Katherine's Story
Neurologic rehabilitation
Katherine Coffey-McGovern, 64 and a mother of two, was preparing to retire when her road ahead suddenly took a different turn.A routine MRI revealed that a brain tumor that was being monitored for over seven years had grown, blocking the flow of cerebrospinal (CFS) fluid. Surgery was necessary as buildup of fluid in the brain can lead to disability and death.
The initial surgery was successful. Katherine began to recover and, relatively speaking, was feeling well. However, weakness set in, and doctors discovered she had developed an infection at the surgical site.
Over the next several weeks, Katherine endured three additional brain surgeries to clean the infected area, place a drain for CFS fluids and open the ventricles (cavities that hold CFS fluid) in her brain. Her recovery was going to be much more complex and challenging originally anticipated.
After achieving medical stability, Katherine’s doctor recommended a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program to support her recovery of mobility and independence. By the time Katherine arrived at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation (BSWIR) - Frisco, she was confronted with significant obstacles.
She had weakness on her left side, limited mobility in her arm and difficulty seeing anything in her left field of vision. “I was feeling a little isolated and anxious,” she recalled. “I was also fearful of what the outcome may be—if I would be able to get back any independence.”
Katherine set clear goals: regain her strength and go home with the ability to care for herself. The physician-led rehabilitation team at BSWIR developed a rehabilitative therapy plan to help her rebuild mobility, balance and confidence.
Katherine’s days were filled with physical, occupational and speech therapy. Physical therapy focused on improving mobility and balance. Due to a fall using a walker in her past, Katherine was uneasy about using one again. “Now, I love it,” she said. She also learned to work with a gait belt, which gave her confidence as she practiced stepping over obstacles using an agility ladder. She also used parallel bars that provided stability as she relearned to trust her movements again.
Occupational therapy helped Katherine regain function in her left arm and improve coordination. She practiced one of her favorite hobbies—cross-stitching—to strengthen fine motor skills and focus on visual scanning. She even wore special prisms that helped focus on her left side.
“It was more challenging than I expected, but very rewarding to get back to some of my favorite hobbies,” Katherine recalled. Gradually, her anxiety began to disappear.
Speech therapy played a crucial role in helping Katherine sharpen her cognitive skills. By working on puzzles and word searches, she improved her attention and problem-solving abilities. She also practiced estimating how long tasks would take and evaluating her own progress—an essential skill for maintaining independence at home.
Therapists incorporated creative and engaging activities into Katherine’s recovery. Recreational therapy included expressive arts, such as pour painting, to encourage visual scanning and provide emotional support. She also worked with Darren, BSWIR’s therapy dog, tossing a ball as part of balance and coordination exercises.
Initially, Katherine was afraid of falling and unsure if she could complete the tasks asked of her. But with each session, her confidence grew. The turning point came when she participated in a home evaluation.
“The main game changer was doing a home assessment,” she said. “Everything I was worried about in my head, I was able to conquer without obstacles. It made me realize just how far I had come.”
The assessment allowed her to navigate her long hallway, get in and out of the shower and safely move around her living space. To celebrate, Katherine made a cup of her favorite tea in her kitchen—something she had longed to do.
By discharge, Katherine had achieved her goals. She could dress, brush her hair and take medications independently. She was also able to walk confidently and safely with her walker.
Katherine left BSWIR stronger and with a fresh outlook. “My rehab stay has greatly reduced my anxiety,” she said. “It has opened me up to be more accepting of other people’s anxiety and reluctance to try things. Now I feel like I can help others come out of that.”
Reflecting on her overall experience, she said, “The level of caring, compassion and kindness was wonderful.”
As Katherine continues her recovery at home with outpatient therapy, she looks forward to the simple joys of life—like making a cup of tea.