I got to the hospital earlier than usual today so I got to be here for more of the action. Usually by the time I get here Joanne is done with her therapy for the day--they have been starting her as early as 7:30 a.m. with her last appointment sometime after lunch. But today I got here for her last PT of the day. So I got to see her take steps using a device that I can only describe as "half a walker". It looks like a walker but she only uses her right hand and arm to control it. It's sort of like a cane but not really. Kristen is going to be here tomorrow so maybe she'll take a picture of it so you can see what I'm talking about. Anyhow, Joanne walked about 30 feet and then turned around after a short rest and came the 30 feet back. Nikki, the PT, rolled along beside her and helped her move her left leg but you could tell that Joanne was initiating the move and Nikki was just helping her finish it off. So very cool to see!
Earlier in the day Joanne decided that she was tired of her room and took off. She was int he wheelchair while they were putting fresh sheets on her bed and she just wheeled herself out the door and down the hall. It took me a minute to realize what was happening but I took off after her, caught up with her and asked her where she was going. She said, "I'm going to the gym." I told her it was time for her PT yet. She said that she didn't care and that she was feeling antsy and that she was going to the gym anyhow. Somehow I managed to talk her out of it and got her to wheel herself back into her room. But I just love the tenacity and the fighting spirit that I see in her. She is no wilting daisy. She's a fighter! And that's what's going to make her time here in rehab a success. By the time she's done here, she is going to walk out under her own power and you can take that to the bank.
This si a big week because Thursday Joanne is supposed to get her brain flap replaced. We are trying to keep her healthy and infection free between now and then because if she has anything going on, they will postpone the surgery and that would be the pits. We need to get it done and over with so that Joanne can move forward. So we are having as little actual contact with Joanne as possible, washing hands a lot and constantly applying hand sanitizer. I can tell you that my hands have never been so clean and germ free in my life. Even at that, I am keeping them to myself just in case.
So that's about it. A few other things going on this week: Audrey missed school yesterday afternoon and today with a fever. She seems to be fine now and will return to school tomorrow. Report cards came out and Emma is devastated by the one B she got--all the rest are A grades. Audrey did great too and even pulled an A in math which is her hardest subject. The night of worship was totally awesome. I should have dedicated a whole post to it, but have been feeling tired and not very bloggy over the last couple of days. Plus Wade got us court side seats at the Nuggets. Did I mention that in an earlier post? It was incredible! We literally had seats on the court! What an experience. Wow, this is all so random.
Prayer request:
Please pray that Joanne stays healthy even while some of us around her are not 100% so that she can have her surgery on Thursday. She will be operated on at 9 a.m. so any prayers you want to send up would be greatly appreciated. She will be back atLittleton Adventist and will be back in ICU. I am hoping that some of our favorite nurses from our weeks there will be on duty so that they can see how far Joanne has come. Please pray that the surgery will be routine and uneventful and that Joanne will be brave--she is very frightened about all of this.
Toben
Prayers heading your way from Connecticut. So happy to hear of all this progress!!!
Posted by: karen | March 22, 2011 at 04:47 PM
You know, as always, you have my prayers. I am sitting here thanking God for the blessings he has shown Joanne!
Posted by: Maribeth | March 22, 2011 at 04:59 PM
I am so glad to see an update! Yeah Joanne! Everything is going to be awesome!
Posted by: Amanda | March 22, 2011 at 05:21 PM
I check in @ The Simple Wife everyday to check in on Joanne and "the team"! You all are in my prayers daily. Praying "extra specifically" this week for a successful and uneventful surgery for Joanne and for everyone to remain healthy and rested!
Posted by: Chris (from TX) | March 22, 2011 at 05:22 PM
Praying here in Florida too! There are so many of us that never post but pray daily - continually:)) - strength and peace, in the name of Jesus...
Posted by: Andie | March 22, 2011 at 05:34 PM
Dearest Joanne,
Today has been one of those rough days for me where I have been just mentally exhausted. I went to your website,hoping for an update to lift my spirits. Well this sure did! Thursday is also one of my family members birthdays, which makes that date all the more special! Thanks you so much Joanne, for everything.
Posted by: Anonymous Prayer | March 22, 2011 at 05:51 PM
Hoping the surgery goes ahead on Thursday without a hitch. Love Joanne's spunk.
Jeanette from Blue Bell, Pa.
Posted by: Jeanette | March 22, 2011 at 06:01 PM
Toben, thanks for continuing to update us! It is a joy to be able to keep up with Joanne's progress. I admit that I chuckled when you asked that Joanne's surgery on Thursday would be routine. Nothing about head/brain surgery seems routine to me! I am certainly praying that all goes well.
In Christ,
Katie :)
Posted by: Katie | March 22, 2011 at 06:07 PM
Praying in California. (It would be neat to see how many states have people praying for Joanne in them!)
