Giffords Having Surgery While Husband Is In Space

Such an incredible amount of recovery so far.

Gabrielle Giffords, the Rep. from Arizona who was critically shot in the head by a crazed gunman during a tragic spree, recovered amazingly enough to watch her husband be launched into space.

Now, while he’s not on the planet, it seems as though she’ll be going through an important moment of her own — surgery to replace the hole in her skull that was removed to reduce swelling, so she won’t have to wear her helmet (adorned with the Arizona state flag) anymore!

This surgery usually comes AFTER someone has been released from the hospital, and doesn’t require much down time past recovering from the anesthesia! This is a good sign that she’s well enough to do it now, regardless if she hasn’t been released from the hospital.

The implant will be plastic, as the original piece of skull was most likely damaged beyond reinsertion.

All of this progress is just wonderful, but she still has a long road ahead of her! Which is why our good vibes and support continually go out to the state Rep. as she courageously fights to get better!

[Image via AP Images.]