King's College - Chapter 36
Moving Ahead?
The wet and cold of winter proceeded to wane and bring on the blossoms and new green of spring. It would have been lovely to say that the second year medical students were enjoying the new season, but they were deep in the depths of the most rigorous semester the Medical School had to offer. Every week presented new challenges, another test, more coursework to be learned for each and every student. Martin Ellingham held a big advantage having been exposed to all this coursework in his earlier education, but even he was fatigued by the constant testing that took place. No one was ever caught up with the work and the constant testing was endured by cramming the nights before a big exam. Then one was always behind in everything else and that next test was accomplished by cramming the material that one had ignored while facing another test.
The students were numb and most socializing took the form of all out drunken binges on Friday nights while dancing at parties or at the Pub.
Parson's and Ellingham rounded out their schedule with visits to Rosemary and helping her with the independent study that she struggled to keep up with.
"I can't understand why any wild adenomatous malignancy is unable to be identified by cellular markers?" Rosemary asked.
"They lose their differentiation when they become malignant. That's why we can't tell if they are lung or ovary or adrenal gland," Martin explained. "It's one of the challenges that tissue samples cannot confirm."
"Well, that seems like a problem that needs to be solved," she replied.
Martin had noticed that Rosemary had become very irritable of late and wasn't sure if it was her disease talking or her actual feelings.
"Tell me something interesting that has nothing to do with cells."
Martin paused and thought. "Well, everyone in class hates me more because I do so well on exams. I have been called more rude names as the weeks go on."
"Yes?" She queried.
"Um, Medicine 2B has formed their own football team and with the pressure of my father have made me play again. I abhor it, but last game I had two assists as a defenseman. The team is at the top of the league. I'm hoping I can bow out after the next couple of games," Martin explained.
"Don't you dare quit, Martin Ellingham! I want to be at those games and watch that lanky body of yours do what it can. I really enjoy it. You have a gift of a strong and wonderful body and you should use it, abhor it or not," Rosemary replied. "As a matter of fact, I want to snog with you some more. Let's do it."
Martin hated what he had to say. "Rosemary, we can't do that again. It's not fair to you and it's not right for me. It was magical and I do love you as a friend, but I think it's taking advantage, on my part particularly."
"Alright, Ellingham, now I'm totally embarrassed. Please leave. I'm really sorry and I don't know what to say," she replied. "I'll call you when I want to go to that game, but leave me alone otherwise. I'm really confused. Just go."
Martin left dejectedly, feeling sure that her behavior had something to do with her tumor growth. Her areas of judgement and lack of behavioral appropriateness were not the Rosemary he knew. He was sick with the realization that she was getting worse. Chris had reported much of the same thing when he had visited. He was bound to the commitment that he would bring her to one of those hated football games before she got sicker. He felt physiology and histology were things of the past.
He and Chris arranged for her to come to the football pitch the next Thursday afternoon to let her watch them make fools of themselves.
Her cab arrived and the two friends found her a comfortable spot on the sidelines in her wheelchair, as she had experienced a deterioration of her motor abilities despite the physical therapy she was pursuing. Many friends came to greet her, albeit awkwardly, because really, what could be said? She was in a fine mood and put them all at ease. She hadn't lost the ability to do that. With lager in her hand, the game began.
The game against Microbiology was close, one goal answered by another. With minutes left, Martin intercepted a pass from his defensive position. He deftly dribbled the ball by himself, passing the midfield line, sidestepping and faking out opponents. As he approached the goal he avoided tackles from much smaller men, feinting and faking approaching the goal. He executed a perfect fake to Chris who was playing midfield and booted a spectacular kick that sailed over the goalie's head into the top left corner of the net. Among cheering for the sideline, he ran straight over to Rosemary and kissed her straight on the lips. He left no doubt that his effort had been for her, and her alone. She grabbed him around the neck and hugged him with all her might.
Martin despised sport, but a big man at public school was unable to avoid it. He swore it was his last time. Med 2B went on to win the championship and he had given Rosemary what she wanted to see. His task had been accomplished.
Returning Rosemary to Royal Marsden Chris and Martin ran into her father, who was awaiting her return. While the nurses settled her in, the two young men inquired about her condition. "Boy's, I'm afraid things about the tumor aren't going well. The tumor is invading parts of her brain involving her emotions and behavior. She is saying some inappropriate things and seems to be losing her long term and short term memory. Going in to debulk the tumor again is basically out of the question...a last ditch effort. She doesn't seem to be in pain, but the main thing now is to keep her comfortable and engaged. That's for taking her to the footie. I bet she loved it. Thank you."
"We'll do whatever we can, Mr. Plimpf. Rosemary is our friend and we are here for her...no matter what." Chris looked crestfallen. Martin and Chris went home.