There is Hope

[Brittany]

that was good!

[Amanda]

Thanks!

[volleychik1]

i loved it sooooo much!

[Amanda]

Thanks i'm working on chapter 6 but i figured i'll get a couple wrote next week when i'm off on spring break!

[Amanda]

CHAPTER 6

“Hi Marc I am Dr. Partridge.” “I am going to be your doctor while you are here at St. Jude’s.” She said as she held out her hand for him to shake it.

Marc shook it and said Hi.

“And you are his mother right.” she said looking at Lu.

“Yes, Dr. Delgado but you can call me Lu.” Lu said

“Okay well it is nice to meet you.” “Now lets go over what‘s going to be happing the next few months.” “Marc your going to be under going 15 rounds of chemo will be starting you off at two a week for the next 5 weeks then will go down to one a week for 5 weeks.” “Along with chemo, you will be taking ATRA. You will be taking it for 3 months and it will be eight pills a day.” Dr. Partridge was saying until marc interrupted her.

“Eight Pills! I can‘t even remember to take one!” Marc said surprised

“Will help you manage it don’t worry.” Dr. Partridge told him to help him calm down.

“Yeah honey ill help you with it to I manage hundreds of patients prescriptions everyday. Believe me I can manage yours.” Lu said caringly.

“Okay then” marc said.

“Okay any questions?” Dr. Partridge asked them

“When do we start chemo?” Marc asked.

“In about an hour because we have to put you a central line in so you don’t have to be poked every time you get your chemo and other medicines.” Dr. Partridge said to him.

“Okay” marc said.

“Now as hospital policy, I have to warn you of all the possible side affects of the chemo and ATAR. Not every person gets every side effect, and some people get few, if any.” “The severity of side effects varies greatly from person to person ,But for chemo the side affects are nausea , vomiting, weight change, diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, pain, and temporary hair loss.” “Just remember it doesn’t mean you will get any of them but then again you may some but not all or you may have all of them will just have to wait and see.” “Along with those symptoms everyone that under goes chemo will have a little to no immune system so that means you will be highly susceptible to infections and want be able to fight them off so you will have to be extra careful not to be around anyone who’s sick and try to avoid public places when your white blood cell count is down”

“Okay .”Marc said

“What about the ATRA .” Lu asked

“Ok with ATAR it’s a little different they are dyspnea, fever, weight gain, peripheral edema ,but the main one we have to watch out for is Retinoic acid syndrome.” “Okay so is everyone clear on what’s going to be happening.” Dr. Partridge asked

“Yeah” Lu said.

“I think so” marc said.

“Okay good.” “This is not going to be a easy ride but you should do fine.” “Lu were going to have you sign these wavers and we’re going to put in the central line and start the chemo.

“ Alright Lu said as she signed the papers.” Ok Marc nurse Ellen will be back in 5 to 6 minutes to put your central Line in if you want to put on your pajama‘s you brought with you now would be a good time to do it.”
“Okay” marc said Dr. Partridge left the room.

Marc started getting out his pajamas to put on .

“Here honey let me help you” Lu said as she got what he needed out.

“Thanks” Marc said as he put on his tee shirt and bed pants.

“No Problem sweetheart.” Lu said as she gave him a kiss on the forehead and put her hands on his shoulders while she looked into his eyes. “Marc I’m so sorry this is happening” Lu said as she brought him in to a and held him close.

“It’s okay mom it’s not your fault” marc said.

“No it’s not okay I take care of other people everyday and when it comes to you I screw up I should have checked you out a few weeks ago when you noticed the first symptoms. I should have done a lot of things differently…maybe if I had….” Lu said until marc interrupted her.

“Mom you didn’t screw up look you know as well if not better that their nothing neither one of us could have done to keep this from happing.” Marc told her.

“Yeah I know I just wish I could do something more for you.” Lu said in a concerned tone.

“Well if you want to do something for me just be here with me through all this crap their going to put me through because I’m going to need some one to help me through it and all I really need is someone to love me.” Marc said with a tear in his eye.

“Oh honey I’m not going anywhere I’m going to be right here all the way with you no matter what happens And I will all ways love you your everything to me you never have to worry about me not loving you.” Lu said crying as she hugged marc.

“I know” marc said.

Nurse Ellen knocked on the door and came in with some supplies.

Lu wiped her tears. “Dr. del… I mean Lu are you ok” nurse Ellen asked

“yeah I’m fine” Lu said with a smile.

“Okay just thought I would check.” “Marc I am going to have you lay down over here on the bed for me so we can get started.”

Marc did as she said. Nurse Ellen took his hand and cleaned the area. Then she put the needle in okay this may burn a little when it goes in this will make you groggy” Nurse Ellen told him then gave him a light dose of anesthetic.

“If I am going to have this one in my hand, where are you going to put the other one?” Marc asked.

Before nurse, Ellen could tell him Lu jumped in “Honey” Lu said as she sat down beside him “She’s going to put it into the upper part of your chest.”

