The decision to take Joan Rivers off life support is expected over the next few days, but Joan’s daughter is ignoring the sad truth that her mother may not survive if the machine is turned off. The New York Daily News reports that Melissa Rivers is “in denial” and refuses to admit that her mother may die.
Rivers, 81, has been in a medically induced coma since Thursday after going into cardiac and respiratory arrest after a simple out-patient procedure on her throat. TMZ reports that a decision about removing Joan from life support will be made at some point after the holiday weekend. Those close to the comedian are aware that the a positive outcome to this tragic situation is not likely.
Dear @Joan_Rivers , Got your flowers. I DO owe you another dinner. Get well my friend. pic.twitter.com/PaEEFRN1sj
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) August 28, 2014
Still, Melissa continues to ignore the fact that her mother’s condition is grave, with sources telling The NY Daily News that she thinks everything will be fine and refuses to listen to anyone who talks about the possibility that Joan will not survive without life support.
“She still thinks everything is going to be OK. She is refusing to admit that a world might exist without her mother in it.”
Melissa Rivers’ ex-husband, John Endicott and her son, Cooper, 13 reportedly went to Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York to visit Joan on Saturday morning. They were spotted exiting the hospital a short time later and returned to Melissa’s East Side apartment.
Endicott did not make any comments to the press and Melissa has been tight-lipped about the situation as well. Other than a brief statement about her mother’s condition that was posted on JoanRivers.com on Friday, she has steered clear of the media.
“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.”
Although sources have told the NY Daily News that Joan Rivers would “never want to be a burden to anyone” it is evident that her daughter is having a difficult time coming to terms with her mother’s condition. It’s likely that the “Fashion Police” host will either have a long struggle ahead, or will not make it if the decision is made to turn life support off, both equally difficult situations for the comedian’s family to deal with.
[Image: JoanRivers.com]