January 15, 2011 9:33 PM
CNN Breaking News -- U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has been taken off a ventilator and is breathing on her own,
-- U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has been taken off a ventilator and is breathing on her own, hospital in Tucson, AZ says.

Yes! She was successfully weaned from the breathing machine after being trached (a small hole made in windpipe for breathing) before she was totally taken off the breathing machine. This is considered a good outcome, because the trach can be used temporarily or longterm.