Up to this point...

Lea Ann awoke in the night on Wednesday March 19th with complaints of a severe headache, chest pain, and said her right arm was numb, "almost like it was asleep." Jake took her to the ER and she was admitted with what they first thought was a migraine. She developed slurred speech somewhere in this timeframe. However, as time passed, Lea Ann had some seizure episodes that made them think otherwise. An MRI was done indicating that there was a blood clot on the brain between the right and left lobes near the top of her head. In other words, she had had a stroke. The clot appeared to affect the left side of the brain, which, in turn, affected the right side of her body. She was unresponsive from the time of her first seizure through most of the day on Friday and then on Friday evening, her parents, Kem & Debbie, were talking to her trying to encourage her and Lea Ann tried to lean forward and mumbled the words, "I'm trying." Her first words since the stroke. This was a good sign that her speech was not affected. As the next day progressed, she became more alert, but was still very tired, so she would awaken for a few moments and talk short sentences or reply to those who spoke with her and then close her eyes again. She was able to recognize everyone in the room when she heard their voices. Lea Ann was ready to eat almost immediately when she began speaking since it had been over 2 days since she had had her last meal. The speech therapist came in and assessed her swallowing and decided that she wasn't awake enough to eat yet, so Lea Ann was restricted to ice chips and sips of water until they reassessed her Sunday morning and determined she was swallowing good. By Monday, she was back to a regular diet! "Whoo Hoo!" (as Lea Ann would say!) Monday morning she was awake and alert, talking with her mom, dad, and Jake in complete sentences. She even spoke with some family by phone, but this tired her somewhat. The last I know, she was ordering a cheeseburger! Still not 100% certain what caused this to all happen. Not typical for a 26 year old to have a stroke as we all know. Kem called this morning and found that Lea Ann was able to help lift her right leg during physical therapy this morning! Still not gripping with her right hand yet. Left side is strong and should recover rapidly. The neurologists sounded very optimistic yesterday and even told the family that they can anticipate (over time) a complete recovery! The latest update is that she will be moving from the Neuro unit to the Rehabilitation Unit to begin intense physical and occupational therapy today (Tuesday). They anticipate her to be there for about 4 weeks. Many thanks to all of you who have kept Lea Ann and her family in your prayers. THIS IS PROOF OF THE POWER OF PRAYER! Please continue to keep them in your thoughts during the long haul. This is just the beginning of a brighter tomorrow for everyone!

"One should take children's philosophy to heart. They never despise a bubble because it burst; they immediately set to work to blow another one~"