CHAPTER TWELVE
1330 Words
“It’s not confirmed yet so I can’t say anything but we need to admit Ethan and run more tests to ascertain the cause of the symptoms you described” the doctor explained
“How long would he be admitted” Naomi asked
“In about a week, the paediatric oncologist will be taking this test”
“What kind of test are we talking about”
“Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. I explained earlier that there are some abnormalities found in his blood cell which might be because of leukaemia so we need the biopsy to confirm it”
“Leukaemia? Oh my God, how is that possible? He isn’t even up to a year old” Ruby lamented. Naomi gently patted her friend on her back to console her
“Ruby calm down, it hasn’t even been confirmed yet, the diagnosis might be wrong” Naomi tried to be optimistic
“What do we need to do?” Ruby asked in a very low tone
The doctor signalled the nurse beside him and whispered something into her ears. “Please go with the nurse she will direct you on what to do”
Ruby and Naomi got up simultaneously and followed the nurse out of the office. Ruby’s mind was racing a vortex of many emotions as they moved along the cold, sterile corridor. Anxiety and fear almost choked the life out of her heart. She turned around and saw that Ethan was sound asleep in his stroller, completely oblivious to what lay ahead.
Finally, the nurse showed them into a tiny room covered with many pamphlets and brochures concerning children's diseases.
Ruby looked around the room with both great interest and fear. Walls were plastered with many bright posters of laughing children in different situations. It was a total contrast to the heavy mood that hung on her shoulders.
The nurse introduced herself as Mildred, which was greeted by a smile that had little effect on easing Ruby’s nervousness. “It is very intense, but please know that you are not alone,” she said softly. Our team is always with you throughout the entire process.
Ruby was somehow able to muster a weak smile with Mildred’s comforting words. As they settled down, Naomi decided to go home and get some of their personal belongings. Ruby waited for the oncologist all through the day but he didn’t show up because he was busy. At night a doctor in scrubs and a white coat approached Ethan’s bed, he introduced himself as the oncologist they had been waiting for and apologized for his delay
“I’m so sorry for keeping you, I was busy at the branch hospital, but I’m here now and the test will be carried out immediately. First I need to explain the procedure to you” The doctor began in a soft tone. He understood what it was like to have a very sick child and therefore, he sympathized. “ Bone marrow aspiration involves sampling a small section of the bone marrow and looking for signs of leukaemia, it would be done under general anaesthesia," Ruby could hear her heart ready to burst out from her chest. “I can’t believe this,” She said shakily, fear evident in her voice.
“You don’t need to be scared, my team and I will ensure that Ethan gets the best care” the doctor assured. Ruby nodded her head as she couldn’t bring herself to speak. Tears were threatening to break free but she held it in because she knew she had to be strong for her baby.
“So when would the test be carried out” Naomi asked her voice barely above to whisper. The doctor pulled out a small note which probably served as his schedule note, he glanced at it and finally responded
“We have scheduled it for tomorrow morning, please ensure that Ethan is well rested”
“How long would the procedure take” Ruby managed to ask
“Not too long, about twenty to thirty minutes” The doctor responded. “Any other questions” the doctor asked gently. Ruby and Naomi nodded their head. The doctor left the room to attend to other patients.
The room went quiet as Ruby and Naomi tried to absorb all that they’d heard. The intensity of the situation sat very heavily in the air, choking them both. Ruby held onto Ethan’s little hand and watched him sleep, her heart breaking at the fate that awaited him. Naomi, as always in a positive mood, interrupted the silence. “We must remain positive, Ruby; we need to be hopeful that Ethan will fight his way through this.” Then she nodded and the tears fell down her cheeks. However, she wiped them away using a shaking hand. You’re right, Naomi. We can’t give up! The strength in her voice took even herself by surprise. As they waited for what seemed like an eternity, Ruby couldn’t help but dwell on the fact that their lives had transformed a lot in a few moments. Not so long ago, they were celebrating the simple pleasures such as how his laughter was catchy. They were now introduced to an unpredictable and frightening world. Soon the next day came, and and they prepared Ethan for the test and wheeled him into the operation room.
About thirty minutes later, an exhausted-looking doctor came out of the operating room. Ruby and Naomi quickly approached him
“The procedure went well, the nurses are cleaning Ethan up, and they will wheel him out soon” the doctor explained
“Thank you doctor” Ruby’s voice filled with gratitude as she broke down in tears.
One week after the procedure was done, the oncologist invited Ruby into his office. The result was out and he needed to speak to Ruby about the result and treatment plan. She left Ethan with Naomi
“Good morning Ms Qin”
“Good morning doctor, you sent for me”
“Yes I did, Ethan’s result is out and we need to discuss the treatment plan”
“I’m listening,” a tired Ruby said. She hadn’t slept properly since all this started she even took some time off work, she knew all this would put a strain on the promotion she was aiming for but she didn’t care much as Ethan’s health was more important to her.
“From our findings, Ethan has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, it is a kind of cancer that affects the blood and blood-forming tissue” the doctor explained
Fear gripped Ruby, her baby had cancer “You said something about a treatment plan” She asked as tears rolled down her cheeks
“Yes, Ethan needs to start chemotherapy as soon as possible”
Is this cancer curable?” Ruby asked the question she dreaded
“Yes, it is, many children diagnosed with ALL respond well to chemo and they go on to lead a normal and healthy lifestyle.
After listening to the doctor, Ruby returned to the ward where Ethan was admitted. Naomi kept bombarding her with a series of questions
“What did the doctor say? Is Ethan okay? Can we go home?” Ruby burst into tears and Naomi tried to console her.
“Babe please talk to me” Naomi pleaded
“Ethan has Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and he needs intensive chemotherapy” Ruby said amidst tears
“Oh my God, is it curable?”
“The doctor said it is”
“So when is he starting the treatment ”
“Naomi I don’t have that kind of money,” Ruby cried
“But we can’t just sit here and do nothing”
“Naomi I don’t know what to do, I don’t want to lose my child” Ruby kept crying
“Babe, don’t you think now is the perfect time to approach Stephan? He has the money and he can help”
- Writer
