AN: Happy holidays to all! Here's another installment for your festive enjoyment!
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Part 5
When Harm ducked his head around the doorway of Gina's room later that evening, she and Mac were stretched out on the bed watching tv.
"Hey Gi!" he greeted Mac's little sister, "How's our patient feeling tonight?"
He could still see that she was pale and listless, but it seemed that she had improved since her hellish day, the day before, at least going by Mac's description.
"Okay."
Yes, she was still groggy.
"We're just waiting for the doctor to come round," Mac told him, "He said earlier that he would discharge Gina when he made his evening rounds."
When the doctor arrived, he checked Gina's condition and duly signed her discharge papers. Mac helped her get into her street-clothes and then they wheeled her out in a wheelchair. Mac took her out to the front entrance, while Harm brought Mac's car round from the car park. Mac then waited for Harm to go and get his car and the two of them drove back to Mac's. By the time that they got there, though, Gina was fast asleep. Mac tried and was unsuccessful in waking her and Harm waved off any further attempts, just lifting the sleeping woman out of the car and into his arms.
"Just leave the supplies and stuff," he told Mac, who had completely forgotten about all of Penny's things in the back of Harm's car, ""I'll come back and bring them up."
They got Gina upstairs and Mac settled her into bed while Harm went back downstairs to move the supplies up to Mac's apartment. He had Penny and Martha with him, when he came back in, Mac having called the nanny from the car on their way home. Once Mac got Penny settled too, Harm said goodnight. He still had a stack of case-files waiting for him at home and knew that he couldn't put them off any longer, if he didn't want to be working until early in the morning. After a quick hug from Mac, he escorted Martha to her car, before getting into his own and setting off for home.
"It's too bad that Mac's not with me," he mused, with a smile, "She looks remarkably good amongst my sheets!"
Mac was having similar thoughts as she turned off the lights and climbed into bed. As much as she loved her sister, it felt better cuddling up to Harm!
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"So far, we've found no matches on any of the national registries. We've already begun searching the worldwide registries and we're hopeful that we'll find what we need to. The search is just going to take time. While this is going on, we're going to continue with the chemotherapy, at the same intensity."
"But I thought you said that the leukemia didn't seem to be going into remission, at the current intensity," Gina asked.
"It isn't," the doctor nodded, "but we did notice a slight improvement after the last two sessions. It isn't remission, but it is improvement. Sometimes leukemia just takes a while to respond in the desired fashion. And I'd be hesitant to increase the intensity of the treatment, seeing how your body struggled with the increase last time. A few more rounds and we'll see where we are, this time next month."
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Gina was scheduled to begin another round of chemotherapy on Monday, so Mac decided she had better try to find their mother before she would be needed to care for Gina at the hospital. When she told Harm about her plans, he offered his support.
"If you need any help, even if it is just somebody to talk to or bounce ideas off of, then you know that you only need ask, Mac."
He knew that Mac might want to deal with such family-issues like this on her own, but (for the moment, at least) she was not telling Gina about the trip to their Mother's last known address, so she might actually be appreciative of somebody coming with her.
"Actually," Mac noted, looking thoughtful, "If I do manage to find my mother there, I'm not sure how I'll react to her ignoring my letters and never mentioning Gina, the last time we met. At this point, we shouldn't get into any of that, because Deanne will probably run again if confronted like that. The important thing is to get her to a hospital and get her tested for bone marrow compatibility with Gina. I'd really appreciate it if you'd come along, to step in as the voice of reason, in case I'm not able to be impartial. Gina's future could depend on this meeting; it has to go well."
So it was that Harm and Mac found themselves on a plane, the next Saturday morning. Mac had done some research on the destination and had reserved a rental car ahead of time, so they only needed to buy a map and pick up their hire car before they set off into the city to look for Deanne. After locating her address, they climbed out and went into the large, upmarket block of apartments.