Posted by: Marena | March 22, 2011 at 06:08 PM
Praying that Joanne stays healthy and the surgery goes the best it possibly can. Love you all.
Posted by: Sandy Chapin | March 22, 2011 at 06:25 PM
Thanks for the praise update. Gonna' continue to pray it!
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | March 22, 2011 at 06:51 PM
You can count on my prayers, Toben! I am so proud and amazed at how far Joanne has come! Love to all and continued prayers! HUGS from Georgia!
Posted by: Theresa Roach | March 22, 2011 at 06:52 PM
I am praying daily and thankful to know how well you are doing. I am also so amazed by the power of our awesome God and thrilled to see the way he is working this situation in your family into good for so many. My 21 year old son has now started following and asked me yesterday to get a copy of Jesus Calling for him. I m proud, grateful, and thankful for the powerful witness you have all been to so many. Prayers daily in Texas...
Posted by: Teri | March 22, 2011 at 06:57 PM
Thursday will be a GREAT day! It's my birthday- and my wish is that Joanne rocks the surgery and comes out swinging. I am loving the opportunity to be a spectator in Joanne's miracle. Praying.
Posted by: Traci@TotalMomsense | March 22, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Wow, progress!! Wonderful news and such a strong fighting spirit. WooT!
Praying,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | March 22, 2011 at 07:15 PM
I am amazed at Joanne progress you go Joanne I am so stinkin proud of you , keep on fighting you are my hero and you are a warrior I cannot wait to see what you do next. I am praying for you everyday and for your family so keep on keeping on girlfriend.
I will be praying for you espically on Thursday God has already gone before you and prepared the way for you.
Carol
Posted by: CAROL BRUNTLETT | March 22, 2011 at 07:25 PM
Toben and Joanne, praying here in Kansas City, MO, and in complete agreement with yall that Joanne will be walking out of there on her own two legs by the power of Jesus Christ one day. I am covering Joanne in prayer for her surgery and for your family to be healed in Jesus' name. "You keep him (and her) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he (she)trusts in you." —Isaiah 26:3
Posted by: Beth Jones | March 22, 2011 at 07:29 PM
I absolutely love the fact that Joanne tried to take off in her chair! Good for you girl! Keep'em on their toes!
Posted by: Tammy | March 22, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Praying in Australia!
Posted by: Michelle from Australia | March 22, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Go J go!! Sorry to encourage her Toben but so happy to hear she is breaking free.;)
Posted by: lisa @ the preachers wife | March 22, 2011 at 08:53 PM
Praising and praying with pride and amazement!
Expecting more good news soon!
"He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; He offers strength to the weak." Isaiah 40:29
Posted by: Michal | March 22, 2011 at 09:28 PM
I will be praying for you Joanne!
Posted by: Tammy | March 22, 2011 at 11:01 PM
Praying in Germany (live in TN, but studying abroad here)! I just found your blog a couple weeks ago and was so moved by this story, I anxiously check every day to see an update. Joanne, you're an incredible inspiration and I am in awe of you and your family's steadfast love and faith. I know tears and smiles came from lots of people around the world as they saw you were walking the other day! I really admire your strength and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers all Thursday.
Posted by: Caroline | March 23, 2011 at 01:10 AM
So very wonderful to read of Joanne's progress, your can be sure of prayers, especially on Thursday that Joanne is well enough for surgery and that it all goes smoothly.
Lynn
Posted by: Penbleth | March 23, 2011 at 01:43 AM
Go Joanne! Woooo Hoooo!!!You rock chicky.
I'm praying that you stay "bug free" so you can have surgery on Thursday - If you can walk 30 feet, you can lie on a table and have a snooze while the skilled hands that are covered in prayer do what they have to.
Father in Heaven, I ask you to please cover Jo with Your peace. Please place a hedge of protection around her before, during and after surgery. Place Your hands over the surgeons, guide their decisions so that they do the very best for Joanne. Bring rapid healing from the surgery to her body. Fill her mind with the wonder of You and the joy that those thoughts bring.
Posted by: Seaweedandraine | March 23, 2011 at 02:41 AM
Toben, Thank you for keeping us updated on Joanne's progress!! I don't comment every day - but I do check the blog and twitter every day! Praying for continued health before and after the surgery!! Joanne you are on your way to a COMPLETE recovery!! Good Job Girl!!
Still Praying in Hurst, TX.
Posted by: aTXtumbleweed | March 23, 2011 at 05:17 AM
Continuing to pray in Idaho. God is working a mighty work inside and out. We are one Body and Christ is our Head. We are learning from each other every day!
Posted by: Kathy Rivera | March 23, 2011 at 05:56 AM
Praying in Texas! Thanks for the update. Even though this is just my second "comment", I check your blog every day and pray for Joanne! Will be praying for the surgery to be a success and for her boots to keep on walkin'!
