Family and friends of Joan Rivers continue to hold a bedside vigil for the 81-year-old as she remains in a serious condition in hospital.
UPDATE: Doctors have begun taking Joan out of a medical coma, but fear that she could be left brain damaged or in a permanently vegetative state as it is thought that her motor skills could be affected.
The popular comedian was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital last week following complications during a minor elective throat procedure.
Joan stopped breathing during throat surgery at a Manhattan medical clinic and went into cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Her daughter Melissa Rivers released a statement saying that everyone is trying to stay positive.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed,” she told the Associated Press.
“My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world. Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery.”
The Fashion Police star was placed in a medically-induced coma on Thursday.
Her family and friends are now faced with a terrible waiting game as she remains on life support.
“She is resting comfortably and is with our family. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers,” Melissa said.
There are also reports that Melissa and the family are considering legal action after what was meant to be a minor procedure sent her into cardiac and respiratory arrest. “Shock and upset is turning to anger, and they are looking for someone to blame,” a source told the NY Daily News.
Their feelings are very understandable given that she and covering the Emmys and VMAs for E! with her usual vigorous wit on Tuesday and was performing onstage in Manhattan only the day before.
“The night before, she was performing and now she is on life support,” the source continued. “An 81-year-old should not have that procedure as an outpatient. Very ill advised.”
