Chapter twenty

The first step

Chet was doing as well as could be expected with his therapies, but still had major problems with the burns, especially the one on his abdomen. This was a third degree bone with some internal damage to his liver, which had the doctors a bit worried. They had been wanting to do a skin graft, but were waiting to see how the burn went.

After 2 months, though, this burn wasn't healing as well as anyone would have hoped. Even Chet realized something was wrong, especially since he was not yet allowed to lift anything more than 3 pounds. He could NOT even pick up his young son anymore and he was always tired.

Finally, one day during a rather grueling physical therapy, Chet groused to his therapist, "Hey, Tom, have you ever had anyone with a burn on their belly that had as many problems healing like me? Or is there something else wrong with me that noone is telling me."

Tom, realizing that Chet was an intelligent man, sat him down and said, "Listen, Chet, I can get in trouble for this, but I thought you knew. You have some major liver damage there, too."

"Yeah, I know, but I thought by now it would be healed or at least getting better. Does this mean I am going to have liver problems for the rest of my life? I've never been much of a drinker, but, ...DAMN-IS ANYTHING EVER GONNA GO RIGHT FOR ME?"

Tom got up and went over to his boss who suggested that he call Dr. Brackett to come talk to Chet. Maybe he could alleviate some of his fears and anxieties.

"Chet? Would you like me to call Dr. Brackett to discuss this more with you?

"I had thought you were going to be getting a transplant soon. Any word on that aspect of things?"

"Yeah, Tom, Please call the doc. I want to find out what the hell is going on, too. I was a washout with the new pigskin graft experiments but,...he did mention a cadaver skin transplant. But it has been over 2 days since anyone, including my wife, have mentioned it to me.

"Thanks. And Tom?"

"Yeah, Chet?"

"Thanks for letting me vent my feelings and frustrations out on you. You have always been here for me and I appreciate it. I remember how good you were to me last year, too. Thanks, thanks for everything."

Smiling at this very brave fireman, Tom nonchalantly waved and went to call Brackett.

As soon as Dr. Brackett heard the page he ran, thinking there was an emergency in Therapy. But when he got there, he saw all was ok.

"What's up, Mary? I got a page here and thought there was an emergency."
"No emergency, Kelly. Just your patient, Chet Kelly, wants to discuss a few things with you that he has some concerns about.

"He's over in area B with Tom doing therapy. Why not go see them?"

Walking over and greeting patients on the way, Dr. Brackett had no idea what to expect, but he was shocked and glad to see Chet lifting a three-pound weight without pain or problems.

"Hey, there, Chet. Looking pretty good there.

"Mary tells me you want to discuss a few things with me?"

"Yes, Dr. Brackett, could we discuss them either in your office or my room, where we will have a bit more privacy?

"Tom, you don't mind me cutting our session short today, do you?"
"No, Chet, Dr. Brackett, go ahead."

Walking out, they agreed to go to Chet's room where Chet could rest a bit and be relaxed.

"Ok, Chet, my friend, what is on your mind?"

"Well, Dr. Brackett, it is the burn on my belly and the liver damage and the possible transplant. What is going on with that? I know my other burns are doing better and so far with all the exercise I am forcing myself to keep doing, there have been no contractures although I am extremely stiff in my arms and legs in the mornings, which the nurses say is normal.

"But am I still going to get a transplant or not? And will I have liver damage for the rest of my life and need a new liver, too? I'm really scared of this, cause I know you only get one liver and if it goes, you are a goner."

Dr. Brackett looked at Chet and said, "Very honestly, Chet, yes, you do have liver damage, but it is healing slowly. You are still a candidate for the cadaver skin transplant; we are just waiting for a match to your skin and blood type.

"In fact, I got one lined up in San Francisco that may be just what we need, but am waiting to hear from my colleague. I've told Jeanette and she had asked me to wait until I was sure, so as not to get your hopes up. I think she wanted to spare you some extra worry.

"But now that you know, would you be willing to have a few more tests on your liver to see how it is doing? This would entail a minor exploratory surgery."

Chet didn't really hear that part, he was thinking how nice it would be to have the new skin and be well again.

Smiling at Dr. Brackett, he said, "Sure, Doc, anything you say."

"Chet?"

"Yeah?"

"Do me a favor and repeat what I just told you in your own words."

"Sure, you are gonna get me a skin transplant from some dead guy in San Francisco and then my liver will be better, too."

"NO, Chet, you only heard the first part. Listen to me, son. I want to do another exploratory surgery to see how your liver is fairing. Do you understand me?"

Chet finally realized what he had been told. "Can I talk to Jeanette and my family first? Please? ANOTHER surgery. MAN"

"Sure, Chet, just remember this is only a minor surgery, compared with the transplant."

"Ok, just find Jeanette and send her in. Thanks."

Dr. Brackett found Jeanette and Timmy playing in the pediatric play area and asked Jeanette to go see Chet by herself. He explained to her what he and Chet had discussed and she understood.

Entering her husband's room, she saw him staring out the window.

"Chet, love?"

"Oh, Jeanette. Did you see Brackett?"

"Well, what do you think, Jeanette? Do you think I should let him check my liver, before doing the belly transplant?"

"Yes, Chet, love, I do. I think this is the best.

"And I've every confidence that this will show your liver is doing a lot better."

Smiling at his lovely wife, he sighed. "Man, Jeanette, in less than 2 years you have been through Hell and back with me. I love you more than life itself and you are always my reason for fighting to get well. You, Timmy and little Sarah Anne." And he patted her growing belly and they smiled lovingly at one another.

As they were doing this, Dixie came in smiling, and said, "Well, guys, good news, the cadaver in Frisco is a PERFECT match, so Chet, are you going to have to surgery or not?"

"WOW, that was quick. Guess I'd better say yes, before anyone changes their minds."

And so within two days on Thursday, Chet had his exploratory laparotomy and everything seemed to be progressing well. The liver was definitely improved and blood and oxygen flow appeared as normal as possible under the circumstances.

Drs. Early and Brackett visited Chet and Jeanette that evening to tell them the good news.

Dr. Brackett also informed Chet that the skin graft was scheduled for the following Monday, if that was ok with Chet.

Chet almost jumped out of the bed in anticipation and excitement.

"OK? That will be fantastic. What stuff do I have to know about getting a transplant?"