4 Months 19 Years

4 months/19 years. Two significant periods of time for me to celebrate in this update. 4 months: It has been 4 months since my brain and spinal cord surgeries and the results have been nothing short of a long-awaited and prayed for medical miracle. My pre-surgery medications numbered 21 and supported the function of nearly every organ system in an attempt to keep me alive as well as attempting (poorly) to manage my excruciating pain. As I posted in my January update and continuing to now, all of my organ systems are functioning excellently and normally on their own to the dismay and disbelief of my numerous specialists. I have had some intermittent issues with muscle spasms in my neck from where the muscles were cut during surgery and then also stretched an inch for the fusion. This has caused some pain and resulting headaches with nausea and vomiting. Overall, resolution has been achieved with muscle relaxers and physical therapy. As of the last two weeks, no medicine has been needed for these issues. I remain free of pain medicine for the first time in over two decades. My biggest issue right now is severe insomnia. It has been 26 years since my brain has not been influenced by a potent cocktail of medications. My medical providers feel the problem is that my brain is trying to figure out what existing in a natural state is all about. It is trying to learn the natural rhythms of day and night that have been compromised for so long with medications and unrelenting pain. I am in the process of trial and error with some sleep medicines to bridge the gap until natural functioning can occur. I am thrilled to report that this is the only medicine I am taking. The only other hiccup I am experiencing is some recent pain and numbness in my arms and hands/fingers as I become more active. Current opinion is that this is due to muscle spasms and inflammation along the cervical nerve tracts. We will continue to watch this development. Hence, to emphasize, I am essentially medicine free for the first time in 26 years (minus a three month stretch after my first brain surgery in 2000) and functioning without the numerous deficits or pain with which I presented before surgery.

What my recovery looks like in daily life today (with the blessing of my neurosurgeon): Before surgery 4 months ago, I could only manage being out of bed for about a maximum of 3 hours a day on a good day. I spent most of the six months before surgery in and out of the hospital for weeks at a time as my critical organ systems malfunctioned and the pain was absolutely unbearable. Today my focus is on recovery and starting a new life. Physical therapy is a daily part of life. I have built up to accomplishing a 3 hour cardio workout at the gym to include 25 miles on the recumbent bike, a moderate pace on the elliptical, deep water running in the indoor pool, and 6 miles of brisk walking on the treadmill. In a small

way it reminds me of a girl I used to know in earlier days. The days before brain stem compression (a Chiari malformation), cervical cranial instability (CCI), a tethered spinal cord (TCS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a traumatic brain injury, and a rare form of muscular dystrophy completely took my life, as I knew it, away. Sure, I will always have EDS, the lingering effects of a brain injury, and muscular dystrophy. These may present hurdles in the future but it is amazing how manageable these are right now without the other complicating factors. I have new sunrises and sunsets to enjoy and the opportunity to fill the time in between with wherever God leads me.

19 years: Today I celebrate my 19th wedding anniversary to my best friend; my beloved; Steve. As you may remember, my healing surgery was on his birthday and today will be the first time in our married life that we will celebrate this day without me being sick. Today I get to celebrate amazing love without the distracting cloud of illness and pain. I get to celebrate an unconditional friendship of almost thirty years. I get to celebrate marriage to an unbelievable servant-leader husband. I get to celebrate a man who has always led me, cared for me, nurtured me, encouraged me, challenged me, laughed with me, comforted me, loved me, prayed for me, and has never given up on me. The engraved words in our wedding bands say, "Today and Always". This day I get to celebrate my best friend; my beloved -- Today and Always.

And in closing, I want you to know that we both celebrate each of you who continue to check in on us. Thank you for being such a blessing to us, for supporting us, for encouraging us with your wonderful messages, for cooking meals for us, for cleaning our house, for coming out to welcome us home in both TN and WA, for driving me everywhere, for praying for us, for all of the other gestures of kindness to numerous to mention. (for your patience as I write all the thank you notes!) We wouldn't be celebrating 4 months or 19 years in this update without you. We love you.

Messages

Linda Hamilton

April 15, 2014, 4:59 PM

Oh my goodness....can't help but be teary in thankfulness and praise for our mighty God! Above and beyond what we could ever think or imagine. Enjoy your new life, and congratulations to you both for the blessing of

19 years!!!

Kristi Pearsall

April 15, 2014, 4:59 PM

I am so glad to hear this!! I have been thinking about you since your surgery! Praise God!! Love and Blessings! Kristi Pearsall

Missy McCoig Smith

April 15, 2014, 5:08 PM

I am so excited to hear this news. I found myself wondering about you the other day. So glad for restful relief and share your joy with you as you continue to feel alive again. May God bless you with many more happy and pain free years with Steve and family.

Nola von Neudegg

April 15, 2014, 5:08 PM

BIG SMILE!!!!

