Cracks in the Sidewalk(21)

The doctor took a deep breath and sighed. “Unfortunately Elizabeth, this is a terminal situation.”

“How long?” Elizabeth finally asked.

“Maybe months, maybe years. It depends on how rapidly the tumor grows.”

With every question JT moved further back until eventually he was pressed up against the far wall.

“Mister Caruthers, do you have any questions?” Doctor Sorenson asked pointedly.

JT shook his head side to side.

“I do,” Claire said. “You mentioned a miracle drug. Is there one that might stop the tumor’s growth?”

“Yes and no,” Doctor Sorenson answered reluctantly. “There have been reports of a new regimen, but it’s a long shot. I’m almost hesitant to subject Elizabeth to it without a more substantial analysis of the success ratio.”

Charlie asked, “What kind of treatment is it?”

“It’s a group of drugs. They’ve been individually approved and used for other applications, but not in a combination therapy and not specifically for inoperable brain tumors. Right now the regimen is undergoing clinical trials and showing positive signs, but it’s still considered experimental.”

“Are they chemotherapy drugs?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes. The regimen is called Five F U. But this application works differently than most chemotherapy drugs.”

“How?”

“Instead of killing cells, it segregates the tumor and starves it of the blood nutrition it needs to grow.”

“I don’t understand,” Claire said. “Don’t all chemotherapy drugs kill the good cells?”

“Yes, if taken individually. But this regimen bonds the drugs together so they’re drawn to only the cancerous cells. The drugs create a barrier around the cells to prevent the normal flow of blood nutrition.”

“Is Elizabeth strong enough for this kind of treatment?”

“I believe so. Her healthy cells won’t be affected. Five F U attaches itself to only the cancerous cells. Theoretically, if we could isolate that area of her brain and deprive it of nourishment, we might be able to slow or possibly stop the tumor’s growth.”

“Is there a downside?”

Doctor Sorenson nodded ever so slightly. “Unfortunately,” she winced at yet another use of the word, “these drugs are quite expensive. Because the regimen is not yet recognized as an approved therapy, it’s not covered by insurance.

Without hesitation Charlie said, “We’ll take care of the cost.”

“There’s more,” Doctor Sorenson replied. “While I doubt use of this regimen could cause further deterioration, there’s also no guarantee it will work.” She turned to Elizabeth and asked, “Do you feel this is something you really want to pursue?”

“Yes, absolutely.” Her eyes rimmed with tears as she stretched her right hand toward JT again. “I know it will work. It’s got to. JT and the kids are counting on me to get well.”

When he didn’t come to her, Elizabeth lowered her hand and gave him a frail smile. He remained stone-faced, emotionless as the wall behind him.

Charlie glared at JT with contempt, then turned back to the doctor. “When can Elizabeth start these treatments?”

“As I said, this is a long shot at best. The regimen is still in clinical trials, and I’m not certain we can get clearance to use it. Before we even try, I’ll need several other tests to establish whether Elizabeth is a candidate for consideration.”

“I can deal with a few more tests,” Elizabeth said.

“This means you’ll have to remain in the hospital,” Doctor Sorenson warned.

“It kills me to be away from my kids for so long, but I’ll do whatever I have to do to get well.”

A long moment of silence followed, the kind of silence that thickens the air and allows fear to creep into people’s hearts. Charlie felt it as did everyone else. He noisily cleared his throat and asked more questions. Claire also asked questions; so did Elizabeth. But JT remained silent. When there was nothing more to be said, Doctor Sorenson left.

Cyndi, Elizabeth’s day nurse, stood outside the room listening to the exchange. When Doctor Sorenson came out, Cyndi followed and struck up a conversation.

“I couldn’t help but hear,” she said. “Elizabeth Caruthers is my patient. Terminal, huh? Tough break. She’s so young.”

“Yes,” Doctor Sorenson said, “and they have three small children.”

“Her husband is the one who owns that big clothing store over in Westfield, right?”

Doctor Sorenson nodded absently and began writing a prescription order.

“How’s he handling his wife’s illness?”

Rebecca Sorenson paused. Forgetting her resolve never to discuss the personal affairs of a patient, she said, “It’s odd. He seems almost removed from the whole thing. He doesn’t visit her very often, and when he does he acts like a stranger. I think he’s not accepting the reality of this situation.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too,” Cyndi mumbled. Then she turned and walked away, wearing the slightest trace of a smile.

~

As she passed by Elizabeth’s room for a second time, Cyndi distinctly heard JT’s voice saying, “I want out!” She wanted to hear the rest of the conversation, but just then another patient called for her from his room.