"It seems that my mother has learned to put down roots," Mac commented to Harm, because she could not see how her mother would choose to live here for a short amount of time, before moving on again. They saw lists up in the lobby announcing candidates for the homeowner's governing board. There was even a large communal space on each floor, complete with potted plants for tenants to socialize in and a rota for cleaning the area was posted on the far wall. When they got to Deanne's apartment, their knocks went unanswered. There seemed to be letters pushed underneath her door, although Mac couldn't see hers there.
"I get the impression she isn't here anymore," Mac told Harm.
"We could always look up the company she works for, here," Harm suggested, "Do you remember the name? We could look it up in the yellow pages."
"Yeah," Mac nodded, "I'd say that is probably our best op…"
Mac broke off as the elevator doors opened behind them and she heard somebody step out. It turned out that the woman wasn't her mother, nor was she going into her mother's old apartment, but she was going into the one next door.
"Excuse me," Mac approached the woman, "I was wondering if you know anything about your neighbour."
"Nobody's living there now, so I'm assuming you mean the woman who lived there last. Are you a relative of Deanne's?"
Mac wasn't sure just how much to divulge, so went with vague, but truthful.
"I'm her daughter, Sarah MacKenzie."
She shook the woman's hand, noticing as she tried to disguise her surprise. Her mother had obviously not told her about having children.
"My last letter to my mother went without reply, so I became concerned. How long ago did she move out?"
"It was a good six weeks ago, now," the woman commented, "It actually came as quite a surprise, she wasn't able to give the super any notice, but she did say that it was an urgent matter…"
"That's around the time that she would have received my letter," Mac commented to Harm, then said to the woman, non-chalantly, "Oh well, I guess we must have just missed one-another…"
Harm could see from the expression on her face that she didn't really believe this, though.
"Maybe there's another family member that she's staying with, or who knows where she is?" the woman suggested.
"There are very few of us about and I don't know any of her friends," Mac shook her head, "But I suppose whenever she gets to where-ever she is going, she'll let me know. I don't plan on changing my address…Thanks for your help, anyway."
"If you'd like any of that mail," the woman pointed to the envelopes jammed in the space under the door, "just ask the super; he'll let you in. Maybe you'll find something to let you know where she's gone."
"Thanks," Harm and Man bid her, before Mac steered them into the elevator.
"I'm assuming that you think your Mom got your letters?" Harm turned to ask Mac, gently.
"Without a doubt!" Mac snorted, "She had to have received the first one and she sure managed to clear out real quick! I wonder if she even read the part in my letter that said that Gina needed her help. She probably only read up to the part where I said that my long-lost little sister had found me. She never was very good at accepting responsibility for her actions."
"I'm sorry, Mac," Harm consoled, "Do you still want to go and find out where Deanne works?"
"Not particularly," Mac shook her head, "Mostly I just want to shout at her; 'Yeah, well I don't want you either.' But this isn't about me. I'm doing this because Gina needs it. I guess we should keep looking…"
But it wasn't to be, because her workplace, rather former workplace, had no idea where she might be. They had been as surprised as her neighbors when Deane had turned in her resignation, citing 'family problems.' The flight back found Mac feeling like she had been kicked in the stomach.
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"So how did your investigation go?" Gina asked Mac, as they got her checked into her hospital room.
"Uh, yeah…" Mac hesitated, knowing she couldn't keep it a secret anymore, "About that…I actually wasn't on an investigation for work…I went to try and find Mom…"
"So it was an investigation, of sorts…" Gina joked, asking, "So, did you find her?"
Mac shook her head, "No, she seems to have moved and she didn't leave a forwarding address. But I'll keep searching…"
"Okay," Gina shrugged, but Mac could tell that the attitude was faked.
They were interrupted as the nurse came in to take Gina's blood-pressure and heart-rate. Then, of course, would come the blood-tests so that her cell-counts could be compared to something, after this round of her treatment was finished. The conversation got dropped as both sisters prepared for what they knew lay ahead.
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"Good evening, Colonel," Martha greeted Mac, in the kitchen, "How did Gina get on? Is she settled for the night?"
"She fell asleep about 40 minutes before I left," Mac nodded, "The sickness left her just about as exhausted as ever, but I think she was better able to deal with it, this time."
