There is Hope

[Amanda]

We need Hope!
This is my first fan fiction tell me what you think!
Most Charters form this Story comes form the Lifetime TV series Strong Medicine!


(Overview of Chapter 1: Marc has been sick for a while and one morning he wakes up really sick so Lu takes him to work with her and runs some test on him and finds out he has a rare form of cancer that they can’t treat successfully at Rittenhouse so the oncologists wants to send them to St. Jude’s Children’s research hospital so Lu has to make a big choice.)

This is a long chapter there’s a lot of details in it.
Chapter 1

It was early March Lu walked into her sons room to get him up for school.

” Marc honey it’s time to get up for school” Said Lu as she stood over him.

Marc Opened his eyes” I can’t go to school today I’m sick.” Marc complained

Lu felt his forehead It was really hot and he was sweating. “Your heads hot ill take your temp in a minute sit up for me Lu said.”

Marc set up Lu looked down and saw all the Bruises on Marc’s arms which scared her. “Marc have you hit your arms on something?” she asked in a scared voice while turning over his arms looking at them.

“No not that I know of I had a few the other day to and I don’t know how I’m getting them.” Marc said

“Ok honey do you have them any where else?” Lu asked him.

“Don’t know haven’t looked” Marc said.

Lu looked him all over and found out that he had busies on his Stomach, legs, and back of his neck. This frightened Lu she went go get her thermometer and took his temperature 101.9 she read. “Well your not going to school today your coming with me to the clinic so I can run some test.” She told Marc

“Okay” he said

“ Get dressed and ill be ready to go in about 10 minutes ok” She told him.

“Okay mom” marc said as he stood up to get dressed.

10 minutes later they were ready to go so they got her car and drove to the RWHC. They got there and walk inside. “Good morning Lu” Lana said as Lu walked up to the front desk with Marc walking behind her.

“Is it an in-service day or something” Lana asked

“No he was sick when he woke up this morning I need to run some test on him.” Lu said concerned.

“Morning Delgado” Andy said as she walked by.

“Andy come here for a sec.” Lu said to her.
“What is it” Andy asked Lu.
“Look at Marc’s arms have you seen anything like it before I have a ideal what it might be but really hope I’m wrong” Lu said.

Andy looked at marc’s arms and Lana did to.

“Gosh kid who have you been fighting with.” Lana asked him.

“No one” marc said.

“Is there any thing else wrong with him” Andy asked Lu.

“He’s has a fever and been really tired. I’m going to go do his blood work in a minute. And run some test.” Lu said.

“Lu I think you already know what I think it is I pray that it’s not though.” Andy said

“Ok thanks Andy.” Lu said Lu took Marc into her office looking like she was about to cry.

“Ok honey sit on the couch and I’m going to take some blood.” She told marc.

Marc set down on the couch While Lu went to get what she needed. “Okay you ready one, two, three, poke” she said as she put the needle in his arm and drew the blood. “Ok honey take this it will bring you fever down and I’m going to run this up to the lab you just lay here and rest okay.” Lu told him worried.

“Okay thanks mom I love you.” Marc said as he laid down on the couch.

“I love you to baby and kissed” Marc on the forehead and took the blood up to the lab while marc slept.


About a two hours later Lana told Lu marc’s lab’s were back. Lu hurried over to get them to get them and set down by Lana and her worst nightmares came to reality. Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) Lu read and she closed the folder and as she cried.

“Kid what’s wrong?” Lana asked.


“It’s cancer and a bad one” Lu said.

“Whose next for me Hawkin…Delgado is everything ok Andy asked her.”

“Marc has APL.” said Lu

“Oh god Lu I’m so sorry.” Andy said. “What are you going to do you know its only 30% curable here at Rittenhouse” Andy said.

“Yeah I know.” “All I know is that I need to tell him and get him up to oncology to see what are options are.” Lu said in a depressed tone.

“Okay well if you need anything just ask me” Andy said concerned for her friend.

“Okay thanks Andy.” Lu said trying to dry up her tears as Andy walked away.

“When are you going to tell him” Lana asked

“Right now clear my schedule for the rest of the afternoon will be up stairs in oncology .” Lu told Lana.

“Ok kid good luck she told Lu as she walked in to her office.” Lana told Lu as she walked in to her office.

Marc was still sleeping she sat down beside him and brushed his hair out of his face. He opened his eyes.

“Hey mom what’s up.” Marc asked because she was still lightly crying.

