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14 Days Post-Op: Navigating Recovery & Next Steps

In support of
Cassandra and Michael Merriman

Hi everyone,
Now that I am 14 days out from brain surgery and settled at home, I wanted to share an update on how things are going.
The first few days in the ICU and hospital were heavy and hazy, but getting back home marked a true turning point. Over the last week, I’ve moved off the heavy pain medications and built a gentle daily rhythm centered around rest, short walks around the house, and brain games to help rebuild my cognitive stamina. While my vision and facial sensation are still recovering, my focus, alertness, and speech are improving a little more each day.
Mikey has been my primary caregiver every single minute of this process—from watching over me in the ICU, to taking care of my every need the moment we came home, to preparing meals and helping me walk and rest. The kids also just returned home two days ago after staying with Grandparents (where they had a wonderful time doing school and fun activities), so Mikey is now carrying the full weight of both my around-the-clock recovery care and the kids' daily homeschool routines, gym classes, and upcoming co-op days. He is doing everything for all of us right now.
My next personal milestone is an upcoming doctor's appointment to have my surgical staples removed and check in on my healing progress.
We are so grateful for all the prayers, words of encouragement, and financial donations that carried us through the hardest days of surgery. As we move into this next phase of recovery, a few ongoing practical needs will make a big difference:
Meal Support: We haven't had any meal drop-offs yet, but we would love to start a meal schedule around the 5th. Having some meals covered will take a huge daily task off Mikey's plate while he continues caring for me and the kids.
Fundraising & Shares: Because the road to full recovery and tapering off medications will take several more weeks, our fund remains open for medical and household expenses. Continued shares with your networks are deeply appreciated.
Thank you all for continuing to stand with our family as I heal!

Cassandra Merriman
about 2 months ago

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Comments

Chop Hinkle about 2 months ago

Our beautiful sister, For as long as I can remember, you've been a champion for healthy living, always encouraging others to take care of themselves and make choices that help them become the best version of who they can be. You didn't just talk about those values—you lived them every day and passed them on to your children through your example. One of the things I've always admired most about you is your spirit. You're always smiling, always positive, and always looking for the good in people and situations. I honestly can't remember a time when I saw you let negativity take root. Even when life hands out challenges or others bring difficult energy, you somehow find the silver lining and choose grace. That's a quality many of us could learn from. Seeing you face this battle is difficult because you are someone who has spent so much of your life pouring goodness into others. Life doesn't always seem fair, and moments like this remind us of that. If anyone deserves an easier road, it's certainly you. What I do know is that the kindness, love, and encouragement you've shared with so many people over the years have created a community that cares deeply about you. During this season of recovery, I hope you feel surrounded by that same love and support. Whether through prayers, kind words, meals, helping hands, or any other way people are able to contribute, every act of compassion will make a difference for you and your family. For those who know Cassie, you know exactly the kind of person she is—a genuinely beautiful soul whose heart has always been open to others. Any support offered during this time will be received with gratitude and used to help ease the burdens that come with a journey like this. My prayer is that your medical team has provided the very best care possible and that your recovery is smooth, complete, and filled with strength. The world needs your smile, your energy, and that unstoppable spirit of yours. Anyone who knows you knows there's not a lazy bone in your body, and we all look forward to seeing you back to being the busy, caring, wonderful person you've always been. We love you, sis. Keep fighting. We're all behind you. With love and prayers, Chop

Cassandra Merriman about 2 months ago

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Chop. Your words and support mean the world to me, Mikey, and the kids right now. So lucky to have you behind us. Love you so much!

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