LA Gang (Book 2)

9. Bone Marrow

9. Bone Marrow

Over the past few days, Connie and Rick have been evaluating the option of allowing Scott to do a clinical trial or doing a bone marrow transplant on him. Since Dr. Hayes was out of town for a few days, Dr. Norris was the one to take over Scott's case, she talked to the Hoyings about the transplant and other options they should consider if the transplant did not work.

"Hi, Scott," Dr. Norris said to Scott once she entered the room. Scott was alone because Matt had gone to the park of the hospital with his family.

"Hi, Dr. Norris," Scott greeted politely.

"Since Dr. Hayes is not here I'm in charge of you and I've already talked to your parents about the bone marrow transplant. This is quite good news and right now you are in the condition of getting one. In other words, you are doing well so you're ready for the transplant," Dr. Norris told Scott and he just nodded, he knew she was changing things up a little not to scare him.

"Alright, who's the donor?" Scott asked softly.

"Your dad is a perfect match," Dr. Norris said and Scott widened his eyes, he didn't want his dad to be in pain again.

"O-okay," Scott said quietly.

A few moments later the gang was reunited at the lounge to hang out and catch up, they hadn't spent much time together because of treatments, scans, or family visits so they decided to meet and chat for a bit.

"So, what's up? I feel like we haven't seen each other in ages," Kevin asked and everyone giggled.

"I was with my parents and siblings today, we had fun. I haven't seen my brother in a while and my sister is busy with school so she doesn't come often," Matt said happily.

"That's nice. I have immunotherapy today, ugh. I just want this to be over!" Mitch complained and Scott took his hand to calm him down.

"Not much with me, just same old, same old," Kirstie said.

"Same," Kevin replied.

"Dr. Norris confirmed that I need a bone marrow transplant. She said it was good news," Scott said, shrugging. He had mixed feelings about this.

"That is good. It's supposed to help you get better," Mitch said and Scott nodded.

"Yeah, my dad is the donor. I gotta go, my parents and I have to talk," Scott said, standing up and then leaving the room. When he arrived at his room, his parents were already waiting for him.

"Hi mom, hi dad," Scott said laying down on his bed.

"Hi son," Rick said and Connie kissed Scott on the forehead.

"Did Dr. Norris already tell you about the transplant?" Connie asked.

"She did, but she never told me how they'll be doing it."

"They will insert it just like a blood transfusion, but they will not do it here, you'll be in another room alone, because it's a long procedure and they need to constantly check on you," Rick answered.

"Okay. After the transplant, I'll be back here right?" Scott asked.

"Yeah," Connie said. Scot nodded, he didn't know how to feel about this, was the bone marrow a good sign? Or was it just a sign that he kept getting worse? He didn't know what to think.

It was later in the afternoon, around 6 p.m., when Scott visited Mitch while he recovered from immunotherapy. Mitch made grabby hands at Scott and he giggled and climbed to the bed next to him. "You feeling ok?" Scott asked kissing Mitch's hair. He was glad his hair was growing back.

"Yeah...I'm just tired," Mitch said sighing. He just snuggled into Scott's chest. "You're worried. I can feel it," he continued and looked at Scott's eyes.

"Yeah, I don't know what to think. My dad will be in pain after the surgery and the side effects are not pleasant," Scott said quietly looking at the ceiling.

"Try to think about the positives babe, this could improve your health and you can be cancer-free," Mitch said.

"I'll try," Scott said and Mitch nodded. They talked for a few more moments until both of them fell asleep. About an hour later a nurse woke Scott up and took him back to his room to later on tuck him in and put his cannula on. Once she left the room, Scott took his cannula off and sat up on the edge of his bed and he stayed awake all night, thinking.

The following day, Matt woke up and was scared to see Scott on his bed. "Ah!" he yelled.

"Oh, my God!" Scott said after Matt screamed.

"You scared me!"

"We scared each other so we're even. Why are you up so early?"

"Why are you up so early?" Matt replied, he then noticed Scott's cannula on the bed. "You didn't sleep." he continued and Scott shook his head. "Why?"

"Just...thinking,"

"What's on your mind, Scotty?"

"Everything... the transplant is...I don't know."

"I thought this was good, that you can finally get better."

"No. I'm getting worse. Before Dr. Hayes left, he told me that I had officially reached stage 3," Scott then lifted his shirt and Matt's eyes widened at all the bruises that covered Scott's chest and stomach. "I have constant nose bleeds, bruises, and just everything suggested the progression of my cancer. This transplant is the few options we have left. But...I-I don't want my dad to be in pain again. When he gave me his kidney, he was in a lot of pain afterward, although he constantly said it was worth it, it gave me more years...If this doesn't work, I may be getting into clinical trials. I'm so scared Matt," Scott sobbed.

"Let's pray for it to work," Matt said and hugged Scott. "When is the transplant?"

"Tomorrow. My dad's surgery is tomorrow early and the same day I get the transplant while my dad is recovering. My mom and sister will be there with me," Scott answered.

The next day, Scott was taken to his transplant to a room in the intermediate care unit, he was worried sick about his dad, but he was glad to have his mom and sister by his side. The transplant lasted for around 3 and a half hours and, to his surprise, he was feeling fine.

"Here he comes!" Matt sang when he saw Scott being wheeled back to his room and the gang was happy, although they were immediately quiet when they saw Scott fast asleep.

"How was it?" Mitch asked.

"Everything went fine. Rick's surgery went smoothly and so did the transplant, but the side effects are getting to him now," Connie answered. Later that night Connie was holding his son's hand while he slept.

"I love you Scotty boy, please be ok."