“Honey I’ve got some bad news.” she said.
Marc sat up. “what is it ?” Marc asked.

“Well honey I..I got your lab work back.” She held his hand.

“And?” Marc asked

“Honey you have Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia or APL for short” Lu told him in a caring voice.

“Wait Leukemia that’s cancer isn’t it.” Marc asked surprised as he looked at Lu She was still crying.

“ye..yes honey it is.” “But your going to be fine we have a appointment with the oncologist in a hour to see what all are options are ok.” she told marc.

Marc was crying by now. “Why is this happening to me?” he asked

“I don’t know honey it’s just one of those things that happen, but I’m going to get you the best care I can and were going to fight this and knock it out of you ok.” Lu told him in a caring motherly voice.

As she held him close while they both cried. “I love you so much baby you just don’t know how much.” Lu told him.
“I love you to mom.” Marc said through his tears.

“Honey I’m going to go check on one of my patients and ill be back in 30 minutes to walk you up stairs to your appointment will you be okay till I get back.” Lu asked him

“Ok mom I’ll be fine.” Marc said as Lu gave him a kiss on the cheek and got up and left.

“How did it go” Lana asked her.

“He’s pretty upset” said Lu as she walked over to her.

“I bet and you” Lana asked

“I’m really worried and scared for him because I know all that can happen.” Lu said

“Yeah I know kid but he’s a fighter just like you.” Lana told her.

“Thanks Lana I’m going to check on one of my patients and ill be back in 30 minutes to take him to his appointment.” Lu told Lana.

“Ok kid ill keep a eye on him for you while your gone.” Lana said

“Ok thanks Lana.” Said Lu as she walked away.

Lu was checking on her patients and looked at her watch it was getting close to her sons appointment so she said bye to her patient and went back to her office to get marc. She walked into her office he was sitting at her desk just staring off into his own world. “Marc honey are you ready.” Lu asked him wondering if he had even heard her. “Hun… oh yeah I guess. Marc got up and followed his mom to his appointment.

They got to the waiting room. “Go find some where to sit down I’m going to sign you in.” Lu told him.

“Okay” marc said as he went to sit down.

Lu walked up to the front desk. “Hi I’m Dr. Delgado my son Marc Delgado has a appointment for 3:00 to see Dr. Parker.” Lu told the receptionist

“Ok it will be a few minutes will call you when he’s ready for you.” The receptionist told Lu

“Ok thank you Lu said” as she went to go sit next to marc.

“ Are you ok honey” she asked him when she sat down.

“Yeah for right now I guess I’m just nervous.” Marc said

“Your going to be fine” she said as she put her arm around him.

“Marc Delgado” the nurse called.

“I guess this is it.”

“Yep” Lu said as they walked into the examining room.

“Ok Marc what’s going on or do you want your mom to explain it?” The nurse asked.

“Let my mom explained it.”
“ Ok Dr. Delgado.” Lu told the nurse what was going on and what she had diagnosed him as having APL.

“Ok thanks you for your information Dr. Parker will be in in a second.” The nurse said as she left.

Lu went to sit down in the chair that was in the room. Their was a knock at the door and Dr. Parker walked in.

“Hi Marc I’m Dr. Parker.” He said as he held out his hand to shake marc’s hand.

“You’ve got some pretty nasty bruises their.” Dr. Parker said looking at his arms

“Dr. Delgado long time no see.” Hi Jeff Lu said as she went to stand by marc.

“So you diagnosed your son with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia this morning.” Dr. Parker said to Lu

“Yes” Lu said.

“Well were going to do a bone marrow biopsy to make sure, But we have another problem If it is APL the cure rate here at Rittenhouse is only 30% in which isn’t very good but there a alterative to this.” Dr. Parker said.

“Ok I know that what’s the alterative” Lu asked.

“I could refer your son to St. Jude Children’s research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee the survival rate there is 80 to 85 % and they use the top notch Medical treatments and their the leaders in Curing Pediatric cancers.” Dr. Parker told her.

“I didn’t know they were so successful is it are best choice” Lu asked him.

“Yes, It would be your best chance to save your son’s life.” “I’ll let you think about it and I’ll go set up everything for the bone marrow biopsy.” Dr. Parker said as he left the room.

[Brittany]

that waz good!!!

[Amanda]

Thanks I'll have chapter 2 up as soon as I can.

