Travis recovering, will require months

Travis was on life support, but doctors weaned him from that support. Travis also suffered a stroke, causing pressure to build up in his brain. His doctor said that surgery was needed last week to relieve the pressure.

"The operation was successful and Mr. Travis has awakened since that operation," said cardiac surgeon Dr. Michael Mack at The Heart Hospital Baylor in Texas.

"He does remain on intravenous medications to support his heart," said Dr. Gary Erwin, a pulmonary and critical care specialist at The Heart Hospital Baylor. "We are decreasing the doses of that everyday." Travis will need oral medications "long term" to continue supporting his heart, Erwin said.

Travis remains on a ventilator, "but we are decreasing that support daily," said Erwin. "We hope to have him weaned off of that very soon."

Travis' fiance Mary Davis said, "He is responding well to voices. He sees, and he understands. He's miles beyond where any of us thought he would be a few days ago. It's heartwarming to see that we have such a strong person under there that's willing to fight with us."

Erwin thought Travis will need to remain in the hospital for two to three weeks followed by a stay in an inpatient facility for physical therapy. "We anticipate it will take months to recover from the stroke," he said.