I like to keep hand applique projects on had for such times as you mentioned. they are portable and easy to work on just about any place. Appliqued or embroidered blocks for a future quilt work well for this purpose. I also find crochet projects very portable. I will be in prayer for your daughter. I will also look her up on Caringbridge. I think Caringbridge is a great resource for communicating with people about such things. I have had friends on Caringbridge. It is a good way to update people without being inundated with calls, etc.