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Question of the Day - 15 August 2024

Q:

Any word on how Jean Scott is doing after her brain surgery?

A:

Yes, there is.

We spoke to our dear old friend Jean from the hospital the day after the doctors had finally figured out she needed brain surgery and the day before she went under the knife.

We were, needless to say, stunned.

But we knew she'd been having trouble with headaches and blurry vision for at least a few years, so we were also relieved that something finally showed up on an MRI pinpointing a possible cause. She was in good spirits (she rarely isn't, as those of you who know her personally can attest) and was resigned to whatever the outcome turned out to be the following day.

We also talked to her a day after the surgery; her daughter Angela called and put her on the phone. Though her first words when she came off the anesthesia were, "I'm alive!" she recovered very quickly and was quite lucid and coherent during that phone conversation, though of course a bit drugged still, and was released after only a few more days in the hospital. 

Now, several weeks later, she tells us that she's in rehab, trying to get back to where she was before the surgery, and is having some success. She has a walker, but rarely uses it; she says, "I hate leaning over on it and looking like an old lady!" (She's 85.) 

And speaking of what she looks like, her hair was shaved on the surgery side of her noggin and it still hasn't grown out yet, so the 'do is a bit "crooked." Still, some people mistake it for her latest cut and tell her it's "cute."

She reports that recovery is a slow process, though she plays mahjong regularly. And her game hasn't suffered much, if at all. "When I got home, I was eager to play. So we got a game together and one day out of the hospital, I won the first hand. My fellow players were hoping that the surgery might set me back, but no. You know me," she says, "I'm always out for blood."

In our last conversation with her a week ago, we asked her if she missed her old life. "Hey, I don't even remember what day it is. What old life?"

Seriously, she has slowed down a bit and doesn't regret it. Though she says her Type A personality "isn't the best for brain surgery," she's content not to have much to do, other than getting together with her mahjong club and visiting Brad in memory care, where he's happy as ever. They both went to the 10th birthday party of her oldest great-grandchild, Asher, the day before we spoke to her, where they had a great time.

As for her condition, the nearest anyone can tell is that she had a small stroke a few years ago and sustained some cranial bleeding; recent stress exacerbated the problem, especially her vision. The surgery didn't correct her sight and she still has trouble reading; her balance is a bit precarious and the dizziness makes it hard to sleep at times. Other than that, she's doing as well as can be expected for what she's been through at her age.

"My physical therapists tell me that being eighty-five, I'm pretty old for neurosurgery. I say, 'Well, next time, I'll try to do it when I'm younger!"

You can tell that she's nothing if not her feisty self.

Anyone who wants to wish her well can do so in the comments. We'll call and read them to her, which she'll deeply appreciate. 

 

No part of this answer may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher.

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Comments

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  • William Nye Aug-15-2024
    Hello
    When I first came to Las Vegas in 2003  and learned of the LVA and of course Jean, how lucky I was.  Great and interesting books, fun spirit and on TV then and again.  Get well and keep teaching!

  • Robert Aug-15-2024
    Best wishes Jean
    Have always enjoyed reading the stories about your trips. wishing you a full recovery.

  • thebeachbum Aug-15-2024
    I Like Good News
    So glad to hear Jean is doing so well and still competitive.  Always wish her the best. Yes, read all of her books.  In spite of that, I think she is a real inspiration and very nice lady.  Her family is lucky to have her in their lives.

  • OMB13 Aug-15-2024
    Jean
    Get well soon!! We all miss your dry wit and fun personality. You're a great inspiration to all of us!

  • Edso Aug-15-2024
    Best wishes
    Please pass along my best wishes to both Jean and Brad, and for Jean's continued healing.  I have appreciated hearing of their exploits over the years, not only the low roller stuff, but also the stories about their family.  Her books have helped my wife and I enjoy Vegas on a low roller's bankroll. 

  • Bob Aug-15-2024
    Jean
    Wishing you a speedy recovery, and good health! and Thank You for all you have shared with the LVA Community, You're a Gem!

  • Tim Soldan Aug-15-2024
    Wishing Jean a speedy recovery
    With the advances in medicine Jean could easily live well into her 100s and I wish her a speedy recovery! I'm a fan and have read all her books.

  • Scotski Aug-15-2024
    Wishing You A Speedy Recovery
    We met at a couple of the meet-and-greets in Las Vegas. You are such a great person. Loved reading all of your books. Get better soon.

  • Bob Nelson Aug-15-2024
    Jean
    Sounds like your sense of humor is still on point.  Best wishes for your recovery.

  • Teeye Aug-15-2024
    Dear Jean
    Dear Jean,
    Get well soon, you're an inspiration to all of us.

  • Llew Aug-15-2024
    Jean
    Wishing you a speedy recovery and the best of health in the future. Looking forward to seeing you in Atlantic City again for a “just for fun” trip. 😉

  • Susan Johnson Aug-15-2024
    Thankful for good news
    Hi Jean, I'm so glad to hear you are back to playing games!  There's nothing like the thrill of competition and victory to spur you on. With your determination, along with all the good thoughts and prayers from all of us, you definitely have an advantage play.  It's so good to know you and Brad are near Angela and family for your care and support.  Thanks to Anthony and crew, for answering one of the most important QoDs.  