Erika Cushman

April 15, 2014, 5:12 PM

We love you too! So happy to celebrate all the new milestones with you :)

Diane Strobl

April 15, 2014, 5:14 PM

Oh my, how wonderful! I don't usually post, but am blown away by where you were and where you are now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!! You truly have an awesome husband who took his wedding vows seriously and as they should be! Sure wish he could be cloned!!!!! Not for me, but for marriages that become complicated/compromised by illness. Happy Anniversary (ies) to a beautiful couple!

Krista Maggard

April 15, 2014, 5:33 PM

First of all, Happy Anniversary to a truly remarkable couple! What joy is in store for the two of you who have and continue to follow God's leading in your lives. How wonderful it is that you have each other and the love you share shines through in all that you do and say. So blessed to hear

how well you are doing, Lee, and will continue to pray for comfort and healing! Our God is so very real and alive, working in you and through you! Blessed to have been, and will continue to be, following your story. Much love to you and Steve! Krista

Tamara Longworth

April 15, 2014, 5:34 PM

Been thinking about you guys over the last week. Saw a photo the other day at Roane State with both of you, among a group of people, taken shortly after one of your back surgeries. Couldn't help but think of your journey and all that

you have been through. Loads of praise and thanks being lifted for you! God truly is amazing, and so are you guys!! Continued love and prayers, and wishing you a very Happy Anniversary with MANY more blessed years together!

norma bannon

April 15, 2014, 5:39 PM

Happy Anniversary to a precious couple! I find myself praying that your body finds perfect peace with sleeping and remains pain free as you continue on this new chapter with one another. God bless you always..Norma Bannon

Jim Dickson

April 15, 2014, 5:45 PM

WOW ! Lee, your patience, endurance, love and understanding should be keystones for anyone's relationship that does not have the blessings you have. I admire your

strength and perseverance, and that smile that never seems to be far away, and I admire Steve for having the strength of character, the moral integrity, and the love for you that keeps him by your side. We definitely know how you both feel. Kathy and I wish nothing but the very best for both of you, and will continue to support you and care about you both. Keep up the great work, and keep us up to date. With Love and Caring, Jim and Kathy

Jim Dickson

April 15, 2014, 5:47 PM

Oh, and by the way (thought I forgot, didn't you? ) HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, TO BOTH OF YOU :-) Jim and Kathy

Missy Thomas

April 15, 2014, 6:06 PM

Lee and Steve.... We join you in celebrating your new-found life along with your beautiful marriage! You both are such an inspiration to so many. We continue to pray for both of

you and praise God for all He has done, is doing and will do--in and through you both! Love, hugs and prayers from Murfreesboro, TN--- Scott and Missy (McLain) Thomas

Lacey Chen

April 15, 2014, 6:22 PM

God is good! This is great news and we are so happy to hear it. Happy Anniversary!

debbie Mathews

April 15, 2014, 6:25 PM

So glad it was all worth it. Amazing story! Enjoy your new life again! God Bless, Chuck and Debbie Mathews

Debby Swecker

April 15, 2014, 6:25 PM

A LONG awaited email detailing and celebrating God's healing touch in your body and in your lives! Praise the Lord.

Terry Ware

April 15, 2014, 6:30 PM

Lee, Huge Congratulations to You & Steve both!!! Praise Jesus

sue ensign

April 15, 2014, 6:32 PM

Thank you for this update! I have been thinking and praying for you alot lately, albeit I have been remiss in telling/communicating it. Every time I see Steve I eagerly hope/pray for

you!

Sandy Moye

April 15, 2014, 6:45 PM

Thanks for the update! That's awesome, so thrilled for you ! Happy Anniversary!

Carter & Deanna Barnes

April 15, 2014, 6:46 PM

Steve and Lee, Happy Anniversary! You both are such an incredible example of faith and love lived out by the grace of God. Thank you for sharing your lives and struggles with us so we can celebrate our amazing Savior all the more. Enjoy this blessed day and all to come!

Sandy Temple

April 15, 2014, 6:55 PM

This post made my day! I am so happy to read of your progress and continued healing. You and Steve are both such an inspiration. Your love for God and each other is awesome! It is an honor and privilege to call you my friend:). I hope you have a wonderful day on your anniversary...and many more to come! Much love and prayers, Sandy

Shirley Keith

April 15, 2014, 7:14 PM

When occasionally people ask me how you're doing, I say no news is good news and now i have GOOD NEWS! Congratulations and may you have many more Happy Anniversaries.Shirley

Wendi Phillips Bowerman

April 15, 2014, 7:52 PM

Happy Anniversary! I will always love you guys! Sincerely, Wendi Phillips Bowerman

James Broman

April 15, 2014, 8:20 PM

Praise to a merciful Heavenly Father...and kudos to a pretty impressive husband!