[Brittany]

kk

[Amanda]

Chapter 2
Chapter 2

"Mom is he right….This is only 30% curable?” Marc asked nervously.

"Yeah baby he is but your going to be okay." Lu told him tiring to comfort him as much as she could.

"Ok but all this is still blowing my mind…..what are we going to do though you can’t just leave your job to go to that other Hospital and…." Marc said frustrated over all this.

"Marc honey don’t worry about that right now I’ll figurer something out I’ll go talk to Dr. Jackson before we Leave today and see what he will let me do but for now I think we will be going to St. Jude’s especially if it’s your best chance there. " Lu told him trying reinsure him.

"Ok mom but I just don’t want you to lose your job over me.” Marc said not caring about himself at the moment.

“Marc your more important than any job let me worry about that okay.” Lu said as she hugged marc. "

"Okay” marc said.

"So what is this bone marrow thing there fixing to do to me” marc asked just as the nurse knocked on the door and handed Lu a gown and told marc to change into it.

Marc started to change in to the gown… "So what is that thing there fixing to do?" Marc asked Lu.

" Ok a bone marrow biopsy is where they make a small incision in your hip and take a needle and stick it into your hip bone and remove a small amount of marrow to see if it’s working correct or not. " Lu told him.

"Ok but will it hurt?" Marc asked worried

" Honey I’m not going to lie to you yes it may be a little bit painful but it’s the only way they can conform the diagnosis. They will numb the area up where there going to do it and I’ll be there with you the whole time if you want me to." Lu told him as she put her arm around him.

" I… I want you to be there with me” marc said

"Okay I’ll be right there with you the whole time baby." Lu said

*Knock at the door*

The nurse walked in "are you ready Marc” the nurse asked

" yeah I guess.” Marc said

" Okay follow me then Dr. Delgado you can either wait in the waiting room or" …… the nurse started until marc interrupted her.

“I want my mom with me please” marc said

"ok no problem so if you will both follow me will get this started." The nurse said as they left the room.

They followed the nurse down the hallway and went into another room that kind of looked like an OR.

"Ok Marc get on the table and lay on your side the nurse told marc."

" Umm I don’t want to do this….. “Marc said in a nervous tone as he turned around to make a run for it.

"Come on honey you might as well get this over with now rather than later” Lu told him as she grabbed him as he was trying to leave.

"But…But I’ve got homework to do and …" Marc said panicking

"Nice try come on this will only take 30 minutes or less get on the table and it will be over soon” Lu told him

“Okay” marc said while whimpering. Marc got on the table.

*Dr. Parker walked in *

"So are you ready marc” Dr. Parker asked him.

" Yea …yeah I guess lets just get this over with please." Marc said nervously

“Okay kiddo it want take long. Lu since you’re here how about you hold his hand and try to keep him as clam as possible you know the drill.” Dr. Parker said as he was cleansing the area where the pedicure would be done.

“Okay” Lu said as she sat down in the chair beside the table and put her head down close to marc’s and grabbed his hand and held it tight.

"Are you ready Marc” Dr. Parker asked him.

Marc nodded his head yes.

Lu gave marc a kiss on the head.

"Ok lets do this” Dr. Parker said as he numbed he numbed the area. "Ok marc I’m going to make the incision you may feel some pressure." He made the incision.

"Ok now I’m going to take a needle and get a sample. Can you count backswords form 100 for me Dr. Parker asked "

"yeah 100.….99.…98.….97.…96...ssshhesss owe owe! owe!!" *marc starts crying *

"It’s ok It's ok come on count with me 95... Lu tells marc"

"94.…93...92.…91.…90...89.…88.…87...said both of them counting ."

"Ok all done that wasn’t to bad now was it Marc Dr. parker said ."

"Let me bandage this up for you and you’ll be done for today."

" Thank goodness said marc."

" You did great baby Lu says as she brushes his hair out of his face and kisses him on the forehead."

"Now let me go take a look at this and you and marc can go wait in the waiting room and will call you back in here for the results in a minute."

" Okay Lu said" she had to help marc up as he held on to her to walk out to the waiting room because his hip was really sore.

They got to the waiting room and Lu helped Marc sit down on the couch and she sat down beside him.

"How are you feeling?” Lu asked him .

" Ok but my hip hurts really bad.” Marc said complaining

" Here lay your head I my lap so you can take some of the pressure off of it.” Lu said as she moved over a little.

Marc laid his head in his mom’s lap.

"better?” she asked as she ran her fingers through his hair.

