“Hi, Donna.”
“I’ll check you in; have a seat.”
Before lunch, I’d stopped at the blood draw facility and gotten my blood taken. That way, my doctor would have most of the results back faster. I hated waiting.
“Samuel Karis?” the nurse called, and I stood.
“That’s me.”
“Right this way.”
She took my vitals: weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. She then brought me to a small room where I stared at the walls, waiting for my doctor.
There was a light knock, and then Dr. Marin entered.
“Good afternoon, Sam.”
“Hey, Doc. So what’s the word?”
He knew I didn’t like waiting. I was feeling fine and was staying optimistic that my myeloma was still in remission.
“Okay, let’s cut right to it. Everything is saying you’re in remission still, which is what I love to see.”
“But?” My heart was beating fast.
He held up his hand. “Don’t panic, Sam. All I was going to say is, the longer you’re in remission from myeloma, the more frequently we will need to do blood work. It’s been five years since your bone marrow transplant, and I’m thrilled with these results. I simply want to stay vigilant.”
I nodded. “Okay. So, like, what? Every three, four weeks? A month?”
“Yeah, any of those are fine. The standing order is there.”
“No problem.”
I left feeling lighter than I had all day. Going to the doctor was always daunting, and I always felt like something was stuck in my throat ready to choke me. Now I could breathe. I got into my car and drove back to my apartment that was amazingly above the Page Turner Book Store.
I had my own entrance and was the sole occupant, which meant I didn’t have to deal with rowdy neighbors. My landlord was also the bookstore owner. She was in her sixties, all her children had moved away, and fortunately she loved me.
“Sammy, hi.”
I was grabbing my mail when Mrs. Tillman, the bookstore owner, approached.
“Hey, Maggie, how are you?”
“Fabulous. My new arthritis medication is working wonders. How about you?”
I smiled, thrilled for her and thrilled to share my news. “Still in remission.”
She clapped her hands and pulled me into a mama-bear hug. “Oh, thank heavens. Such great news.”
“Thanks. You too.”
“We should celebrate.” There was a twinkle in her eye. “Smores on the rooftop at sunset?”
I chuckled. “It’s a date.”
“See you then.” She was still laughing as she went into her store.
I took the steps up to my apartment, opened the door, and was immediately greeted by Bubbles, my gray tabby.
