Chapter 33

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Jennie and Jiyong sat anxiously in Doctors office, their faces etched with worry. The sterile, white walls of the hospital room seemed to close in on them as they awaited the doctor's arrival. Jennie squeezed Jiyong's hand tightly, drawing strength from his presence.

Dr. Lim entered the room, his expression serious but compassionate. He took a seat across from them and opened Hyeong's medical file. "Mr. and Mrs. Kwon, thank you for coming in so quickly. As you know, Hyeong's condition is severe. We need to move fast."

Jennie leaned forward, her voice trembling with determination. "What do we need to do first, Dr. Lim? Who can be a donor for Hyeong?"

Dr. Lim nodded, appreciating her resolve. "The first step is to conduct a thorough HLA (human leukocyte antigen) typing for Hyeong to determine his specific tissue type. This is crucial for finding a compatible bone marrow donor. The best matches are usually close family members, such as siblings. However, since Hyeong is an only child, we will look at both of you as potential donors first."

Jiyong tightened his grip on Jennie's hand. "What if neither of us is a match?"

Dr. Lim continued, "If neither of you is a suitable match, we will then search for a donor in the national and international bone marrow registries. There are millions of potential donors registered, and while it may take some time, we are hopeful we will find a match. The process involves a simple blood test for the donor, but the transplant procedure for Hyeong will be more complex."

Jennie felt a mix of relief and anxiety. "How long will this process take? Hyeong's condition is worsening."

Dr. Lim sighed softly. "The HLA typing results will come back within a few days. If either of you is a match, we can proceed quickly. If not, finding a donor from the registry could take weeks, sometimes longer. In the meantime, we will start Hyeong on supportive treatments to stabilize his condition, including blood transfusions and medications to boost his blood cell production."

Jennie's eyes filled with tears, but she held them back, her voice steady. "We'll do whatever it takes. Just tell us what we need to do."

Dr. Lim nodded, his respect for Jennie's determination evident. "We'll begin the typing process immediately. You both need to provide blood samples today. Once we have the results, we'll discuss the next steps. In the meantime, stay strong for Hyeong. Your support and love are crucial to his recovery."

Jiyong spoke up, his voice firm. "We'll be ready, Dr. Lim. Thank you for everything you're doing."

Dr. Lim offered a reassuring smile. "We're all in this together. Hyeong is a fighter, and with the right treatment and care, we have hope. Let's get started on the blood tests right away."

As they left Dr. Lim's office, Jennie and Jiyong felt a renewed sense of purpose. They knew the road ahead would be challenging, but they were determined to do everything in their power to save their son. With each step, their bond grew stronger, united by their love for Hyeong and their unwavering resolve to see him through this ordeal.

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Lisa arrived at her apartment, the familiar scent of home offering a fleeting sense of comfort. She navigated through the dimly lit hallway, her thoughts a mix of stress and longing. As she reached her front door, the weight of the past month pressed heavily on her shoulders.

Her friends had been eager to see her over the past few days, but Lisa had remained focused on her work. She was here for a purpose, and socializing was not on her agenda.

"I've been here for a month," she muttered, rubbing her temples, the persistent headache that had been plaguing her for days intensifying with the heavy rain outside.

Inside, the apartment was silent, the only sound the rhythmic patter of rain against the windows. Lisa walked to her bedroom and opened her drawer, revealing a row of neatly organized medicine bottles. She picked up a capsule, staring at it for a moment before shaking her head and placing it back.

Instead, she went to the kitchen, opening the fridge and grabbing a bottle of cold water. She drank deeply, the cool liquid offering temporary relief. "Better!" she exclaimed, though she knew it was a lie.

Lisa’s stubborn refusal to take her medication, despite Dr. Amanda's strict advice, was beginning to take its toll. The lifetime treatment was necessary to keep her condition in check, but the side effects—numbness, drowsiness, and a general sense of malaise—made it hard for her to function, especially with the workload she was under.

She leaned against the kitchen counter, the ache in her head throbbing. She missed her son, Lithan, more than anything. "I need to finish this project," she whispered to herself. "I need to go home."

Walking back to her room, Lisa glanced at the clock. It was late, but she knew sleep wouldn’t come easily. The deadlines loomed, and the guilt of neglecting her medication gnawed at her. She pulled out her laptop, deciding to work for a few more hours, hoping the distraction would help ease her mind.

As she worked, the headache dulled slightly, but the underlying discomfort remained. Lisa knew she was playing a dangerous game with her health, but the pressure to perform and the need to return to her son drove her forward.

"Just a little longer," she thought, determination mingling with exhaustion. "I can make it through this."

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