some one who is really recovering. that is going to go a long way towards her recovery in the future. >> reporter: but why did she have this surgery now, while her husband mark is so far away? >> the expectation is that she is going to do beautifully. i think the timing was right. i think she is ready for this procedure. >> reporter: according to the doctors who replaced my skull, this almost always speeds up our healing. >> we have seen improvements psychologically in patients but also documented improvements in terms of motor response, verbal response, cognitive response of brain function. >> reporter: for gabby giffords, this is a major step on the long road back towards normalcy. bob woodruff, abc news. nasa is keeping extra close eye on damage to thermal tiles on the belly of shuttle "endeavour." analysts spotted some gouges in photos taken before endeavor docked with the space station. for now nasa says there is no cause for concern. >> good to hear. taking a look at your