" Yeah a little." Marc said

" Good” said Lu. As Marc laid his head in his moms lap and fell asleep. Lu Looked at her son and wondered why all this was happing to him with a tear in her eye she just sat their thinking as his whole childhood came rushing back to her.

*Andy walked in*

And touched Lu on the shoulder. Lu jumped and looked around behind her and noticed it was Andy. "Oh Hi Andy you startled me what are you doing here?” Lu asked trying no to wake marc.

"Sorry I was just wondering how are you and Marc doing?” Andy asked as she came around and sat on the arm of the sofa in the waiting room."

"Well it could be a lot better. They did a bone marrow biopsy on him and Jeff is back there looking at right now. He wants to send him to St. Jude’s Children’s research Hospital.” Lu told Andy

" Really…. I hadn’t even thought about that place in a long time. Are you going to do it?” “There really a lot more advanced than we are at treating pediatric cancers.” Andy said.

" Yeah that’s what Jeff said I don’t know probably though I have no clue how I would be able to do it with all my patients here but if it’s best for marc Ill just have to see what I can do but we probably will.” Lu said

"I’ve been there before but it's been years” Andy said.

"Really?” Asked Lu .

" Yeah It’s a really nice up to date hospital and saves thousands of kids every year.” Andy said

" Marc Delgado” the nurse called.

"I’ll tell you what I’ve decide after we get out. Marc honey wake up." Lu said tiring to wake up her son.

" Hun…Oh ok” marc said as he sat up.

“Hi Dr. Campbell” Marc said as Lu helped him up

" Hi Marc” Andy said as she smiled at him

"I’ll talk to you later Andy." Lu said

"Ok Delgado good luck” Andy said as Lu and Marc walked through the door.

[Brittany]

that was good! But i got a little confused cuz you didn't use quotes!

[Amanda]

Sorry I hadn't noticed that untill I had all ready posted it but I went back and changed it so it should be a little better.

[Amanda]

Chapter 3
The nurse led them back to Dr. Parker’s office he was sitting at his desk looking at the results of everything. When they walked in.

“Hi Have a seat” Jeff said to them they both sat down.

“It’s weird to me being on this side I’m use to being on your side” Lu said trying to lighten up the situation a little.

Jeff smiled “Yeah I know.” He said as he got up and walked around to sit on the front of his desk.

“Ok I’m not going to beat around the bush Lu I have confirmed you diagnosis of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia which is one of the not as common cancers seen in children and teens there’s on average only 50 cases of APL out of every 500 cases of AML confirmed each year.” “That’s why I suggested to you and Marc earlier that you may want to conceder going to St. Jude’s. Like I said earlier Rittenhouse’s cure rate for children with APL is only 30% and St. Jude’s is 80 to 85% so that’s a big difference there.” Dr. Parker said

“Why is it so low here don’t we use the same treatments they do.” Lu asked

“No we don’t we use the same chemo they do but they have been using ATRA there and it’s working with the combination of chemo all of the kids with this disease except for a few are in remission. “Ok with that said in my Opinion if you want marc to survive this I would let me reefer him to there.” Dr. Parker said looking at Lu.

“Well if it‘s best for Marc will go.” Lu said in a concerned tone.

“Ok I’ll call them today.” “Can you and Marc be ready to go by lets see today’s Wednesday umm by Friday?” Dr. Parker asked.

“Yeah I think we can.” Lu said.

“Ok I’ll call St. Jude’s and they will be sending one of there new planes for cancer patient transport to the airport to pick you and Marc up Friday morning.” Dr. Parker said.

“Ok” said Lu.

“How long will we have to stay there?” Marc asked

“Your mom and you will probable be staying there for at least one to two months depending on how everything goes it could be longer though. I’ll tell them when I call that you’ll need a apartment at the target house lodging. So you can be in a more sterile area once the chemo starts.” Dr. Parker said

“How am I going to pay for all of this” Lu asked.
“Don’t worry this is a free hospital they will use your Health insurance until it runs out then any thing else they will pay for it.” Dr. Parker said

“Really?” Lu said

“Yeah” Dr. Parker said.

“You can bring anything you want with you preferably comfortable clothes to last you and Marc at least 13 days ,Social Security cards ,Insurance information including medical, and any thing else like cd player and cds things like that to keep you occupied.” Dr. Parker Said

“Ok It sounds like we need to be getting ready then.” Lu said

“Yeah that would be a good ideal. Well ill let you go and I’ll call you tomorrow and tell you what time you need to be at the airport.” Dr. Parker Said as he stood up.