Joan Bouck

April 15, 2014, 8:31 PM

Happy Anniversary & Good Health to both of you! You're both blessings to all of us, Joan FD3

Bethany Mincey

April 15, 2014, 8:44 PM

Tears I tell you, tears!!! What an amazing testimony you are to what it means to be faithful...to each other and to God. Happy Anniversary and Happy Healing!!!

sam spires

April 15, 2014, 9:13 PM

Happy 4 months and happy 19 years! Congrats to you guys on your recovery and you anniversary! Hope all continues to go well and improve. Sam

Anna Lee Drewry

April 15, 2014, 10:44 PM

Happy Anniversary! What a sweet and wonderful celebration!

Wendy Sternshein

April 15, 2014, 11:16 PM

What a beautiful gift of love and inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Could have used a "tissue alert" though! Happiest of anniversaries to you both. So happy that you have each other.

Susan Jenkinson

April 15, 2014, 11:26 PM

I've thought about you guys many times today. Happy anniversary. So thrilled to hear how well you are doing!!!!

Barbara Faubert

April 15, 2014, 11:48 PM

wow!!!What a journey, God has brought you both thru. Continuing to pray for you both. Happy Anniversary.

**Barbara Faubert** Alex Christiansen April 16, 2014, 1:29 AM Congrats on your 19 years! Megan and I are so glad to hear that you're doing so much better. Answered prayers indeed. Happy anniversary!

Jennifer Spencer

April 16, 2014, 2:21 AM

Congrats on your health and Happy Anniversary!!

Cindy Hambly

April 16, 2014, 4:53 PM

Okay I am crying now................. kinda hard to do at work, but you both are amazing and blessed. Love you P.S. we still need coffee or lunch one day.

Cherie Leyva

April 16, 2014, 5:20 PM

What a happy ending, God is good! Happy Anniversary and enjoy every day to it's fullest. God Bless

D Ward

April 16, 2014, 5:23 PM

Happy Anniversary! Your love makes this world a better more beautiful place!!! Thanks be to God! So happy for you both and we thank God for your miracles! Love, Debby and family

Sandy Cooper

April 16, 2014, 6:09 PM

May you both celebrate many many more love to you both and may god bless you both

Kimball & Elizabeth Parker

April 16, 2014, 6:11 PM

So excited for the two of you! What a testimony to your faith and patience along this journey. Congrats, and may God grant you many more uplifting and encouraging milestones together! Happy Anniversary!!

Terry Puckett

April 16, 2014, 6:52 PM

What wonderful news. God is surely Great!! Happy Anniversary and may you have many many more without pain. Love to you both.

Sandi Henry

April 16, 2014, 6:59 PM

Happy 4 months and 19 years to the strongest couple I know! God has brought you through so many storms and valleys, and you never lost hope. We're so thankful for your latest miracles. Enjoy every day. You both deserve every good thing! Love, Bill and Sandi

Lisa Currall

April 17, 2014, 7:39 AM

Lovely.....

Jill Shelton

April 17, 2014, 10:12 AM

I hope and pray you all had a Happy Anniversary & I'm so glad and thankful our God is still in the Healing business! Lee, He's not done with you. You through all your sickness and illness, you and Steve both have always given God the glory for everything. What an example you all have both always been for me! I love you both & continue to wish you both the best.

Judi Johnson

April 17, 2014, 3:28 PM

It is so good to hear such wonderful news. I want to send congratulations and praise for your amazing health and for your anniversary. May there be many more celebrations for the two of you. Blessings, Judi Johnson

Linda Hatton

April 18, 2014, 9:23 AM

This message was so good to hear - You and Steve have always made a great team - Happy Anniversary -

Jennifer Evans

April 18, 2014, 7:21 PM

Praise Him! God is great!

Ruth Warner

April 19, 2014, 2:55 AM

This is a perfect time for this update. Christ died thousands of years ago "today". Three days later, HE arose from the tomb -- alive and well! He did not stop performing miracles on that fateful Friday. He LIVES and has not stopped performing miracles and providing blessings. Congratulations for His blessing you -- with an awesome, godly man and now with a reprieve from pain and suffering. Happy Easter.

Bruce Ensign

April 19, 2014, 3:28 PM

This is all fantastic! Thank you for sharing how God has continued to heal you and allow you to be (basically) drug-free. Praise God!

Abigail Echols

April 22, 2014, 5:20 AM

This is SUCH exciting news!! I am so happy to read this and of course so happy (on both fronts) for you guys! The Echols clan is rejoicing and still praying for you :-).

Becky Cole

June 4, 2014, 4:06 AM

Lee, reading this message - from you!! - was one of the highlights of my day today. (clearly I am reading this late but it was beautiful. So happy for you and for how He continues

to wash over you with healing and grace. Happy Anniversary and I am celebrating your 4 months with you.