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Lamar Odom Is Making Fast Progress but Still Needs a Lot of Rehab: Inside the Former NBA Player's Recovery

E! News has learned the former NBA player cannot stand, even with help, but he is able to move his arms and legs

By Holly Passalaqua, Zach Johnson Oct 19, 2015 3:00 PMTags
Lamar Odom, ClippersAndy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images

Lamar Odom's road to recovery is long, but he won't be making the journey alone.

E! News has learned that the former NBA player's health is improving day to day, but the 35-year-old athlete is going to need "a lot" of rehab in the coming months. Lamar is "making fast progress" and can move his arms and legs, but he is not able to stand up, even with assistance. A CT scan came back clean, but there may be some cognitive issues ahead. Though Lamar is still on dialysis due to kidney failure, he is showing signs of improvement. He passed a swallowing test, a promising sign of neurological function, and has communicated using hand signals. Additionally, he is no longer wearing an oxygen mask and is "doing great with his breathing."

A team of doctors—including a neurologist, cardiologist, primary care doctor and critical care physician—are working to help Lamar through the recovery process.

Khloe Kardashian, who has remained publicly silent since rushing to Lamar's bedside Tuesday, was spotted in Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center in Las Vegas wearing black loungewear with her hair in a messy top knot. She is still sleeping in Lamar's room and never leaves his side. "She goes everywhere with him. If Lamar leaves the room for testing, she follows." Lamar has spoken to Khloe a few times since he woke up from a coma Friday, saying, "Hey, baby" and "Good morning."

Throughout it all, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star has remained "quiet and concerned." Khloe "continues to ask questions about his condition and care."

Meanwhile, Lamar's maternal aunt, JaNean Mercer, released a statement Monday. "Lamar has always been blessed with a tenacious, fighting spirit, overcoming insurmountable obstacles to achieve the impossible. These past few days have been no different. He is defying the odds in his toughest battle to date with God's grace. Each day Lamar is getting stronger and reaching significant milestones in his recovery," she told E! News. "We are committed to remaining by his side as a family for our champion, who we love immensely. Your continued prayers and well wishes have been the fuel to keep us going, and for that we are eternally grateful."

JaNean also said her nephew he is "more alert and gaining more strength."

For more on Lamar's progress, tune into E! News tonight at 7 and 11, only on E!