This week, Ally sits down and we chat about all of the excitement that’s been going on. Specifically about opur trip to the UC Irvine HESP Lab. Also, we have a chat about everyone’s excitement for the Holiday’s especially seeing how Cheryl was pretty out of it last year.
Enjoy!
After suffering from a subarachnoid hemorrhage and a severe stroke a week later, Cheryl began her jouney to rehabilitation. Now over a year and a half later, she sits down every week with her co-host and caregiver, Manny, to have a frank discussion about her struggles, her successes and what she wants her new life, post-stroke, to be.
Manny Fonseca
Diff'in Strokes 
December 3, 2015 at 11:59 am
“MORE SALT AND COFFEE… NOT A BAD DEAL!”
I enjoyed this podcast so much! Not only because of all the good news, but between Ally’s presence and comments, Cheryl’s ability (as noted) to handle a three-way conversation (including providing the occasional joke or quip), and Manny’s usual great job of providing topics to talk about and keeping things going, it felt like I was having a holiday catch-up visit with some friends!
That’s great that Cheryl has reached the 100 pound mark, and that she is probably not having seizures but just has to get her blood pressure up.
“Yet another doctor looked at your chart and was amazed with all the stuff you are doing, because you should be dead.”
LOL, but it is so great the the doctor was so impressed, and it really is a testament to Cheryl’s strength of will (and all Manny and Ally and the others have done to help her)!
That’s great that her reflexes are (for the most part) doing so well. And I also found it fascinating that she would react to an impending slap from one side but not the other, even though she could see it coming. (As you all said, it’s great that this doctor was able to demonstrate (and confirm) in real-time what you’ve gradually been learning over the course from other doctors.)
But I do agree with Manny and Ally, Cheryl, that you should go back for the rest of the testing. (Though I don’t blame you for getting sick of it after three hours!)
Great news about the new couch, that is not only not in need of burning (like the old one), but is customized to allow Cheryl to stand up. (Even if you do have to put a bell on her as Ally suggested!)
Going to the Santa Monica pier, playing ping-pong, and generally be-bopping around! Who would have thought all this possible a year ago? So much to be thankful for.
And, on top of everything else, it’s great that this is all happening in time for the holidays! It sounds like Cheryl was able to assist (verbally) Ally on preparing the big thanksgiving meal, and that she, along with the rest of you, is really looking forward (unlike when she was a zombie last year) to getting some O.T. trimming the tree for Christmas!
Best wishes,
Neal
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