Update Email From Chan's step-mom

UPDATE from Jodie
I am incredibly humbled by how many emails I received concerning Chantele. While I knew she had a lot of people who read this site I never imagined it was this many.
I just received this email from Chan's step-mom. I didn't post any information on here earlier out of respect for her family because I do know that she has many family members who check this blog.
Jodie,

What we know; Chan did not have a heart attack as was previously told to us, she went into cardiac arrest. One of Chan's co-workers called 911 at Chan's urging. Moments after EMT arrived she went into arrest. They were able to shock and revive her within a minute - which is what saved her life. She is pretty much out of it. They have her sedated, although she was awake for about 20 minutes last night. Long enough for everyone to see her. She has a breathing tube and is not able to talk at all. She is also back on morphine and will probably be on it for a while.

Her oncologist met with us last night and answered pretty much all of our questions. The reason they brought her here to this hospital instead of where her doctor is at is because they weren't able to get a stable beat from her. They've done all kinds of tests and have determined that she arrested due to lack of oxygen to the heart. They do not believe she suffered any brain damage, which is such a tremendous blessing. Her biggest threat right now is how swollen her throat is. Her doctor wants her moved ASAP. And we're told that will happen once she is more stable. Once she is moved they want to get her throat dilated. Her doctors want to do surgery to remove the tumor that is still there and start her on another chemo drug. However, since she has reacted to the humidity in this way they will probably do surgery here and then have her start chemo back home.

When we asked who needed to stay, as you know the whole clan is here, her doctor said whoever wanted to enjoy California. As of now Pat, Chuck, myself and Jordan are staying. The rest are going home today and tomorrow.

When asked how long we should plan to stay we were told at least 2 weeks, probably more like 4-6, and possibly 8 weeks or longer. We all laughed when the doctor said it all depends on how stubborn Chan is.

While she looks a lot better than any of us thought she would, she is still in critical condition and extremely sick. But she is alive and that is all that matters here.

I just spoke to Pat and she says everyone on her side of the family has been informed. And Chuck said all on our side know as well. So you can post to her site now.

We'll let you know more once we know.

Love,
Dana