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 23, 2011 at 07:12 AM
Joining in prayer especially for Joanne's surgery today and for her peace in the midst of the storm...believing with you for a wonderful outcome in this crucial step in her recovery. "He answered their prayers, because they trusted in Him." 1 Chron. 5:20b
Posted by: Pam Houston | March 23, 2011 at 07:21 AM
Praises and Prayers being sent.
Posted by: Jennifer Hester | March 23, 2011 at 09:33 AM
I've been following along here and praying for all of you since another blogger directed me to this site. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with all of us. I've been caring for both of my parents for the past eight years. Well, actually my mother died two years ago, but my father is still very much alive. Both of them suffered massive strokes, so I can relate to much of your experience. As I've read here, I've felt your pain and uncertainty, but always with hope because I've witnessed our own miracles here! God is SO GOOD! I've learned so much. And even though information seems to be coming at you at such a rapid pace, and you're working to adjust to all these changes and get a handle on your new normal, you will continue to learn for years to come and progress can and will be made for years to come as well. It sounds as if Joanne's stroke is very similar to my dad's in terms of the effects. He, too, has left side weakness/paralysis, and walks with a hemi-walker . . .that's what it's called. I know these situations are very different and each is unique, but I really want to encourage you to have hope, hope and more hope! My dad was eighty-one when he suffered his stroke. Because he was alone when it happened, hours elapsed before we found him, and initially all the doctors told us there was no hope of recovery. According to them, he wasn't supposed to survive, but we know there is always hope. And those docs did not know my old dad! At eighty-one years old, he walked out of that rehab hospital with his hemi-walker, and he continued to make great progress once he was home! And we continued to see improvements as many as seven years post-stroke. Now it seems he's winding down, but he's almost ninety, so he's entitled to slow down a little bit, don't you think? Anyway, this will sound strange to some, probably, but I'll say it . . . had it not been for his stroke I fear I might never have recognized what it means to have courage and hope and faith and patience. I've been given the gift of being able to witness all the best of the human spirit and the grace of God Almighty working through my humble and faithful and hopeful father every single day for eight years. I've watched him face adversity and see it as a gift and a challenge and he's received this gift and he's won!
May God continue to shower you with His grace and infinite mercy and love. You all remain in our prayers for continued peace and courage and hope in your hearts and souls.
Posted by: Maggie | March 23, 2011 at 09:48 AM
I love to hear Joanne took off and was headed for the gym! That is AWESOME!!!!! Sounds like she is keeping you on your toes. :)
Marked my calander and will be praying, praying, praying....but most importantly trusting the Lord will deliver...BIG!
Posted by: Katie | March 23, 2011 at 10:35 AM
Hey!! The girls got wheels and she's gonna get going! (I bet the girls can put together a song with that ditty to entertain you all!:) Just 'giddy' over the news of Joanne walking---
Praying daily for you all - but now specifically for tomorrow's successful surgery and peace for all of you.
Thanks for sharing the encouraging news of this weeks progress, Toben.
Posted by: Susan Moher | March 23, 2011 at 01:42 PM
So happy to hear about your tenacity, Joanne. Praying for your surgery my friend!
Love and blessings
Jen Medeiros
Posted by: Jennifer | March 23, 2011 at 03:38 PM
Praying for the peace that passes all understanding to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Posted by: Leslie Wright | March 23, 2011 at 04:47 PM
Dearest Joanne I am praying so hard for you right now and will continue to do so. We have the prayer chain going at our church in Vancouver, BC Canada. Much love, (((hugs))) and prayers for you and your special family too!
Posted by: erin | March 23, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Joanne, you don't know me, but I used to work with Toben several years ago at Navs. I learned of your stroke a few days after it happened and have been following your blog daily ever since. It's a privilege to pray for you, Toben, your girls, Kristen, your parents, and others on Team Joanne. I've been deeply touched by your faith, transparency, and willingness to share this journey of struggle with others.
I'm at home caring for my 6-month-old twins, one of whom is recovering from a moderate stroke. Between you and little Alex, I've learned a lot about brain injuries! God has designed our brains with a wondrous capacity to rewire and heal.
This is my first post because, well, it's easier to read and pray while taking care of two babies than to type. But I'm making it a priority tonight to let you know I'm praying for your surgery!! Being a total wimp when it comes to even minor surgeries and procedures, (and yours is no minor deal), I can relate to your anxiety. I'm praying for God's supernatural peace that transcends understanding to rest on you tonight and tomorrow morning. Also praying for your medical team to get good rest so they can give you the very best of care. I'll be up late with the little ones, so I'll be praying long into the night. May you have deep, restful sleep and peaceful dreams, dear sister in Christ.
Posted by: Kim Mc | March 23, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Prayers continue for Joanne...
And Emma and Audrey -- GREAT WORK at school!! With everything going on, I'm sure it can be tricky to focus on your studies. You're doing super, and you can be very, very proud of your grades.
Posted by: Kath | March 26, 2011 at 07:36 PM