  • Ken Orgera Aug-15-2024
    speedy recovery
    God speed

  • Vickar Aug-15-2024
    Best Wishes
    Wishing you a speedy, total recovery and the best of health and happiness to you and Brad

  • jay Aug-15-2024
    Hang in there
    My father at 86, RIP, had a brain biopsy as he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. He had follow up radiation that miraculously shrank the tumor. He had no ill follow on effects from the tumor and continued to enjoy life playing in his weekly bridge tournaments. He eventually passed due to a failed colon - still as sharp as one could be. We spoke to the ER doctor attending to him as he had been told he had just days to live and asked if we should be invoking a POA. The doc said despite him being quite p*ssed off at the diagnosis he was still in a position to make his own legal, financial and End of life decisions.
    
    Jean - don't let this thing slow you down and enjoy life to the max - you deserve it ! 

  • Claude Barclay Aug-15-2024
    Claude
    Jean, I first visited Las Vegas in 1995. It was my first time I ever played in a casino. You were the first one who opened up my eyes to the world of comps and video poker. I learned how to minimize my losses. Knowing some games could rob me of more casino budget. I stayed away from them. Thanks for all the help over the years saving me money. Please have a speedy recovery.  

  • Kevin Lewis Aug-15-2024
    Glad it went well
    I look forward to your next book, "Frugal Brain Surgery."
    
    May your next 85 years be as much fun as the first!

  • Trainwreck Aug-15-2024
    Jean
    Que Dios Te Bendiga.

  • Debra Grimes Aug-15-2024
    Jean Scott
    We've never met, but I've always enjoyed reading her responses to the QoDs.  Best wishes for a full recovery!

  • Raymond Aug-15-2024
    BEst Wishes
    Here's to Jean and her impending full recovery!
    
    Just last week, I had dinner with my mother's mah jongg group (average age, something like 86).  They're still rocking, still playing once or twice a week, and still fairly sharp!

  • PaulaNH Aug-15-2024
    Speedy Recovery Jean!
    Met you and Brad many years ago. Wonderful couple and you taught me so much. Best wishes and a full and speedy recovery.

  • O2bnVegas Aug-15-2024
    No long view, no hostage to past or future
    Isolate these now lovely moments, Jean, the gathering of friends for mahjong, family loving each other, Brad in his happy reverie. You will never be thought of as an "old lady", no matter what.  You have given so much to so many.  No doubt you inspire others in your rehab place.  Pat yourself on the back...if it doesn't hurt!  LOL.
    
    Candy 

  • Brent Peterson Aug-15-2024
    Jean Is the Best
    Continued thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery and a return to "normal."

  • Jon Anderson Aug-15-2024
    Jean Scott
    Bless her heart and hope for a quick recovery and return to normal asap...

  • Michael B Aug-15-2024
    All the best Jean
    So glad to hear you are on the mend and that Brad is doing well also. Your book got me started doing Vegas the right way and I've had so much fun on all of my trips knowing I am so much smarter than the other visitors because of you and LVA. God bless you!

  • Fumb Duck Aug-15-2024
    Best Wishes
    Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

  • Sally Aug-15-2024
    Miss reading your posts and articles!
    I have followed you since before you moved to Las Vegas. I always read your’s first! Prayers are being sent for your complete recovery. Now that I think about all the years, we were fortunate to have your expertise to learn from! 🙏🏻❤️

  • Foster Lee Aug-15-2024
    Long Live the Queen!
    ...and thank you, Angela, for keeping us updated on both Jean and Brad!

  • John Amato Aug-15-2024
    John A
    I owe my winning ways to you and Anthony. I love watching your YouTube videos and reading your works. Keep on keeping on.

  • SCOTT Aug-15-2024
    Best Wishes Jean and Brad
    From signing a copy of my wife's Frugal Gambler at the Palms back in 2003, to getting a picture with Brad and you also at the Palms just before your move back east, to meeting you earlier this year to say hi at the Downtown Grand, my wife and I always cherish those moments. We hope to see a picture of you around Christmas time wearing your antlers!

  • queen of comps Aug-15-2024
    Thank you so so much
    So many kind words makes my get-back-to-normal journey easier.  Vision difficulties (hard to see and write) is especially a problem but I can still keep up with QOD! 

  • Justin Aug-15-2024
    Get well soon!
    Wishing Jean a speedy recovery!

  • Alan Aug-15-2024
    Best wishes 
    Sorry to hear of your issue. I wish you the best. You're a wonderful lady. Love to all of your family.

  • Donald P Jaspan Aug-16-2024
    Queen of Comps 
    Our prayers are with you.Make a speedy recovery. You made our entertainment at the machines so much smarter and how to get the maximum comps. God continue to be with you. Love

  • Ken Pivernetz Aug-17-2024
    Best to you and your family
    A long-time admirer of her work, and at 82, I can relate to a lot of the aging issues. Take care and get well.
    As an aside, Jean's (and Viktor Nacht's_ 'The Frugal Video Poker Scouting Guide' is the best publication of its kind I've ever come across. Pure genius on her part and a must for any VP player!

  • John Hearn Aug-21-2024
    Mad respect!
    Jean, I loved this QOD so much. The Frugal Gambler was the first book I bought when I began exploring Las Vegas. Your advice has served me well for over 30 years now. May your days continue to be filled with blessings. Namaste'!

  • Eileen Aug-21-2024
    To Jean
    Hoping for a good recovery.  Give Brad a hug for all of us!