Chapter 2-1
614 Words
Chapter 2
Jason Silvers’ forehead creased in concentration as he continued the breast reduction surgery for the patient lying in front of him on the operating table. Beth Moore, a forty-two-year-old professor, had presented at his clinic with disproportionately large breasts that were causing her chronic neck pain, back pain, and skin irritation. Given that breast surgeons at Dexington Medical were booked out six months ahead, Beth had been lucky to attend Jason’s first clinic at Dexington Medical after his move from Connecticut. She’d gotten a spot on his schedule a month later.
The first two hours of surgery had gone off without a hitch, just like he’d expected. The surgery would have taken much longer, but Jason had lost count of the number of times he’d performed this surgical procedure and could probably have done it in his sleep. Besides, the breast reduction in this case would only take Beth Moore down two bra cup sizes. The more changes in cup size, the longer the surgery tended to be.
Jason accepted the suture from the scrub nurse. Time to finish up and be done.
As he leaned forward to install the first stitch, Jason’s hands trembled.
He glanced sharply at them. For as long as he could remember, his hands had never shaken during surgery. Sure, tremors could happen if he was tired or exhausted, but Jason was fastidious about providing the best patient care and gave each surgery his best. He’d usually sleep the night before and eat a light breakfast the morning of to prevent possible tremors from fatigue or a low blood sugar level, and he’d done the same for this surgery. So what could possibly be the problem?
He attempted the stitch a second time, and his hands shook even more.
Jason’s heart pounded. What was going on? He had a patient under general anesthesia, and he couldn’t afford to waste any time.
“Dr. Silvers …” It was Lisa Shucks, the fourth-year surgical resident, who was assisting him on the procedure. She must have noticed what was going on. Jason had worked with her on a few surgeries over the past month and found her very competent and intelligent. He could trust her to finish up the surgery well if required, but Beth Moore had been concerned about possible scars on her breasts from the procedure, and the ability to keep those minimal came with experience, something he had plenty of. He’d given his word, and he intended to keep it.
“It’s fine, Dr. Shucks.” He had to try one more time. Come on, Jason. You can do this.
Jason gripped the forceps and said a quick prayer before taking a deep breath. Cold air filled with a mixed aroma of sweet-smelling gas anesthetics and antiseptic scent rushed into his nostrils.
He leaned forward and sutured the first stitch. This time, his hands remained steady.
His shoulders relaxed. Thank you, God. Since he’d found his rhythm, Jason focused on finishing the stitching as quickly as he could. Twenty minutes later, the surgery was over, and Beth Moore was on her way to the recovery room.
Jason stripped off his surgical gear and mask, washed his hands, and headed out of the OR.
The surgery had been successful, but what had happened back there? As a physician, he might have dismissed it and chalked it up to tiredness, but as a surgeon he had to pay attention. His hands were his greatest tool and meant everything to him. Time to get a check-up to make sure everything was alright.
But he had a feeling something was wrong, and things could never be the same again.
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