Every day is my opportunity to continue to improve. Some improvements are better than others, but each gain is precious. This week was much better than my week of doom (two weeks ago) where my doctor took 30 minutes to explain that I was not going back to work just yet. I didn't get a written report concerning those results.

This week I requested my report and wrote the request in letter form. I also talked to my doctor to ensure that my other therapists and "the team" have more of a collaborative approach to the direction of treatment. I also communicated that I needed to be a part of that team. "Of course you are a part of the team," he replied, but I wasn't going to assume that I was. I figure that I will communicate with "the experts" as much as possible.

My occupational therapist said that I did very well at my last appointment and will see me again when I am back at work. I was so excited to hear that. We went to the grocery store to see how I shopped and she said I did very well. We had developed a shopping list that is arranged by food category and the route I use to shop. (I am so thankful for my long term memory.) I also used my computer to re-make the list so I can also use it later.

On another note, I also read TWO books. My first book was one that I've read before so that I wouldn't forget the major plot, but my second one was a new book. Both books were over two hundred pages long.

My final thought I will leave you with is a picture of me making my favorite food: pizza. I've made hundreds of them from scratch over the last ten years and this Friday I made my first post accident pie. It wasn't the prettiest one I've made, but it was my hardest fought cooking accomplishment. I even cleaned up afterward. Take care. Michele

Unfortunately the news was what I suspected. She can not go back to work at this time. The Dr was very non committal about when she could go back to work. He said with this kind of severe brain trauma people usually stay in the rehab hospital a minimum of 30 days. He also said people with this injury normally do not recovery very quickly or not all the way. We are very encouraged because Michele has improved at such a fast rate. With that in mind she will beat all expectations and will recover faster than most. -Scotty

There are many ways to describe a person and most of mine do not begin with the word, "unfortunately." While we are fortunate that this last Doctor specializes in treating people with tramatic brain injury, this man cannot predict how long it will take for me to recover. I have a set of goals, and determination. Because of the nature and severity of my injury, I am fortunate to be out of rehab and not under 24/7 supervision. I am improving daily and weekly. As to when I will drive; this is not a question I even bother to answer to family members as any fool can get behind the wheel and "drive." It is not an indicator of my cognative functioning or sanity. To say that this last medical news is "happy," is a vast understatement. Normally I am positive and upbeat, and this has given me pause. Once I have adjusted, I might just go out and kick some doctor's butt. While I follow "all the rules," it is not a gaurentee that my recovery happens in my own timeframe. Such is life, but I will not let this stop me. -Michele

Michele is doing good but she heard from the Doctor earlier that she cant go back to work. We will find out tomorrow when she might be able to go back to work.