Melissa Rivers Is ‘Distraught’ As Her Mother Joan Rivers Remains ‘Comatose’
Melissa Rivers is said to be “distraught” over her mother, Joan Rivers, who remains in a medically induced coma. Although there were reports that doctors were going to bring Joan out of the coma this weekend, the general consensus about what is actually going on has changed. According to the New York Daily News, Melissa may be facing a very difficult decision in the coming days: Whether or not to take her mother off of life support. As an only child (and likely Joan’s healthcare proxy), this decision would fall directly on Melissa’s shoulders.
A family friend says that Joan wouldn’t want to be a burden to anyone, which means that Melissa would need to respect those wishes — especially if they are written in a power of attorney document.
“[Joan] would never want to be a burden on anyone. If she can’t recover and live a full and active life, she would rather be gone. The thought of her sitting at home unable to look after herself or suffering brain damage is heartbreaking.”
Melissa Rivers flew to New York from Los Angeles on Thursday after her mother was rushed to the hospital. As previously reported by The Inquisitr, Joan was having a procedure on her vocal chords done at a New York area clinic when she stopped breathing. There have been multiple reports that Joan suffered cardiac arrest. It’s unknown how long her heart stopped for or if she suffered any common side effects such as brain damage. If she is on life support, that does suggest that her brain function was affected.
Melissa released a second statement about her mom on Friday. Again, she did not reveal much about what is going on, but did say that her mother’s condition remained “serious.” According to E! News, Melissa flew to New York with her son Cooper. She has been with her mom everyday since this frightening incident occurred. When not at the hospital, Melissa is staying at her mom’s apartment on the East Side.
“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.”
According to WCVB, Joan Rivers has been unconscious since she arrived at the hospital on Thursday. There have been reports that doctors were keeping her sedated to keep her comfortable, but bringing Joan out of the coma is seeming less likely with each passing day.
Joan Rivers is 81-years-old.
[Photo courtesy of Stephen Lovekin/NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment]