Lu stood up to and shook his hand. Lu helped Marc up they both told him thank you as they walked out the door of his office.

“So were going to do this hun” Marc asked as he held on to Lu as they walked to her office.

Lu stopped and looked at Marc “yeah we are.” Lu said

“Mom I’m scared.” marc said with tears running down his face.

“I know honey me to me to” Lu said as she held marc while him and her both cried.

Marc and Lu made it to her office. “You stay here and lay down on the couch while I go talk to Dr. Jackson to see what he will let me do ok.” Lu said

“Ok” Marc said as he laid down. Lu walked out of her office with a tear stricken face and there was Andy, Lana, and Peter standing behind the fount desk waiting for Lu to come out. “So what’s the game plain kid?” Lana asked in her loud voice as Lu walked out.

“Shush Lana try not wake him please.” Lu said as she walked up to them.

She was worn out and still had to talk to Dr. Jackson.

“So what did you decide” Andy asked.

“Were leaving to go Friday morning I’ll need someone to drive us to the airport though.” Lu said.

“Wait...Where are you going Friday” Lana asked

“Were as in Marc and me are going to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Friday.” Lu said

“But that’s in Tennessee” Peter said

“Yeah I know but it really are only choice.” Lu said

“How Long you going to be gone kid?” Lana asked

“A month or two or more just depends on how he responds to the treatment.” Lu told her.

“Lu can I speak to you alone in my office for a second.” Andy asked

“Yeah sure Andy” Lu said as she followed her I there. Andy made sure she closed the door behind her.

“Lu do you want me to take over some of your patients while your gone.” Andy asked

“I can’t ask you to do that Andy” Lu said

“I insist Andy told” Lu.

“Ok sure then.” Lu said.

“Lu I’m going to tell you something that no one except my parents know.” Andy said.

“Ok Andy what is it” Lu said in a curious tone.

“You know earlier when I said I had been to St. Jude’s before.” Andy said

“Yeahhhh “ Lu said wondering where this was going at.

“Well I have but it was more then once I started having to go there when I was 14.”Andy said until Lu interrupted her.

“Wait you were a cancer Patient” Lu asked

“Yeah I was I had AML when I was 14 but thanks to that hospital I’m a survivor.”

“Andy I’m so sorry.” Lu said sympathetically.

“It’s okay it was a long time ago.” Andy said

“So you suggest going there then” Lu asked

“Absolutely god forbid but if one of my girls got sick with cancer I would insist on them going there.” Andy said
“Okay I’m glad to hear you agree with my decision ,but out of curiosity why haven’t you told any one.” Lu asked

“It’s just not something that you bring up in casual conversation and I want to keep it that way. Have you called Bill yet” Andy asked

“no I’ll call him tonight” Lu said.

“Andy I’m terrified what if I lose him what if he doesn’t make it what if…”.Lu said

“Lu get that out of you head Marc’s going to win his fight against this he’s a fighter just like you.” Andy said.

“But Andy he’s my only family he’s my baby and if he dies so will I.” Lu said so worried.

“Delgado don’t say that he will fine.” Andy said trying to comfort her.

“Well I’ve got to go talk to Dr. Jackson.” Lu said as she headed towards the door.

“Lu you and Marc are going to be fine don’t worry. How about me and Lana take you two to the airport Friday.” Andy asked her.

“Do you mind” Lu asked.

“I don’t mind at all I insist on it.” Said Andy

“thanks Andy” Lu said as she headed out the door to go to Dr. Jackson’s office.

She got to his office and knocked on the door. “Come in” Dr. Jackson said.

Lu walked in Dr. Jackson looked up from his paperwork he was doing.

“Dr. Delgado What can help you with.” Dr. Jackson Asked

“Dr. Jackson can I have at least two months off of work.” Lu asked

“Dr. Delgado I can’t…..” Dr. Jackson started before he was interrupted

“look listen before you say anything it’s not for me to just be off Marc’s got cancer and were having to go to St. Jude’s because we can’t treat it successfully here.” Lu told him

“I see. I can put you on paid Medical Leave how about that.” Dr. Jackson said

“That sounds fine Thank you so much Dr. Jackson.” Lu said

“Lu don’t worry about your Job right now I’ll insure you will still have one when you get back.” Dr. Jackson said

“Ok thanks.” Lu said

“So when are you two leaving?” Dr. Jackson Asked

“Friday so we have to get packing.” Lu said concerned

“What kind of cancer dose he have?” Dr. Jackson asked.

