Chapter 11
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Viv was glad she was able to see this issue of US magazine; that Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt seemed really in love and she hoped they could make their marriage work. Annoyed by the outdated periodical, Viv tossed it back on the coffee table and sat back in her chair. She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to calm her worried nerves about what Dr. Marsh would have to say about her latest check-up.
She heard someone walk into the room and sit down next to her. She didn't even have to open her eyes to know it was Marcus. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and said, "Sorry, I'm late. I got stopped by two grad students on my way out."
Viv opened her eyes and gave him a sad smile as she reached out to grab his hand. "As long as you made it."
They sat there looking at each other with sad and worried expressions when the nurse behind the glass enclosed cubicle announced. "Mrs. Johnson, Dr. Marsh will see you now."
It took her body a few seconds to get the will to get up but she finally did. She and Marcus stood up and walked to the door for Dr. Marsh's private office.
Dr. Marsh was seated at his desk and stood up when he saw them enter. "Good to see you Marcus. How are you, Vivian?"
"You tell me," Vivian replied as she moved to a chair to sit down. Marcus followed her lead and sat down in the chair immediately next to her.
Dr. Marsh nodded solemnly as he sat down. Immediately Viv knew that the news was not going to be brief or good. "We are showing a resurgence of your Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The heart muscles are weakening again."
"So the procedure didn't work," Viv said without emotion.
"What we were hoping the procedure would do is not working, yes." Dr. Marsh looked at her with a remorseful expression and softly said, "I think it's time to put you down for a heart transplant."
Viv suddenly felt her throat go dry and no words would form. Thankfully, she had Marcus there with her. He reached out for her hand and squeezed it tightly as he asked, "A transplant? Are there any other options?"
Dr.Marsh shook his head. "Vivian's best option was the myectomy, which we've already performed."
"So in other words, we are out of options," Marcus asked. Viv heard his voice crack but she found that she couldn't bring herself to look at him.
"I'm afraid so." Dr. Marsh's responses were very clinical and detached. "The sooner we get her on the list the better."
"I understand the list is pretty long," Vivian asked when she finally found her voice. "What do we do in the meantime? How much time do I have to wait?"
"I'm not sure. We are going to have to run more tests to check the speed of the deterioration. The procedure did help to slow it down so that is one positive thing. For now, I suggest you continue on your meds and take it as easy as possible. Considering your line of work I think you will have to stick with office duty for awhile." Dr. Marsh pulled out some brochures and slid them over. "We'll make an appointment for you to meet with some transplant specialists and they will review how it all works with you."
She just nodded her head so Marcus answered for her. "Let's do it."
Viv found she couldn't speak as Marcus and Dr. Marsh discussed what sort of guidelines to follow until a heart becomes available. She was afraid she would start crying and never stop.
