DARK DAYS AND DARKER NIGHTS
"That's certainly good to hear."
Natalie had just finished her second cup of coffee when she saw Dr. Delaney approaching. Tossing it in the trash, she asked, "How is Dr. McCabe this morning?"
"That's what I came to talk to you about," the doctor replied and sat down in the chair across from her. "His lungs are starting to show signs of the fluid clearing up. The plans at the moment are to take him off the ventilator either sometime tomorrow or Sunday if he continues to improve."
"That's certainly good to hear," Natalie said with relief.
"I do however plan on keeping him in the SICU until after the first of the week. That's just a precaution in case he has to be put back on the ventilator," Dr. Delaney cautioned.
"Still it is an improvement."
"You can go back inside but he's just gotten his pain meds and is asleep right now. Meanwhile, I need to get back to the ER to start my shift," the trauma surgeon excused himself to head back downstairs.
"I think I'll stop in and see Dr. McCabe later. Right now I really to go get something to eat," Natalie told him. Picking up her purse and tote bag, she headed over to the nurses' station to remind them to call her if Miles' condition suddenly got worse. But he was improving to the point that she didn't worry quite so much when she left the hospital.
"Yes, Dr. Durant," the nurse replied, noting it down. She could see that now the patient was beginning to recover, the young woman appeared to be quite so concerned when she left the SICU.
Leaving the hospital Natalie hurried to the car and got in pulling out her phone planning to call Stephen and pass on the good news.
Stephen was at work in his office awaiting the call he knew he'd be receiving. When his phone rang he quickly checked the caller ID and answered it. "Hi, Natalie. What's the news on Miles this morning?"
"He's doing much better. Dr. Delaney told me that he plans on probably taking Miles off the vent either tomorrow or Sunday. He will have to stay in the SICU a while longer just in case he needs to go back on it. Hopefully he won't have to," she answered.
"I'll pass the news on to Kate and the others. I know they'll glad to hear that. What are you going to be doing?" Stephen asked.
"I think I'll either grab breakfast or sleep first. I either need to find a place or do laundry or some shopping. I should've packed more but I was too worried about Miles," Natalie answered. "What about you?"
"I'll probably be meeting with Kate to make the final decision on Miles' replacement," Stephen answered.
"I'll call you tonight after check on Miles again," Natalie promised. She hung up the phone and headed for the motel to get some rest.