A Great Neck woman was trapped for hours under a 5,000 pound tree earlier this week, but she's already up, walking and talking.

Stephanie Epstein says she had just fallen asleep Monday when the tree came crashing down in her bedroom.

"I thought I was dreaming at first honestly," she says. "It was difficult to breathe, the pressure in my legs, I was losing feeling slowly as time went on."

For nearly two hours, dozens of first responders worked to build a new support structure so the home would not collapse. They also had to figure out a plan to get Epstein out from underneath the tree in one shot. 

"I was conscious during the whole thing," she says. "I do remember them sawing and chopping ... they put blankets over my head to prevent dust to go into in my eyes."

Just days later, Epstein is walking around North Shore University Hospital. Officials say she was able to escape without more serious injuries because she was sleeping on her side and the bed collapsed. 

"I cannot express in words how thankful I am for everyone who saved my life," she says.

Epstein still suffers from some soreness and weakness but no broken bones. Doctors expect a full recovery.