“APL” Lu said.

“Yeah I can see why he’s not staying here then.” Dr. Jackson said

“Thank you so much Dr. Jackson But I really need to get going.” Lu said

“Of course go ahead and Lu…” Dr. Jackson said trying to get her attention

“Yeah” Lu said

“ Good Luck And don’t think twice to ask if you need something.” Dr. Jackson told her.

“Ok thanks Dr. Jackson.” Lu said as she walked out of his office to go get Marc to go home.

She walked into her office and marc was still sleeping. She went over and set down beside him as easily as she could. “Marc sweetheart it’s time to go home.” Lu said as she rubbed her hand over his back to get him to wake up.

“Humm ok” Mom marc said as he opened his eyes.

“Mom” Marc said

“yeah” Lu said

“I’m sorry about all of this.” Marc said sadly

“Honey….This is not your fault this is no one’s fault ok it’s just one of those things that happen.” Lu said trying to reinsure him

“Ok” Marc said as he sits up.

“Marc I love you your my whole life I will do anything for you.” Lu said in a caring voice

“I love you to mom” as he gives her a hug

They get up and walk out of the RWHC and get in Lu’s car and goes home. They get to there home and go inside.

“Ok Marc I’m going to do some Laundry so will have clothes to pack tomorrow you want me to order pizza for supper.” Lu asked him

“Yeah that will be fine” marc said as he went and plopped down on the couch and turned on the TV. The rest of the night went pretty smooth Lu did laundry and got a few things ready for the trip Friday and Marc just rested.

[Brittany]

that was good! You should add some Andy and Milo in there though!lol!

[present]

could you break these up into smaller paragraphs? it would make it easier to read.

[Amanda]

admin said:

that was good! You should add some Andy and Milo in there though!lol!

lol yeah... I don't think it would work to well.

[Amanda]

present said:

could you break these up into smaller paragraphs? it would make it easier to read.

I broke them up a little mabey it will help some.

[present]

yes that helps a lot. thank you

[Amanda]

Later that night after marc had gone to bed Lu sat down and decide it was time to call bill and tell him what was going on with his son. Lu picked up the phone and dialed bill’s number.

*Ring* *Ring* Ring*

“Hello.” Bill answered

“Hey bill it’s Lu we need to talk.” Lu said sounding serious

“Lu marc is suppose to be here tonight what’s up.” Bill asked curiously

“Marc’s been with me all day at the clinic.” Lu told him

“Was he sick or something?” Bill ask wondering what was wrong

“Yeah he’s sick really sick.” Lu said trying to keep from crying again.

“What’s wrong you don‘t sound like your normal self?” Bill asked knowing something was wrong.

“Bill Marc has Cancer.” Lu told him

“What….. Cancer how bad Lu?” Bill asked surprised

“It’s bad bill were leaving Friday to go to St. Jude Children’s research hospital. You don’t have to come with us right now but I expect you to come see him once we get there though.” Lu told Bill

“Ok don’t worry I will well I’ve got to let you go if marc needs anything just ask.” Bill said

“okay” Lu said not wanting to argue with him tonight .

“Bye” Lu said

“Bye” said bill as Lu hung up.

The next day was hectic they were trying to get every thing ready to go about the middle of the afternoon they were ready and packed. Dr. parker had called earlier to tell them to be at the airport by 6:00 that morning and told her that when they get to Tennessee there will be someone there waiting for you and marc and When you get at St. Jude, your first stop will be Patient Registration. It is located near the lobby of the Patient Care Center. Here, a hospital staff member will begin Marc’s medical chart. So have your Social Security numbers handy as well as insurance details and they will give you keys to your rental car and your apartment for the time being along with putting a id bracelet on marc’s arm for him to wear at all times .Then they will tell you what’s next.

The next morning was the big day Lu went and woke marc up at 5:00 a.m. which Marc complained but got up. Andy and Lana knocked on the door.

“Just a second” Lu hollered as she ran to the door.

“Hey guys” Lu said out of breath.

“Good morning you got everything?” Lana asked

“yeah I think I’ve got everything” Lu said looking at the suit cases sitting by the door.

“Mom are we ready to go” marc asked as he left his room.

“Hi Lana Hi Dr. Campbell.” They both said hi to him .

