Chapter 78
Marcus
My phone peeped loudly, bringing my disorganized emotions to a pause. I fished for my cell in my suit jacket, looking at the screen of my phone.
Paul’s name flashed on the screen, and my heart sank even further.
It took everything in me to take up the phone and place it on my car.
“Marcus.” His voice was stringent but I could tell he had the exact emotion clouding his voice.
Fear.
He was scared and I could feel it.
“Talk to me, Marcus.”
“Yeah,” I answered and swallowed the lump in my throat. “I’m here, at the hospital.”
“How’s Ian’s condition like?”
“I uh–I haven’t gotten details yet. But I think-”
Footsteps approached and in that moment, a young man cleared his throat. “Mr. Hills?”
I gave a nod in response. “That’s me, Doctor-”
“Eperoz,” he said firmly. “Dr. Fernando Eperoz.”
I didn’t say anything other than giving a small nod.
“My son.”
“He’s conscious now. But I’m afraid we don’t have much time and we need a-”
“Donor,” I finished. “I know Doctor, I am very much aware of that.”
“Can we talk in my office for a moment?”
I huffed and then followed him. Ian needs me beside him; to sit there and assure him that he’ll be fine but I can’t even be
there.
The doo to Doctor Fernando’s office flew open and we walked inside. As usual, the office was well arranged and the only free chair was opposite the desk.
He gestured to it and I walked toward the chair. He adjusted his coat and took off the stethoscope from his neck before turning to me.
“Doctor Fernando, I had Ian transferred here because of this hospital’s reputation.”
“I understand you Mr. Hills but When it comes to heart transplants, finding a suitable donor is a crucial begins by placing your son on a waiting list for a suitable donor heart.”
“Ian is already on that list.”
“But there’s no donor yet. At last, there’s no compatible donor heart yet.” He paused.
step. The process
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Chapter 78
“The transplant team assesses the compatibility and viability of the donor’s heart. If it’s a suitable match for your son, the transplant surgery would take place. It’s important to note that the waiting period for a suitable donor can differ depending on several factors, including the availability of matching donors in your area. Rest assured, our team will work diligently to find the best feasible option for your son’s transplant.
“You can talk to me, Doctor Fernando. Is there anything I can do to increase the chances of finding a donor heart for my son? I’ll pay. I’ll do whatever I can, just make sure there’s a donor for my son as soon as possible.
“Actually, concerning your son’s health, it is important to ensure that your son’s medical information is up to date and accurate on the transplant list. This is the most you can do. This will enable the transplant coordinators to have the most current information when matching potential donor hearts.
“That’s not what I mean.”
He very well understood what I was trying to say. I’m here asking if there’s any way they can have his name moved to the top list but he was here playing oblivious.
“Mr Hills, I understand that this must be a difficult time for you and your family. I want you to know that we’re here to support you and your son.”
“And after the surgery?” I asked. “Is he going to be fine? Is he going to have any more issues?”
Fernando took a deep breath and then exhaled audibly. “I wholly understand your concerns. It’s natural to be bothered, but please know that our surgical team is experienced in these processes. We will take every precaution to guarantee the best result for your son.”
“But what if we don’t find a heart? What else can we do?”
“An open–heart surgery but that is not advisable due to your son’s medical history.”
“Why not? What happens in the surgery and why can it not be carried out while we await a donor?”
“During the open–heart surgery, our team will carefully repair the structural problems in your son’s heart. The treatment typically involves making an incision in the chest to access the heart. Then, the surgeon will repair the heart defect, which may include closing holes, correcting misplaced blood vessels, or repairing damaged valves. After the surgery, your son will be closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) to ensure a smooth recovery.” He paused. “However, from the reports I have here, Ian has already had this surgery done twice and his heart is now weak. We can’t afford to touch his heart anymore. He may not make it out alive if we do.”
I could feel my heart squeeze at the thought of this- at the thought of all options failing and me losing my boy.
“You don’t have to worry, Mr. Hills. Ian Hills is on the top list for patients in need of a donor and we’ll also do our best to ensure that everything is carried out as needed.”
“Thanks.”
“If you have any specific concerns or questions leading up to the surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you and your son every step of the way.”
I gave a nod to follow. “Can I at least see my son?”
“Of course. I’ll have the nurse lead you to his room immediately!
I was taken to the room Ian was and the nurse left so I could have privacy.
Aside from the machines, it was so quiet that I could hear every minor sound.
Ian blinked his eyes open and the moment he saw me, he tried to smile.
Chapter 78
“Take it easy man,” I told him and walked closer to him. I wiped my thumb across his cheek and returned his smile.
“You look thirteen, again.”
“What happened when I was thirteen?” He asked and I swallowed back.
“Lots of hospitals and driving back home.
He sneered. “Only that this time, I may not be driving home with you.”
SEND GIFT
