ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON 15

Episode 56

Andrew and Glory looked at each other in great concern. Andrew asked , " What do you mean one more test ? Either you know or you don't know what is wrong with my grandson. What is going on ? I am his legal guardian but his parents are deeply involved in his life. Before i tell them what is going on I want some real information to give them both. "

Dr. Paine sighed deeply as he looked at the fitfully sleeping young boy and then back at his grandfather. " Mr. Norland , Mrs. Norland , we believe that your grandson has something called Hereditary Hemolytic Syndrome. It's usually referred to by HHS. It is primarily a genetic condition that can sometimes skip family generations. The symptoms usually affect young primarily White children and teenagers. In fact , symptoms normally crop up around age thirteen or fourteen. In layman terms it is an issue to do with red cell production and immune system regulation. The symptoms are fatigue , excessive fevers , chills , anemia and occasionally depression.  Lewis's blood tests showed a high level of anemia and other signs we need to confirm in one more test once he is officially admitted upstairs. "

Andrew felt unsteady on his feet at that moment so he leaned more into his wife who tightened her arms around him. 

Glory asked cautiously , " Well , if he has this..... this HHS , what treats it ? How do you help Lewis get better ? "

The doctor hesitated. " The normal treatment for HHS is blood transfusions and a bone marrow transplant. The best donor is a parent or immediate family member like a sibling. Otherwise this is a very serious illness. Without proper treatment the patients diagnosed with this illness can suffer from complications such as organ failure , infections , heart failure , stroke. Untreated the mortality rate is extremely high. Around fifty to sixty percent of fatalities. With early diagnosis and treatment many can go into remission and live perfectly happy normal lives. I would advise you strongly to contact his parents as soon as possible so they can be tested as possible matches for blood and marrow. Siblings as well if he has them. He should be upstairs shortly and the tech will be running that final test to confirm our conclusions. " 

Andrew closed his eyes and whispered wearily to his wife , " Glory , how am I going to tell Richard ? Nigel and Tania too but dear God how do I tell my son ? "

Glory kissed his forehead as they looked down at Lewis. " I'll tell them. Don't worry. I'll tell them all. He'll be fine. I survived my cancer and he will survive this. If he even has it for sure. He's young , strong and your grandson. Of course he'll be fine. "