“How are you feeling?” Lana asked marc.

“I’ve been a lot better” Marc said.

“Hey Lu how about me and Lana take these suit cases and put them in the car while you and marc turn everything off and lock up.” Andy said

“Ok thanks that would help.” Lu said

Lana and Andy picked up the suit cases and took them to put them in the car.

“Well that’s everything” Lu said as she looked around the apartment making sure she had turned everything.

“Yeah it looks like it” marc said as he went over to where his mom was.

“I wish this wasn’t happing though” marc said.

“I know baby me to but every things going to be fine.” Lu said reinsuring him

“I hope your right” marc said as Lu gave him a hug.

*Me to Lu thought to herself.* As she hugged marc.

“Lu .…..Marc you ready?” Andy asked.

“Yeah I think so.” Lu said.

Her and Marc walked out of the apartment and down stair. They got in Andy’s car and left for the airport. They made it to the airport Lu got there bags checked in they were sitting there waiting with Andy and Lana waiting for the plane to get there. The announcement was made for them to go board the plane.

“Well this is it” Lu said as she and Marc stood up and picked up there bags. “Thank you so much you guys I‘m going to miss you both a lot” Lu said as she gave Lana and Andy a hug.

“No problem kid just worry about getting Marc well will be waiting for you when you get back.” Lana said.

They gave marc a hug to and told him to get well and he will be fine. Lu and Marc said good bye to them as they walk out to get on the plane. The plane was like one of those personal planes and it had the St. Jude logo on the side of it. Lu and Marc got on the plane and was greeted by the flight attendant they sat down in there seats as another couple got on with a little girl that looked to be about six years old Lu noticed she had lost all her hair from the chemo as they walked by.

“Mom am I going to lose all my hair like her” Marc asked nervously.

“Yeah honey most likely.” Lu told him. The plane ride was uneventful it took them about two hours to get to the Memphis Airport.

The Plane landed at the Memphis airport Everyone got off. Marc and Lu went and got there bags. They found the person that was going to take the to where they were going. They got to the hospital.

“Wow it’s so big” marc said.

“Yeah it’s bigger than rittenhouse for sure” Lu said as she looked out the window.

“Ok were here Patient Registration is right through there have a nice day.” The driver said as he helped them get there luggage out of the car.

“Ok thanks” Lu said.

They walked inside and found where they were suppose to be at.

“Ok I think this is where were got to go first.” Lu said

“Ok” marc said. They walked inside and went up to the receptionist.

“Can I help you” the receptionist asked.

“Yes I’m Dr. Delgado my son marc is a new Patient here.” Lu said

“What is the name of the doctor that referred you to here?” The receptionist asked

“Dr. Jeff Parker” Lu replied to her.

“Dr. Parker…..Dr. Parker…..Dr. Parker yes here we go. Marc Delgado right” she asked

“Yes.” Lu said

“Do you have your insurance information and social security numbers?” The receptionist asked

“Yes right here” Lu said as she handed her the papers.

“Ok thank you” the receptionist said.

“All right that’s all I need. Now Marc I’m going to put you a ID bracelet on you Leave it on all times it will tell the doctors what kind of treatment your getting and all your information on it.” The receptionist told him.

“Ok” Marc said as he handed her his arm. She put the bracelet on him.

“Dr. Delgado here’s your keys to your room and rental car. Your room number is 15 and your car is sitting right out side the fount door. I’ll let you and your son go get settled in but you and Marc need to be up stairs on the third floor to meet his doctor and start his Chemotherapy by 1:00 P.M. He will be staying the night in the Hospital so anything you or marc might need bring it with you because you will be required to stay with him.” The receptionist told Lu

“Okay thanks” Lu said.

“Now how do I get to where were staying?” Lu asked

“It’s right down there on your left you can’t miss it and your car will be pulled around fount for you.” receptionist said.

“Ok thanks for the help.” Lu told her as they picked up their luggage and walked out the door.

[Amanda]

Lu and marc walked out of the fount of the hospital. Lu put their stuff in the car and they headed off.

“OK here we are” Lu said as they parked.

“Mom I really don’t want to do this” marc said slightly crying.

“I know baby I know me either but with out it you won’t make it.” Lu said

“And with it?” Marc asked.

“Honey you have a good chance of beating it. Don’t worry everything will be ok.” Lu said trying reinsure him and herself.