"Penny has been bathed and is ready for bed, but I think she's deliberately keeping herself awake, so she can see you."
Mac hurried into the bedroom and went to Penny's crib, which was pushed up next to Gina's bed. They would be staying here tonight, because although Mac's place was nearer to the hospital, Gina wanted her daughter to have stability and be raised in her own home, as much as possible.
"Hi there, Penny!" Mac exclaimed, when Penny looked up at her approach.
Harriet had suggested to try introducing some simple signs to her, for everyday things and Gina had given her agreement, so Mac had got some books and a video on ASL from the library. Now, as she talked to Penny, Mac included some simple signs for objects, shapes, colors and people, so Penny got used to seeing them. Of course, Penny's fine motor skills were nowhere near developed enough for her to sign, but Mac reasoned that children with hearing were exposed to words before they could speak themselves, so this was just the same thing.
"Knock, knock," a visitor announced himself as Mac lay playing with Penny on the bed, "Is this a private party, or can anyone play?"
"Penny, look!" Mac indicated, signing and with a nod of her head, "It's Uncle Harm!"
Penny didn't yet understand the signs or connect the last ones with her new 'uncle,' but was thrilled when she discovered that it was Harm standing in the doorway. After showering the little girl with attention, Harm turned at least part of his attention to Mac.
"How's Gina doing, tonight?"
"She's sleeping comfortably," Mac told him, "The treatment and the sickness took a lot out of her, but she was a lot more upbeat than last time."
"You're home a lot earlier than you were, last time," Harm nodded.
"Has Martha left?" Mac asked, assuming she had been the one who let Harm in.
"Yeah," Harm nodded, again, "She said she'll be here by 0730, tomorrow morning. So, are you looking forward to returning to work?"
Mac hadn't officially been granted full leave from work, as headquarters was very busy, this time of year, but she and the General had agreed that as long as she needed to care for her sister, she would be able to stay away from work. However, if the office really needed her, he'd let her know and she'd be there, at least for the morning. This time away would not affect or delay her prospects of advancement in her career, in any way. Tomorrow, Mac would make sure that Gina was okay in the hospital, go into work by about 1100hrs, then pick her sister up and take her home around 1800. This flexible agreement meant that Mac could still work and take care of her family at the same time and Cresswell wouldn't be short of one senior attorney with all of the cases that were flooding in.
That evening, Mac taught Harm some of the signs she had been using with Penny and then once the baby was asleep for the night in her crib, Mac helped Harm with case files he'd intended to work on at home. Having spent so much time away, Mac was able to practice the skills she'd feared might have become a tad rusty. Not since high-school had she spent so much time doing something other than practicing law. Even in college, she had gained experience during out-of-class and vacation-time by volunteering as a clerk at a private law firm.
"I really think it will be good to get back to work," Mac nodded, "As much as I love Penny and Gina, I do miss JAG and being in the courtroom."
"The General joked today about no longer being swamped with Navy squids," Harm smiled, "I really think he's looking forward to you coming back!"
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Gina's doctor looked serious as he outlined the results of Gina's latest blood tests. This time, the initial progress hinted at by her last two results seemed to have halted.
"At this time, I would normally suggest to a patient in this condition, either an increase in strength of the chemotherapy, or a bone-marrow transplant. But Gina, knowing how you're body reacts to the treatment at higher intensity, I really don't think it will do any good. If anything, it will only weaken you, further. I think our best option is to continue with the chemotherapy at the present intensity, until we find a suitable match for a transplant."
Gina and Mac were both shocked at how soon this had come about. They had been told only a few months ago that a transplant would be a last option, if remission couldn't be induced. Now that they were here, it seemed very daunting.
"So remission without having the transplant at this stage isn't going to happen, even with all of the other therapies?" Gina asked.
"I'd say that the likelihood of that happening is very small," the doctor confirmed, "Somewhere below the 5 percent mark.
Mac cringed at his words, but mostly at the awful statistic that she had heard a lot of, lately; one that seemed to have also robbed her of her chance to have children of her own.