“Oh” Marc said Nervosley

“it’s not as bad as your thinking trust me I have put in a tone of them I know.” Lu said trying to make him feel better.

“Okay but will it hurt?” marc asked.

“Yeah most likely but after it’s in it want hurt any more.” Lu told him

“Okay” Marc said.
“Lu what kind of work do you do.” Nurse Ellen asked.

“I am a certified OB-GYN and family health care physician at the Rittenhouse Women’s health center in Philadelphia.” Lu said to nurse Ellen

“Really I thought you just had a Doctor’s degree or something you must have a good job then delivering babies all day.” Nurse Ellen said.

“Yeah it’s rewarding most of the time but things do happen and it can be very disappointing at the same time.” Lu told her as she ruffled marcs hair.

“It sounds like around here you never know form day to day what is going to happen.” Nurse Ellen said

“okay Marc are you ready” Nurse Ellen asked him

“Yeah I guess” Marc said unsure

Nurse Ellen pulled his shirt up

“Marc can you take your arm out of this sleeve for me.” Nurse Ellen asked him kindly.

“Yeah” Marc said as he took his arm out of shirt.

“That’s better Okay I’m going to numb the area now” Nurse Ellen said as she gave him a injection.

“Now I’m going to put some Iodine on the area then insert the line” Nurse Ellen said as she applied the iodine.

Nurse Ellen turned around and grabbed the Line. “Okay Marc you ready” Nurse Ellen asked him.

“Yeah I think so.” Marc said to nurse Ellen

“mom can you hold my hand.” Marc asked Lu “

“Yeah honey I will how about you look at me when she puts it in so you don’t have to watch it” Lu told him as she grabbed his hand and ruffled his hair with the other.

“Okay” Marc said as he looked up at Lu.

“Here we go” Nurse Ellen said as she started inserting the line.

“Ok marc this may hurt but it will only be for a second.” Nurse Ellen told him as she inserted it deeper.

“Oh Oh Oh” Marc cried as she got the Line in.

“It’s Okay Baby she’s just about done” Lu said to him tiring to comfort him as she wiped his tears.

“All done” Nurse Ellen said as she cleaned up the area and taped it in place

“That wasn’t to bad now was it” Nurse Ellen said as she picked everything up.

“Ha your funny” Marc said sarcastically

“Well at least that part is over now let me go get Dr. Partridge and will start the chemo.” Nurse Ellen said as she gathered up everything and Left the room.

“You did Great honey” Lu told him as she gave him a kiss on his cheek.

[Brittany]

that was good please continue soon!

[Amanda]

Thanks I will i'm just trying to decide which way I want the story to go and how fast to.

[Amanda]

Chapter 7

Nurse Ellen left the room to get Dr. Partridge. Lu sat their beside him on the bed and just to let him know she was their.

Are you okay? Lu asked him caringly.

“You mean other than having cancer, other than having this thing sticking out of my chest, Other than them fixing to pump all those chemicals in me and make me really sick, other than having to leave home to come here ,and other than being scared out of my mind that I might die other than those minor things yea I’m just great.” Marc said sarcastically and angrily while he sat up in tears.

“Marc I didn’t mean it that way I’m sorry if it sounded like I did. I know your having a hard time adjusting to everything that’s happening to you ,but Ill do anything for you as long as I can” Lu told him as she put her arm around him and rubbed her hand across his back.

“No I’m sorry I shouldn’t have gotten upset I know you didn’t mean anything by it I’m just stressed out sorry. I just feel so bad for you. You had to leave your patients, friends ,your job everything just because I’m sick I just feel like I ruined everything for you” Marc said crying as he laid his head in Lu’s Lap and cried.

“Oh honey.” Lu said to marc as she scooted close to him held him close to her as he cried.

“Is that what’s been bothering you the last couple days?” Lu asked him.

Marc nodded his head yes and sniffled.

“Oh Marc you haven’t ruined anything I’m your Mom and you’re my baby you come first no matter what. All those other things aren’t important you’re the most important person in my life. We wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think it was best for you and that I cared about you. Stop worrying and trying to take care of me that’s my job I’m the one that’s needs to be taking care of you. Do you understand baby?” She asked him in a motherly voice.

“Yes mama.” Marc said as he sniffled and tried to dry up his tears as Lu held him tight and rocked him back and forth.

Marc leaned up and wiped his tears away. “Thanks Mom..” Marc said as he wiped his nose on his hand.

“Your welcome sweetheart.” Lu said to him as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Marc laid back down.

“So when are they coming back to start my chemo I‘m tired of waiting?” Marc asked just trying to make conversation as he looked up at Lu that was still sitting beside him.

Lu smiled and softly laughed at him. “It should be any minute now I wouldn’t rush it” Lu told him.