“Marc….” Lu said

“yeah mom.” Marc said

“I love you.” Lu said to him

“I know you do I love you too mom.” Marc said as he gave her a hug.

“Lets go get everything in side ok.” Lu said

“Ok” marc said.

They got a out of the car and carried their luggage up to their room.

“Here we are room 15” Lu said.

“Yep” marc said. Lu unlocked the door.

“Wow a lot nicer than are apartment.” Lu said

“Yeah really.” Marc said as they went in.

They picked which room they wanted and put there stuff away.

“Marc set out what you may want with you tonight ok.” Lu asked

“Yeah I know.” marc said as he sat down on the couch

“Ok I was just reminding you.” Lu said as she sat down beside him.

“How are you feeling” Lu asked him.

“Nervous.. Scared.. Terrified.. All the above” marc said.

“Yeah I know baby me to but will get through this we have everything else.” Lu said as she put her arm around him and held him close.

“Honey it’s 12:30 we need to head over to the hospital. Where are your things your taking with us at I’ll get it for you.” Lu asked

“It’s the bag sitting on the bed.” Marc said.
“ok” Lu said. She went and got there bags.

“Ok Honey you ready to go” she asked has she picked up the keys.

“Yeah I guess I have to be.” Marc said as they left to go to the hospital.

They got to the hospital and went up to the third floor. They went in and got signed in and set down in the waiting room. Another lady walked with a little girl. Marc turned around to look to see who it was. He look at the women and thought she looked familiar he thought to his self. The woman went up to the window and signed her daughter in and sat down behind them. Lu hadn’t even looked up.

*I know who that is it’s Dr. Stow he said to himself.*

“Mom!” marc whispered to Lu

“What is it?” she said in a low tone.

“It’s Dr. Stow” Marc said.

“What? Where?” Lu asked thinking he was worng

“Right behind us” Marc said.

Lu turned around and looked he was right.

“Omg Dana what are you doing here?” Lu said Dana turned around.

“Hun…Lu! Dana said surprised

What are you….” Lu and Dana stood up Lu gave her old partner a hug.

“You are the last person I thought I would see here.” Dana said.

“We just got here today” Lu said.

“Well what are you doing here are you checking up on a patient or something.” Dana asked.

“No I wish Marc’s got APL and they couldn’t treat him at Rittenhouse so we ended up here.” Lu said

“Oh Lu I’m sorry.” Dana said

“Thanks. Now it’s my turn what are you doing here.” Lu asked

“Annie has ALL and her pediatrician said to bring her here because it’s 95% curable at St. Jude’s so we came here.” Dana said

“At least she has a 95% chance of going in to remission. How long have you two been here?” Lu asked.

“A little over a week were staying at the target house.” Dana said.

“Really so are we were in room 15.” Lu said

“Were neighbors then were staying in room 14.” Dana said.

*The nurse walks out*

“Marc Delgado” the nurse called.

“Well that’s us I guess I’ll see you later then. It‘s nice see you again though” Dana said to her

“yeah you to” Lu said as she took a deep breath.

“Yeah Good Luck” Dana said

“Thanks You to” Lu said.

“Yeah see you Later Lu.” Dana said.

Lu and Marc walked to the room where they would be staying at over night.

“Hi you must be marc I’m Nurse Ellen I’ll be your nurse while your staying here tonight.” Nurse Ellen Said once they were in the room.

“And your Dr. Delgado his mother right nurse” Ellen asked Lu.

“Yes but Please call me Lu no one calls me Dr. Delgado.” Lu told her

“Oh ok then. Marc go sit on the bed and so I can take your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse.” nurse Ellen told him.

“Okay” marc said as he went and sat down on the bed Nurse Ellen did all the basics.

“Ok you’ve got a low grade fever but that’s to be expected and everything else looks normal. Dr. Partridge will be in in a minute and she will tell you what’s going to be happening with your chemo and the ATRA . You will be starting chemo this afternoon to” Nurse Ellen told them.

“Ok thank you” Lu said.

As Nurse Ellen walked out of the room. Lu walked over to the other side of the room and sat their stuff down.

“Mom…” Marc said nervously

“Yeah honey.” Lu said

“Is the chemo going to be bad?” Marc asked

“Honey it’s different for everyone but yeah it might.” Lu told him

“Oh” marc said nervously. Lu came around and sat down beside him. She put her arm around him and held him close.

“But your going to be fine.” Lu said to him as she gave him a hug just as there was a knock at the door and Dr. Partridge walked in.