"Don't misunderstand me," the doctor hastened to add, "With the transplant, Gina's chances are good; above 80. But our problem seems to be with finding a donor. Even though you are full sisters and share many traits, many of your genetics are just not a match, including your blood-type. One of you must have inherited your blood type from your mother, the other from your father. It's just unfortunate, I'm afraid."
"Well, we aren't in contact with our mother and we can't find her," Gina commented, "and our father is deceased…"
"What about our maternal uncle?" Mac suddenly asked.
The doctor considered it for a second.
"Well, normally the further away the relative, the smaller the chances of a match, but in this case I'd say to run the test. Small chances are still not hopeless…"
"Our Uncle Matt is currently an inmate at Fort Leavenworth Penn.," Mac broached, "and he's over the age of 60…Those factors aren't going to be a problem, are they?"
"They might not be, especially not the fact that your uncle is doing time," the doctor shook his head, "I know one of the chief medical practitioners at Fort Leavenworth. I'll get in touch with him this afternoon to run some tests…and as to his age; age may not be a disqualifying factor. If he's a match and he's in good shape and general health, then he should still be able to donate. I assume he was a military man?"
"For most of his life," Mac nodded, "and he's always taken good care of his health."
"Then I'll ask that those blood and tissue samples be taken after running some simple tests to gage fitness and health and for all the results to be sent to our labs for analysis," the doctor smiled.
Gina and Mac were more relieved, at this viable way forward.
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"So as soon as they find a donor, the transplant will go ahead, ASAP," Mac was explaining to Harm, Bud and Sturgis, as they all ate lunch in the canteen.
"Maybe you should suggest holding a bone-marrow drive at JAG, Ma'am," Bud suggested, "I know that Admiral Chegwidden was keen to hold a blood-drive, soon after my recovery and the hospital told me that they were helped immensely by the donations."
This was indeed a very good idea; everyone knew just how vital donated blood had been in keeping Bud alive, following his accident.
I'll definitely suggest it to him, Bud," Mac nodded, "Thanks!"
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Three months later, having had a very successful drive at JAG HQ (after which three staff members had been contacted to donate bone-marrow); after testing Matt O'Hara (who had indeed the health of somebody nearly half his age); after more searching for Deanne across many different states; after completing a search of worldwide bone-marrow registries, Gina's doctor announced that still no match had been found for her.
"But new donors are joining registries every day," he added, "A donor may come along as soon as tomorrow."
Gina and Mac knew just how serious this situation was, though. The fact that no match had yet been found meant that Gina had not only a rare blood-type, but also a very rare tissue-type. The chances of somebody in the world being a match were small, but they also knew that the chances of that rare person joining the registry within the next few months were almost miniscule.
"Let's just continue with the chemo and the complimentary therapies, then we'll see where we stand," the doctor tried to encourage them.
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"Is she okay?" Harm asked from the doorway, waiting to be invited into Gina's hospital room.
"She's asleep," Mac beckoned him inside, tiredly, "but she has not had an easy day."
"I thought Gina might appreciate a visit," Harm brought Penny into view, from where he'd been holding her out of view, mainly as a precaution, in case her mother was still very ill.
"I'm sure she'll be very glad to see you guys," Mac nodded, gently nudging Gina.
"Hmmmm?" Gina mumbled, sleepily.
"You've got some visitors, Gi," Mac's words quickly registered and Gina searched right down deep for some remaining strength when she caught sight of her daughter.
"Hey there, baby!" She smiled, supporting Penny against her, where Harm placed the child, "Have you been a good girl for Uncle Harm and Auntie Martha?"
She didn't have the strength to hold up her daughter, just now, so this would have to do. Luckily, Penny was glad enough to see her Mommy to miss the subtle signs showing just how ill she was.
They were soon joined by a nurse who was responsible for monitoring Gina's condition, who was new to the oncology unit at this hospital.
"I'm Jessie Fernandez," the woman introduced herself to Harm and Mac, "You must be the sister and friend Gina's been telling me about. And this little angel must be Penny!"
"Yes," Mac nodded, shaking the woman's hand, "It's nice to meet you, Jessie. How long have you been working in oncology?"
