|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Cushing's Syndrome is treatable with medication." Without the lab results, that was as comforting a prognosis as he could offer. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terry wiped her face with tissue and nodded. She noted the Norman Rockwell print over his deska picture of a little boy with his pants pulled down, grimacing as the doctor tested the hypo. Mitch got up and poured them each a cup of coffee. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"We used to think he was just modest," Terry said, "the way he would avoid us seeing him naked. He'd lock the door whenever he showered and wrap himself up in a bathrobe just going to his room. He didn't want us to know . . ." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"How long's he been covering himself?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I don't know, a few months," Terry said. "A few months ago he complained about how hairy he was, compared to the other kids. His legs and under his arms. He wasn't twelve yet, but Calvin's hairy." Her eyes filled again. "Now I know why he wears long-sleeved shirts and turtlenecks all the time." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"We thought it was a fad," Calvin added. Mitch jotted down what they said. "For about how long?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I don't know," she said. "Ever since he started kindergarten, he's worn T-shirts, even in the deal of winter. His parka and a T-shirt. Never even wore any of his sweatshirts. Not until recently. I guess the last few months." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Has he complained about hirsutism since the first time?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"No," she said, and Calvin agreed. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Any other complaintsheadaches or pains in the limbs or joints?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Once in a while he gets headaches . . . probably anxiety." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mitch nodded and noted it down. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Then she remembered something. "I don't know if it's related, but he once complained about tingling sensations in his arms and legs. He didn't say any more about it, and when he didn't bring it up again, I forgot about it." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"But no complaints about pains in the wrists or knees." Mitch was thinking about the possible fusion of the epithisis from too rapid growth, but she said no. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Mitch," Terry said, "he's twelve years old. He's at the age when the dominant fear is being different. How do we tell him he's not a freak?" |
|
|
|
|
|