Chapter twenty-one
The explanation
"Well, Chet, the procedure is two fold. First we prep you and then remove the old skin and carefully replace it with the new skin. We then will give you a medication to help prevent transplant rejection.
"This is much less common is skin grafts like yours, but it does happen. The medication is called Gengraf and is given at first by intravenous and then if you do well, by mouth. BUT you will have to take this for the rest of your life.
"One of the major downfalls of any transplant is the body's immune system being less strong. This means you are more prone to infections than the average person. Which means, in your line of work, YOU have to be more careful of smoke inhalation, etc."
"O...Ok, I think I understand. What else do I have to worry about?" "Ok, here goes. One of the first signs of tissue rejection is any temperature above 1000, so we will be keeping extremely close tabs on that. Plus if you feel chills, cough or sneeze even once, get dizzy, nauseous or develop a rash or an itch, please you must notify the nurse right away and she will call me.
"I know it sounds like a lot of little things and it is, but with a graft, these are extremely important. ok?"
Chet just looked at Dr. Brackett and couldn't believe the upheaval his life suddenly took. Now he'd had to live in a damn bubble!
Suddenly Chet laughed, and said, "This is a joke, right? I could never be an active fireman with all those damn restrictions on my life. I'd have to live in a bubble!"
Chet looked from Jeanette to Dr. Brackett and back again, hoping they were just teasing him, but knowing in his heart that they were deadly serious. He knew his career was over and this time, it was his own entire stupid fault.
Dr. Brackett shook his head, "No, Chet, no joke. But this is not as bad as it sounds. Yes, from now on, you will have to be more careful, but once the graft takes, you should be able to have a normal life. The graft usually becomes permanent within 6-8 weeks, and until then is when you have to be super careful.
"But if you agree, we could keep you here for that length of time to be able to watch you carefully. What do you say, or do you guys want some time to think about this?"
Overwhelmed by all he'd just heard, Chet said, "Yeah, Doc, give us a few days, at least. God, it is a lot to think about. Especially with Jeanette here to worry about."
As Dr. Brackett left, Jeanette said, "What do you mean? Me to worry about? I'm fine, just pregnant and with that one does tend to get tired!! I'm more worried about you, my love."
"I know, Jeanette, but I have a right to worry about you and Sarah Anne, too, ya know." And he gave her his famous Chet smile.