Dr. Partridge knocked on the door and came in with nurse Ellen behind her. Dr. Partridge took the IV pole with the chemo on it from nurse Ellen. “Okay Marc we’re going to hook you up to the Chemotherapy. Now this first one will be one of the strongest doses you’ll get and it will take you the longest to finish.” Dr. Partridge said as she put on her gloves and took the end of the IV.

“Lets do this” Marc said as he sat up.

“All right then.” Dr. Partridge said as she hooked him up to the chemo.

Dr. Partridge turned on the IV and the chemotherapy started. “Their you go Marc. Is their anything you need before we leave like something to drink or a movie, book, something to help you pass the time.” Dr. Partridge asked him.

“Can I have a coke please.” Marc said as he laid down.

“Okay sure Ill have nurse Ellen bring it to you. If you need anything just call us or one of the nurses around here.” Dr. Partridge said as she smiled at him and patted his shoulder. “Lu do you need anything?” Dr. Partridge asked her.

“No I’m fine but thank you anyways” Lu said as she watched her son.

“Okay well just say so if you do.” Dr. Partridge said to her as she smiled at Lu and Marc.

Lu nodded her head okay

“How long will this take?” marc asked as he looked at the chemo going into him.

“Umm right around two hours so you might as well get comfortable and relax.” Dr. Partridge said to him.

“Oh Okay” Marc said

“Your going to do fine” Dr. Partridge said as she left the room

“I’ll be right back with your drink ” nurse Ellen said as she left the room to.

Nurse Ellen brought marc his drink and left to check on the rest of her patients. Lu got up and sat down in the chair that was by the window. “I’m so tired” Marc said as he struggled to keep his eyes open.

“Take a nap I‘ll wake you up if anything eventful happens” Lu told him as he closed his eyes and went to sleep.

“Well at least maybe he will sleep through most of the chemo” Lu said to herself as she stood up and walked over to him and covered him up so he wouldn’t get cold. “I wish I didn’t have to put him through all of this he will never be the same again. I pray that he make‘s it through this disease ,I can‘t live with out him.” Lu thought to herself as she watched him sleep while she cried. Lu put her hand over her mouth trying to keep from making to much noise.

Lu decided she had better step out side the room before she woke him up so she could get her self together before Marc woke back up. Lu opened the door and looked back at him to make sure he was still asleep. Lu slipped out of her sons room and walked out into the hallway. She leaned up against the wall right out side his room and slid down it and sat on the floor. Lu just sat their with her knees drawn up close to her as she cried. Marc’s whole childhood came rushing back to her as she cried. Dana was walking down the hallway going back to Annie’s room when she noticed that Lu was sitting out side the room crying.

“Lu are you okay?” Dana asked her concerned as she squatted down to where Lu was.

“Oh Dana sorry I‘m fine” Lu said trying to wipe her tears away along with being embarrassed that she had been caught crying.

“Come on Lu I’ve only seen you cry one time before and that was when you were raped so what’s going on? come on you can tell me.” Dana told Lu as she sat down beside her.

“It’s just…” pause “I’ve treated so many kids that have cancer and I always try to treat them like I would if they were mine own ,but now that it is Marc I have no clue what to do or how to help him I just feel so helpless I feel like theirs nothing I can do for him. Along with that I keep on thinking what will I do if he doesn’t make it. He means the world to me he is everything I live for if he dies I might as well to.” Lu said looking at Dana .

“Lu I know exactly what your going through I feel the same way about Annie , But you are just going to have to pray and trust god will save him for you believe me he listens. I haven’t went through a day the last two weeks that I have prayed that she will make it. Your going have to do the same for marc. That’s the only thing we can do for them other than loving them half to death. We may be doctors but for right now that doesn’t matter. Just go through each day like it is your last day to be with him because it could be ” Dana said as she put her arm around Lu trying to help her.

“Thanks Dana so how’s Annie doing” Lu asked.

“She’s doing okay considering what all has happened. She’s not to thrilled I’m taking her to get a hair cut off tomorrow it keeps on falling off in big clumps and looks bad. It will be easier if we just go ahead and get it all cut off and she‘s lost a lot of weight it‘s scary. She want eat anything except for ice cream” Dana said rubbing her head.

“It’s probably from the chemo.” Lu said as she looked at Dana.

“Yeah I’m sure it is are you going to be okay I need to get back to Annie” Dana said as she started to stand up.

“Yeah I’ll be fine I need to get back to Marc to” Lu said as she stood up.

“Thanks Dana you helped a lot.” Lu said as she gave her a hug.

“No problem Lu I may end up needing you for the same reason” Dana said smiling at her.

“Well I’ll talk to you later and thanks again” Lu said to Dana as she opened up the door.

“Your welcome Lu anytime” Dana said as she walked away.

Lu walked into Marcs room and smiled when she walked in and saw Marc still asleep. Lu walked around and sat back down in the chair.

Lu Leaned back in her chair and dosed off.

[Brittany]

that was good! good job!