Mark Baxter had a hemorrhagic stroke in the morning of 11/12/25 while exercising. He was found on the floor within minutes of the event. There was immediate paralysis on his right side. Slurred speech, but he really couldn't talk at all. It didn't require surgery, because of it's depth, but they needed to do CT scans to determine severity of the bleed. It wasn't as severe as some, but did lightly bleed further in the next 2 scans. Subsequent scans showed stability.

The MRI on Thursday morning revealed that there had been a pocket of blood vessels that looked enlarged previously from perhaps chronic issues. They could see in the MRI that he has amyloid angiopathy which means these blood vessels are more brittle. This is what is seen with people who have dementia or similar problems. The neurosurgeon said that could relate to his memory loss that has been noticed for the past few years. He said that while the exercise may have increased pressure that brought on the bleeding, high blood pressure was not the cause.

The neurosurgeon said some vessels looked unusual related to smoothness. The bleed was considered low in comparison to others, but his weakness/paralysis is severe and this relates to the damage that was done in that area of his brain. There is concern that these nerves may not reconnect, and then this would be permanent.

Also hard to hear that there are spots all through his brain showing amyloid angioplasty and then blood vessels around the brain that are more vulnerable, so he could easily suffer more strokes. An angiogram could be done but that would only be for these peripheral vessels.

Since the original prognosis and following couple days of scans, watching, and waiting, Mark has begun various forms of therapy. There has been a lot of progress. My mom wrote: "I got a report from the doctor this morning who said that they were able to remove the feeding tube, because he's eating sufficiently and she wasn't seeing any other concerns and was hoping to be able to discharge him to go to the Encompass Rehabilitation Center in Fitchburg tomorrow. Because his blood pressure had been higher previously, they're watching that as he's only on oral medication, and they want to make sure that that's sufficient as there won't be any IV BP meds given at Encompass Rehab.

The biggest news was that after I got here early this afternoon, it sounded like he said "yes" quietly. I wasn't positive, but I said, "I think you said, 'yes.'" And then a little bit later, he definitely said it. That was so exciting. (Cheryl and Don, from Church, were here just before that, and Cheryl said that he said thank you. Then he said "yes" for the speech therapist. See photo. She then got him to count to 5 with her and then to 10. Not all was audible, but he was doing it.

Then she saw the scripture verse I wrote down, Phil 4:13, which says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." She read it and then had him say it with her. It was weak, but he was getting some of it out. Then she had him sing Happy Birthday, and our son is turning 26 soon, so that is something for him to work on. I cried happy tears."

We are prayerful and thankful for each day and the blessings therein. If any would like to donate to support my family in this time of turbulence it would be greatly appreciated