“Yes, but we caught it early.” The optimism in the doctor’s voice was grating. “I have sent the tests and x-rays to one of the top pediatric oncologists in treating leukemia. Your daughter is in good hands.”
Dr. Van leaned forward with a piece of paper in his hand, and he took it numbly, glancing down at the information there. “Here is the contact information for the hospital and the doctor who will be responsible for Kaitlyn’s treatment plan after running some more tests.”
“Dr. Kimberly Hayes?” Jacob looked up in surprise. He knew about her; she was in the news for crossing the line with her methods of treatment, but they had all ended successfully. Nevertheless, she was considered a rogue doctor. He also recalled she had just recently been outed for having an affair with one of her residents, but with her mother being onthe board, it had been quickly handled. Hayes was placed on suspension and the resident was sent to another hospital.
“Yes, I feel she is the best person to take care of your daughter.” Jacob stared at Dr. Rex Van, their family doctor for as long as he could remember. The softness in his gaze reflected the care he held for Kaitlyn.
“Thank you. Dr. Van.”
The man nodded, running a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. “Oh.” He paused, searching the documents until he found a pamphlet. “Be prepared, Dr. Hayes will probably also recommend a stem cell or bone marrow transplant after chemotherapy.”
Jacob took the brochure, skimmed the information and frowned.
“Her platelets will be gone and blood should regenerate on its own, but we want to consider the options for a successful remission. Stem cells or bone marrow from a relative that matches her would be the most prudent avenue.”
“You will see from the pamphlet I just gave you that the test that will be performed is Human Leukocyte Antigens, or HLA, typing. It is used to determine who is a compatible donor for blood stem cell or organ transplants. Greater similarity between the donor’s and recipient’s HLA types will increase the likelihood of transplant success.” Dr. Van nodded.
Jacob kept staring at the pamphlet, the words swimming in front of him, trying to take in what Dr. Van was telling him.
“Doctors want the closest matches possible because HLAs are proteins on the surface of most cells that the immune system uses to distinguish “self” from “non-self.” They are crucial forimmunity, but they can also cause complications like tissue transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases.”
Dr. Van looked uncomfortable for a second, then cleared his throat. “You have not mentioned this before, but do you have any other children? Siblings are better matches.” Dr. Van held up his hands when Jacob scowled.
“No, she is an only child.”
The doctor hesitated and then surprised Jacob when he laid the final his card on the table. “Okay, then you and your ex-wife will have to be tested.”
“Not a chance in hell will she be anywhere near my child.” Jacob stood and towered over the doctor, his hands fisted closed just from the mention of her having to do anything with his daughter.
Dr. Van pushed his glasses to the top of his nose. “Standing over me won’t change the fact that your ex-wife might need to be consulted. But that’s not for me to say; give Dr. Hayes a call and I will notify reception to send over the information.” His tone remained firm. “Do you have any questions for me?”
He shook his head, rocked again now by the news that he might need the aid of his ex-wife to help save their daughter when she was the one that almost ended her life the first time.
His legs feeling like rubber, Jacob tried to walk past the reception desk and the waiting room area, but soon his pace slowed to a shuffle. He wished he could switch places with his baby. His bright light. He got into the car and sat for a minute, then pulled his cell phone from his jacket pocket.
He couldn’t hold onto this news by himself. The only person he could depend on in that moment was Colin. Punching in the numbers with shaking fingers, Jacob waited in agony untilhis brother picked up. When he broke the news to him, Colin’s voice cracking over the phone almost made him break down and cry.
“I will speak to grandpa and get him to call off this ridiculous—”
He sat up straight in the car. “No, don’t tell him. I need to focus on Kaitlyn and not have to worry about him finding out and all this causing him to deteriorate quicker. And you also know how bullheaded he can be. He will push harder for me to marry because he thinks a woman’s love and touch will help get me through this.”
“He should know, Jacob; you and Kaitlyn need all of us.” His brother’s voice sounded somber.
He nodded in agreement, but then realized his brother Colin couldn’t see him.
“Just let me speak to the oncologist and see what the plan of treatment and care for Kaitlyn will be. We can tell him after. Okay?”
He heard Colin sigh, then what sounded like him blowing his nose.
“I will call the rest and let them know.”
“No, I will call them when I am ready” He rubbed the back of his neck and pulled at the hair there, a telling sign when he was stressed.
“You are so stubborn, let me help.” His brother pleaded.
This wasn’t a fight he wanted to have right now. Resting his head against the seat rest, Jacob tried to distract his brother with another problem. “So, how is it coming along finding someone to marry your tired ass?”
He heard Colin scoff into the phone. “Please, a sought-after Cordon Blue Chef and a billionaire at that. I do not have a problem finding a wife, unlike some stick-in-the-mud oldie who doesn’t know how to charm a woman if it bit him in the ass.”
