Lost Soul
Chapter 4
Taking Christine and Hannah to St. Louis was a culture shock for them, but Mike enjoyed seeing their delight over things. They had gone up the night before and had stayed in a hotel. It messed up Christine's routine a little, but she was so hopeful for the next day and Hannah was good with her. The day started early first with a CT scan and some x-rays. Next came an examination with two neurosurgeons. Through it all, Christine was a trooper. The doctor Mike had spoken with, Dr. Summers met with them later, after talking to Christine and Hannah.
"Alright. So, we have a clear picture as to what happened and what can be done. There was a skull fracture just above Christine's temple. It caused swelling that impacted the area that controls cognitive function, memory and fine motor skills." Dr. Summers explained.
"But this long after, she wouldn't still have swelling, would she?" Mike asked.
"Can it be fixed?" Hannah asked.
"Yes to both. We will need to drill a hole in to relieve the swelling. Now, of course there are risks, but we need to do this. The longer this goes on, the more affected Christine will be." Dr. Summers said.
"Will I be able to be a normal wife and mother?" Christine asked.
"You will be closer to normal then you are now. There might still be some…delays, but I think this is the best and really only option. There is something else I need you all to consider though." Dr. Summers explained.
"What's that?" Mike asked.
"Given the brutality of Christine's attack, some of the memory loss maybe trauma-based. When we relieve this swelling, there is a possibility some, if not all the memories will flood back. The good and the really bad. You need to be prepared for that." Dr. Summers warned.
"I want the surgery. Good or bad, we'll handle it." Christine said.
"When?" Mike asked, worried about his mom's surgery.
"As soon as possible. I have an opening tomorrow. It could be months if we can't do it then." Dr. Summers told him.
"My mom has surgery tomorrow. Stage three Breast Cancer." Mike remarked as he rubbed his face.
"Dad, call Grandma. She'd want Mom to have the surgery." Hannah said. Mike nodded at her and stood up.
"I'll be right back." Mike promised Christine. He stepped out and punched in his mom's phone number.
"How's it going?" Elizabeth asked.
"Its going. They can do a surgery. Drill a hole in her skull to relieve the pressure. They think that she may return to normal." Mike explained.
"I hear a but." Elizabeth said.
"But they want to do the surgery tomorrow. If not, it could be months and the symptoms will get worse." Mike remarked.
"Mike; do the surgery. Kaitlyn is here. I'll be fine." Elizabeth answered.
"Mom; they are doing a double mastectomy. I need to be there." Mike argued.
"Your wife is having a very needed brain surgery. Brain surgery trumps a routine mastectomy any day. She needs you. I have Kaitlyn here and the neighbor next door. Tell them to operate on Christine." Elizabeth said.
"Please don't cancel your surgery on account of this." Mike begged.
"I won't." Elizabeth promised.
"Can you put Kaitlyn on?" Mike asked.
"Of course. I'll explain real quick." Elizabeth said. He could hear her shuffling around and talking to Kaitlyn. Finally, Kaitlyn came online.
"Dad?" Kaitlyn asked.
"Honey; Mom is having surgery tomorrow and Grandma wants her to have it. I need you to keep me updated and to take care of her. I mean, really good care. Promise me." Mike demanded.
"I will." Kaitlyn answered.
"Okay. I will hold you to it. Mom will be alright, hopefully." Mike said.
"Alright. Can you do something for me?" Kaitlyn asked.
"Of course." Mike answered.
"Tell Mama…tell her I'm sorry and that I love her." Kaitlyn choked out.
"I will. And remember, we both love you." Mike said.
"Love you too." Kaitlyn answered.
"Can you put Grandma back on?" Mike asked.
"Sure." Kaitlyn answered. She gave the phone back to Elizabeth.
"Mike?" Elizabeth asked.
"I'll tell them to go ahead with the surgery. Kaitlyn will handle you. Just relax. I love you." Mike said.
"I love you too, son. Take care of Christine. I know we didn't get along before, but she's pretty special." Elizabeth said.
"Yes, she is. We'll talk later." Mike said before hanging up and walking back into the office.
"So?" Dr. Summers asked.
"It's a go. Schedule it if its what Christine wants." Mike said.
"I do." Christine supplied.
"Alright." Dr. Summers answered. Mike could only pray things went well, both with Christine and his mom.