Illinois' former first lady, Lura Lynn Ryan, has been released from the hospital and has gone home.
Ryan, the wife of imprisoned former Gov. George Ryan, was hospitalized and placed in intensive care roughly three weeks ago after developing sepsis, a massive inflammation of the blood system that sometimes occurs after chemotherapy or radiation in treating cancer.
George Ryan's attorney, former Gov. Jim Thompson, said the former first lady's health had improved to the point where she could be sent home.
"She fought her way back from sepsis so she's over that, " said Thompson. "There really is no reason for her to be in the hospital anymore because they've done everything for her that they can. She can rest comfortably at home. It will be a little easier for the family to take care of her."
Thompson also said that another request has been made to have George Ryan temporarily released from the federal prison in Terre Haute, Ind., where he's serving time on a conviction for racketeering, conspiracy and other charges, so he can be with his ailing wife.
The couple speaks with each other regularly, Thompson told the Associated Press, adding that Lura Lynn Ryan's voice has recently sounded stronger.
The former first lady has battled cancer in her lungs, kidneys, spine, pelvis and liver.
