baby as often as possible. She still gets pretty wiped out after social interactions, but her doctors have encouraged outings and visits, as long as they’re short and sweet! She’s still building her stamina back up. But her face lights up when she gets to spend time with loved ones, and that’s the best medicine of all.
Steph’s 24/7 care has definitely taken a toll on all of us, but a huge shout out to Bryan who is with her most often! Steph is lucky to have such a supportive, loving, and loyal partner. We couldn’t have gotten this far without him. We also have a few rockstar folks that have been coming by on a weekly basis to do activities with Steph, which is immensely helpful! Sitting for a visit with open-ended questions or without a goal or task in mind are very hard for Steph, as she tends to spiral with wild storytelling. But a few Rockstar Helpers have planned an hour activity visit that works really well and gets her to focus on the task at hand, promoting brain activity and recovery. Everything from helping complete therapy homework sheets, playing a board game, and even a box of brownie mix are perfect for her right now! The hour of activity is the visit and makes a huge impact for everyone. We’d love (need) to get a few more weekly helpers lined up, so please feel free to reach out if you think you could help. Friends have also dropped off dinners, which is beyond appreciated! It really means a lot. Thank you all so much!
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving all together and enjoyed the holiday to the fullest! Steph had a celebratory glass of wine (Dr’s orders) and loved spending time with family. She will be staying with her daughters over the Christmas holiday - two weeks with Amanda & Anna. We’re looking forward to making cookies, wrapping presents, looking at Christmas lights, watching Elf on repeat, and playing all kinds of fun games! Steph is excited and so are we.
The next few months will bring new challenges and new milestones... one day at a time! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the love and support along this incredibly difficult journey. We feel the love, Steph feels the love, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! Talk soon.
P.s. Steph’s phone is currently disabled. (Too many accidental passcode attempts.) We’re working with Apple support to get it resolved. So feel free to text/call one of us if you’re trying to get ahold of her. Thanks!
As you know, we’ve been at the Ulery’s during this transitional time. They’ve been beyond generous and so welcoming to us! Huge shout out to the best friends anyone could ask for! Steph has been receiving in-home therapy every day while here. Physical therapy to improve her mobility, balance, and overall strength. Occupational therapy to work on daily routine, self-care, and independence. And speech therapy which focuses on cognitive areas such as sequencing, communication, and higher order thinking. She’s also been working with a neuro-ophthalmologist on her eyesight and double vision. We’ve had regular checkups with her neuro-surgeon, primary care physician, and therapy assessment team. She’s doing great! Showing major improvement in some areas, minor improvement in others - but all to be expected. Some of the issues she’s facing will take months and years to fully heal. But she’s doing the best she can and we’re SO proud of her! It’s amazing how far she’s come since August 24th.
Her mobility has improved leaps and bounds! Still a bit wobbly, but getting around just fine without her walker. She’s on the move! Her short term memory issues are still pretty pronounced, but she’s remembering things more and more! We see progress and are hopeful that she will snap back! Her confabulation is still pretty wild, but she’s continually more aware of it each week. Progress is slower at this point than it was in the beginning, but we’ve been told it’s par for the course and we just need to keep working! She will get through this, we just know it! If anyone can, it’s Steph.
She’s had lots of fun outings and visitors over the past couple months. Visits to the lake to see dear friends, hangouts with local pals, and spending time with her mom and grand-baby as often as possible. She still gets pretty wiped out after social interactions, but her doctors have encouraged outings and visits, as long as they’re short and sweet! She’s still building her stamina back up. But her face lights up when she gets to spend time with loved ones, and that’s the best medicine of all.
Steph’s 24/7 care has definitely taken a toll on all of us, but a huge shout out to Bryan who is with her most often! Steph is lucky to have such a supportive, loving, and loyal partner. We couldn’t have gotten this far without him. We also have a few rockstar folks that have been coming by on a weekly basis to do activities with Steph, which is immensely helpful! Sitting for a visit with open-ended questions or without a goal or task in mind are very hard for Steph, as she tends to spiral with wild storytelling. But a few Rockstar Helpers have planned an hour activity visit that works really well and gets her to focus on the task at hand, promoting brain activity and recovery. Everything from helping complete therapy homework sheets, playing a board game, and even a box of brownie mix are perfect for her right now! The hour of activity is the visit and makes a huge impact for everyone. We’d love (need) to get a few more weekly helpers lined up, so please feel free to reach out if you think you could help. Friends have also dropped off dinners, which is beyond appreciated! It really means a lot. Thank you all so much!
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving all together and enjoyed the holiday to the fullest! Steph had a celebratory glass of wine (Dr’s orders) and loved spending time with family. She will be staying with her daughters over the Christmas holiday - two weeks with Amanda & Anna. We’re looking forward to making cookies, wrapping presents, looking at Christmas lights, watching Elf on repeat, and playing all kinds of fun games! Steph is excited and so are we.
The next few months will bring new challenges and new milestones... one day at a time! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the love and support along this incredibly difficult journey. We feel the love, Steph feels the love, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! Talk soon.
P.s. Steph’s phone is currently disabled. (Too many accidental passcode attempts.) We’re working with Apple support to get it resolved. So feel free to text/call one of us if you’re trying to get ahold of her. Thanks!
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