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Today (October 1) Mayumi spent her second full day in the Intermediate Care Unit of the hospital. The doctors have removed her chest tube, and she has resumed using her J-tube to take in a small amount of (liquid) nutrition. Using a walker, she also walks around the hospital corridor three times a day, accompanied by a nurse, in order to regain her muscle strength, improve her lung capacity, and improve her circulation. Her swelling has also decreased steadily; yesterday alone, she eliminated five liters of fluids from her body, so her weight is slowly returning to normal. The only lingering problems are persistent swelling in her left hand and forearm, and a mild allergic skin reaction to the tape which the hospital uses to secure tubes and gauze dressings to her body. The doctors will probably have her undergo an ultrasound scan to make sure that the swelling in her left hand is not being caused by a blood clot.

She remains in good spirits, and has enjoyed welcoming a few visitors and taking a few telephone calls from friends and from Mark's relatives.