<p>I feel badly for her daughter and her grandson as they come to the brutal reality that she is so suddenly gone. Their lives seem so tightly woven together. </p>
<p>I have not gotten over losing my own mom and its been almost 20 years. It’s always right there. Right below the surface of everyday life. </p>
<p>I wish them well.</p>
<p>My close friend’s grandmother died under cataract surgery at a clinic some years ago, which shocked us all. I still remember that day. It really came out of left field as she was not in any condition that this was expected. Made me ever so nervous when my mother had hers a few year ago, but I do believe the anesthesia was quite different 30 years later. Even so she needed medical clearance to get it. When one is in ones 80s the risks sharply rise for complications for things that are considered routine.</p>
<p>I think, because of all the plastic surgery, we forget that she was an 81 year old woman. She certainly didn’t look it or act it.</p>
<p>Nrdsb4, I’m astounded that facelifts can be done with local anesthesia. It makes me sick to even think about having plastic surgery - fortunate that I am not in the entertainment business where youthful looks are required. </p>
<p>I’m sorry that you lost your mother so long ago, sax. I am always aware that I am very fortunate that my mother is still alive, relatively healthy, and completely intact mentally. I dread losing her.</p>
<p>I agree that JR did not look or act like an elderly woman. She didn’t look natural with all the plastic surgery, but she didn’t look old, either.</p>
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<p>Well, it’s local AND propofol, which is still general anesthesia. What sets propofol apart from conventional general anesthesia regimens is that the patient maintains their own breathing. They don’t need a ventilator during surgery, unlike conventional surgeries. Still, if something goes wrong, the anesthesiologist is RIGHT THERE at the position which is easiest for intubation. That’s why I’m surprised this happened to her, even if she did experience a respiratory arrest. Clearly we don’t have all the relevant information.</p>
<p>I do confess that I was shocked a facelift could be done without intubation and the other drugs. After seeing one done, it kind of cured me from ever wanting one! </p>
<p>This story reminded me of the death of author Olivia Goldsmith in 2004 at age 54. She had a heart attack and went into a coma while going under general anesthesia at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital for a chin and neck tuck. It was not her first cosmetic surgery.and was a complete surprise.</p>
<p>I use to turn on Fashion Police just to watch Joan. Such outrageous things she said. </p>
<p>My mom died at 81. She exercised daily, but 1 day had trouble catching her breath. Saw her pulmonologist that afternoon, oxygen equipment delivered that evening. I checked on her that nite, and early next morning. I insisted she go into hospital. She was gone in 3 days. Having had no warning, no one in the family could adapt so quickly. I feel like Melissa and her kids are going thru the same shock. They were so close, emotionally and professionally. My best wishes go out to Melissa, to lose such an active, inspiring, caring mother, with no warning.</p>
<p>Did others see the taped good-bye Joan said to Melissa? How Joan kept saying what a wonderful life she had.</p>
<p>So sorry, bookworm. It is never easy to lose a parent, no matter the circumstances. I really do feel badly for Melissa and her son, this really was so unexpected. I did see the tape with Joan and Melissa and it is very poignant and hopefully will provide some comfort to Melissa in knowing that Joan felt she had had a great life and felt Melissa and Cooper would be fine . My father and father in law both went quickly and rather unexpectedly. My mother and mother in law both lingered in very frail states for years, into their late 80’s and early 90’s. It was very painful to watch their declines. If Joan was going to go, I have a feeling she’d rather it have been like this than living in an impaired state. </p>
<p>I have felt very sad about this since I learned. </p>
<p>So sad for Melissa and Cooper. The surgery wasn’t required, so that makes it all even more sad. </p>
<p>RIP </p>
<p>I’m suspicious of possible screw ups by the medical staff.</p>
<p>Then again, back in 1971 or 72, Chuck Hughes from the Detroit Lions died on the field from some kind of heart attack, without any help from any doctors, and on a non-strenous routine play. Its happened to other fit athletes too. There is just a lot that isn’t known about how we live and what keeps us alive. </p>
<p>From what they’re saying on TV she had an endoscopy, a very low-risk diagnostic procedure. </p>
<p>bookworm, I’m sorry that you lost your mother so quickly. My father died suddenly at 79, but he’d had heart disease and some other medical problems, so it was not a surprise (although it was still shocking). For several years, I’d watch him as we drove away after a visit, wondering whether I’d ever see him again. My mother is well into her 80’s and doing well. I’ll be devastated when I lose her.</p>
<p>From watching the NBC show just now, Melissa did ask her to knock off the plastic surgery because she was worried about it but this latest thing seemed to revolve more about her voice, which would be crucial to someone like her , regardless of age.</p>
<p>
I just caught this episode this afternoon. I really enjoyed seeing her as herself as well.</p>
<p>I enjoyed seeing her on Say Yes to the Dress too. She apologized for being late and then got down to business with helping the bride find a dress. It was cool that the bride ended up picking the dress that Joan found.</p>
<p>How do you say no to the dress Joan picked? I feel like a lifetime Joan Ranger. Here’s a very wonderful tribute by Peggy Noonan: <a href=“Joan Rivers: The Entertainer - WSJ”>Joan Rivers: The Entertainer - WSJ; </p>
<p>Peggy wrote a very nice tribute for a wonderful woman. Thanks for sharing.</p>
<p>New details:</p>
<p><a href=“Joan Rivers’ Air Supply Cut Off From Unexpected Throat Biopsy (Report)”>Joan Rivers’ Air Supply Cut Off From Unexpected Throat Biopsy (Report);
<p>So sad…</p>
<p>was just about to post that, BB </p>
<p><a href=“Joan Rivers had surprise throat biopsy that cut off her air supply, source claims”>Gossip: Celebrity & Hollywood Gossip News - New York Daily News;
<p>I have no medical knowledge, just experience with my daughter having endoscopies (in a hospital setting and an outpatient location). They talked extensively and said very clearly to us, if while they were in there and see anything, they would take a biopsy of it. If that happens, these are the risks/benefits, etc. Anytime you’re putting a scope in someone, there is always a chance there will be a biopsy of something. I’d have a hard time believing she didn’t sign some kind of release. If this is an endoscopy center, they must do that over and over every day. </p>
<p>So very sad. I know that some folks are saying, “but she was 81.” Well, she wasn’t an infirm 81 year old…she was still very vibrant. </p>
<p>very sad.</p>