http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/joan-rivers-brought-medically-induced-coma-source-article-1.1923394Joan Rivers being brought out of medically induced coma as doctors begin 'waking-up process': source
The comedian's only child, Melissa Rivers, said in a statement Sunday that she is keeping her 'fingers crossed.' A source tells the Daily News that there is a concern that Joan Rivers' motor skills may be compromised, 'leaving her as either a vegetable or in a wheelchair.'
BY Eli Rosenberg , Bill Hutchinson
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Sunday, August 31, 2014, 8:36 PM
Refusing to buckle to her worst fears, Joan Rivers’ daughter is keeping her “fingers crossed” that a miracle will bring the 81-year-old comedic legend back from the brink of death.
The feisty funny lady was being brought out of a medically induced coma Sunday at Mount Sinai Hospital as her only child waited with bated breath on how she will respond.
“The waking-up process has begun and will take until Tuesday,” a source close to the family told the Daily News. “There is real concern that the part of the brain that controls motor skills may have been compromised, leaving her as either a vegetable or in a wheelchair.”
Melissa Rivers, 46, said her mother has received an outpouring of prayers and encouragement from friends and admirers around the world.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed,” Melissa said in a statement Sunday.
She said her mom, who is in serious condition, was “resting comfortably” and asked that “everyone keep her in your thoughts and prayers.”
While she tried to publicly sound upbeat, “Melissa is apparently totally hysterical and is at a loss for what to do,” the source told The News.
“They won’t know the extent of the damage until Tuesday at the earliest,” the source said of Rivers’ condition.
Sources have told The News that Rivers would not want to live unless she could enjoy “a full and active life ... (She) would never want to be a burden on anyone.”
The host of E!’s “Fashion Police” went into cardiac and respiratory arrest Thursday morning while undergoing a procedure on her vocal cords at a private clinic on the Upper East Side.
Doctors subsequently put the Emmy-winner in a medically induced coma to stabilize her vital signs. As of Sunday, she was breathing with the help of a life-support machine.
Rivers’ best friend, Margie Stern, stopped by the hospital to visit, but declined to comment when she left.
Another close friend, Jay Redack, Rivers’ creative collaborator, said he was left stunned by the comedian’s sudden health setback.
Redack, who also visited Rivers on Sunday, said he had gone to dinner with her on Wednesday night and that they had discussed the minor throat procedure she was about to undergo.
He said Rivers, who performed a comic routine Wednesday night at the Laurie Beechman Theater near Times Square, showed no signs of a pending medical crisis.
“We talked about life, Melissa, boyfriends, tennis lessons, and talked about her act,” said Redack — who co-wrote “Rabbit Test,” the 1978 movie Rivers directed.
“Everything was going well for her,” Redack said. “Her career was good. She loves ‘Fashion Police.’ ”
Redack said that after 40 years of friendship, he knows Rivers better than most.
“You know how polarizing she could be, but people don’t realized what a fantastic lady she is, the charities that she supports, without fanfare, without people knowing,” Redack said. “She is a great person.”
