Taylor's recovery going well

">Taylor Radtke continued to show signs of improvement Friday, one day after successful brain surgery to remove a tumor near her carotid artery.If the 7-year-old Johnsburg girl continues to improve, she could be released as early as today, her mother said."She looks great," Laurie Radtke said. "I kind of still don't believe it."Taylor, a second-grader with a love of cheerleading and animals, traveled to St. Joseph's Hospital Medical Center in Phoenix earlier this month to have a brain tumor removed. Though surgeons initially believed only a portion of the growth could be removed, they were able to remove the entire lesion. Earlier Coverage Seven-year-old Taylor Radtke, diagnosed with a rare tumor that threatens her vision and mobility, needs life-saving surgery that few doctors are willing to perform. Stories Taylor's recovery going well[10/27/07] Taylor's 'inoperable' tumor removed [10/26/07] Fear, hope as Taylor's surgery begins [10/25/07] Lake Zurich fundraiser to benefit girl [10/22/07] The surgeon who wouldn't say no [10/21/07] Taylor's surgery next week [10/19/07] Firefighters, friends, strangers all help Taylor [10/18/07] Column: On a cross-country ride of hope [10/18/07] Taylor's trip a dream come true [10/17/07] Taylor's smiles choke up dad [10/16/07] Editorial: Story brings heartfelt response [10/16/07] A dream comes true [10/15/07] Wish has Radtkes' riding high [10/14/07] Taylor finds doctor to do the surgery [10/13/07] You've already done so much for little Taylor [10/12/07] Ailing girl's parents buoyed by support [10/12/07] Outpouring of help eases pain for Johnsburg family [10/11/07] McHenry Co. family praying for 'miracle' cure to help save their daughter [10/10/07] Video Taylor's surgery Visiting the doctor Special zoo tour At Sea World At the zoo Taylor goes onboard How you can help DONATE - Donations for Taylor Radtke are being accepted at First Midwest Bank's Johnsburg branch, 3805 N. Johnsburg Road, and McHenry branch, 1308 N. Route 31. Funds raised will be put toward research, travel expenses and medical costs. SEND A CARD - If you'd like to write the Radtkes a card, please send them courtesy of Amy Mack, Daily Herald, 385 Airport Road, Suite A, Elgin, IL 60123. A post-surgery MRI showed no visible signs of the tumor, her doctors said Thursday. Lingering cells may mean the growth will return some day, but the family said they are concentrating on the present."Even if there are cells still there, it has bought us a lot more time," Laurie said.The family -- which includes her 5-year-old brother Blake -- put that time to use Friday in Taylor's hospital room. Though still on morphine to manage the pain from her surgery, the little girl was able to use the bathroom and eat mashed potatoes, one of her favorite foods.She also felt up to having her hair brushed and putting on a monkey-themed shirt with matching shorts. A stuffed monkey sat on the edge of her bed, while her mother had placed pictures of primates around the room.Doctors want Taylor to walk more on her own before she can be released, Laurie Radtke said. They also are monitoring her for any build up of cerebral fluid, a complication that could require a second surgery.After her release, the family will stay in Phoenix for the next two to three weeks as part of Taylor's follow-up care."We're not focusing on that right now," Laurie Radtke said. "We're focusing on the incredible gift we've been given."