Legendary comedienne Joan Rivers is reportedly being taken out of a medically induced coma on Sunday (Aug 31st) by the medical staff at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Her doctors are now beginning to assess how damaged the 81 year-old's brain is.

Joan Rivers
Rivers will be fully out of the induced coma by Tuesday (Sept 2nd)

On Thursday (Aug 28th) Rivers was hospitalized and put on life support after going into cardiac and respiratory arrest after she stopped breathing during a minor throat procedure. She was then placed into the coma until a full examination was carried out.

"The waking-up process has begun and will take until Tuesday," a source close to the family told the NY 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."

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Rivers' family may also be considering to file a lawsuit against the clinic that carried out the botched throat procedure. "Shock and upset is turning to anger, and they are looking for someone to blame," another source added.

Even though the current situation looks very bleak, Joan's daughter Melissa Rivers released a statement on Sunday that read, "We are keeping our fingers crossed."

Since news broke of the 'Fashion Police' co-host's health scare, there has been a huge outpouring of support from fans and celebrities alike, and Melissa expressed her appreciation for this in another statement on Friday (Aug 29th).

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"My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world," she said. "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."