Medical Emergency-

UPDATE 2: Mom is stable and her heart strength has improved some with the help of a pump that's taken the pressure off by pumping blood for her. She's kind of miserable and weak since she's stuck full of tubes (The pump runs up through her femoral artery, which is very unpleasant) but she's coherent and fairly alert. She demanded her phone today which I think is a good sign (even if it's hard for her to use it with the instruments on her hands)

Doctors are currently looking for the cause. There have been a few theories but we don't know yet. For the moment I'm just glad her condition has improved.

Further bulletins as events warrant.

-UPDATE 1: It's basically the best version of a very bad situation. The cardiologist said that what happened to my mom was an abrupt and rapid progression of her heart failure; something that seemed to be well under control (improving even!) 6 months ago.

On the positive side, due to rapid response from paramedics there has been no damage to her internal organs due to poor circulation, and the heart hasn't suffered any damage, it's just far weaker than it needs to be to do its job.

There are some paths to treatment assuming her heart is not actively degrading, but she's going to have to remain in the ICU for a minimum of 48 hours before the doctors can figure out what it's doing and how to proceed.

I may yet be able to finish the weekly drawing in spite of this; I have access to a tablet PC and I'm going to have nothing but time on my hands while I'm at the hospital tomorrow. That said, I won't make it a promise.

Thank you for all of your support and I apologize for any interruption in service.

Original Message-
My mom returned from her errands and had some kind of breathing attack getting out of the car. She's been unable to get her breathing under control for more than 20 minutes. She's on her way to the hospital now.

I'll update everyone when I know something.