|
|
|
|
|
|
|
week off from school until his body adjusts to the medications. If all goes well, he can resume a normal routine the week after. However, it might be a good idea to take him out of Little League." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Also, I'll want to have periodic checkups," Mitch said. "In fact, I've scheduled one for Friday. Just be sure he stays on the medication and keep an eye on him. If he has any problems or reports anxiety or headaches, whatever, give me a call. Night or day." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terry began to fill up again, and Mitch put his hand on her arm. "I know this is very difficult for you, but I do think we can turn things around." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terry nodded. "What happens if the medication fails?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"It shouldn't," Dr. Hagan said. "And if it does, we've a lot of backup weapons. The important thing is that he not go off the medication and that he be checked periodically." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terry nodded. "But he's stubborn." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"We've already impressed upon him the importance of his treatment." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Hagan looked at her for a moment, then said, "I'm not sure, but I would guess that at some point his condition may not be reversible." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mitch quickly looked at his watch. "We can get Matty now, but before that, I'd like to take a blood sample from both of you, if you don't mind." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calvin and Terry agreed. The other doctors left and Mitch extracted a few ccs of blood from the Hazzards. They then followed him down the hall to the entrance lobby. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Matty was waiting for them in a chair by the window. A male aide was sitting quietly with him. Terry had prepped herself not to cry when she saw him, telling herself that a breakdown was the last thing Matty needed. But when she saw him in that chair, looking so fragile, she felt the tears come again. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The medication had worked its sedative effect. Matty's shoulders were drooped and his eyes were like spent fuses. What shocked her was how dark his face was. In the three days a beard had begun to form like a film on his face. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terry wiped her eyes and sat beside him. "Hi, honey." |
|
|
|
|
|