"Nearly eleven years, in total," Jessie told them, "but only the last few days at this hospital. Most of my career, I've been at UCLA in Los Angeles, but my husband was moved here last spring and since then, I was attempting to get a job in DC, so we weren't on two separate coasts. Our daughters are in New York at college and our son still lives at home, so this move has been ideal to bring us all closer together."
"I used to live in LA, myself," Gina smiled, having just enough energy to make small-talk with her new nurse, "and Penny was actually born at UCLA! Talk about coincidences…"
"That's amazing!" Jessie agreed, adding, "Did you begin your treatment there, Gina?"
"I was diagnosed there," Gina told her, "but then my doctor told me about the stellar reputation of the Lombardi Center and we agreed that it was too good a chance to pass up, seeing as my sister lived here, too."
Jessie agreed that this was indeed one of the best facilities in the country, but soon excused herself to go check in with doctor Rennick.
"I'd better go see Doctor Rennick, he's asked me to keep him apprised of your condition…Would it be okay for me to borrow this little cutie?" Jessie asked, stroking Penny's fine blond hair, affectionately, "I'm sure that Doctor Rennick and the rest of the nursing staff would love to see her."
Gina nodded in approval, not thinking much of it. The only time her doctor had seen the baby had been her first consultation with him, months ago. She had gained the impression that, despite his mostly serious manner, he was actually very fond of children, having six of his own whose pictures were all proudly displayed on his office walls.
As she left the group to chat amongst themselves, she proceeded past the other nurses at the front desk and into the elevator. Once she reached the sixth floor, she crossed to the north wing, where the offices were situated. It took her a few tries to find the right hallway, being only her sixth day and only her second time in this area, but she rapped crisply on the door once she did. After receiving authorization, she entered asking, "Excuse me, Doctor, but you asked me to keep you informed about Ms. MacKenzie's condition…"
"Yes, how is she?" Stephen Rennick asked, eagerly.
"I'm becoming more concerned," Jessie shook her head, "Her blood pressure is dropping and her heart-rate is a little erratic. Her blood tests would suggest that her condition is worsening, but not rapidly so…However, she did mention something that made me think…"
"What is that?" Rennick asked, taking baby Penny from the nurse and seating her on his knee.
"She told me that Penny was born at UCLA," Jessie proceeded, "I used to work there myself, so I know about some of the experimental work that was going on there…I also know that no match has been found for a bone-marrow donor for Gina. Dr. Rennick, for the past few years, work has been going on at UCLA into the properties of cord-blood."
"Umbilical cord blood?" Rennick paused playing with Penny to look at Jessie, "I'm aware that cord-blood has been used in many leukemia patients as a substitute for bone-marrow…"
"And pregnant patients there are routinely asked to donate, both to use for scientific testing and in order to help other patients at the hospital," Jessie added, "I think it could prove useful to contact UCLA and see if they can help find a match for Gina, since we haven't found a match elsewhere."
"Yes, that would be a potentially helpful avenue of inquiry," Rennick nodded, "Give me a few days to check into that then I will let Ms. Mackenzie know. I wouldn't want to get her hopes up, in case they weren't able to help us."
"I understand, Doctor."
Jessie took Penny back and went back to the oncology unit, while Doctor Rennick turned to his computer. Using his medical clearance, he was able to access the UCLA cord-blood bank, but was unable to find any donor by the name of Gina MacKenzie.
With a sigh, Rennick massaged his temples in agitation. Just once, he wanted something to go right for his unfortunate patient. Were anything to happen to either him or his wife, God forbid, something to put them in the same condition, he'd worry immensely about his children. Five of them had already left home; two of which were still in college and his youngest was a senior in high-school, but he'd still worry about how they'd all cope. And this poor young woman would likely not see her child grow up, if a donor did not come through for her within the next few months. Her leukemia was aggressive and the chemo no longer appeared to be keeping the disease under control.
For a minute there, a real spark of hope had ignited inside him…Still, he had other cord-blood banks to check with, worldwide. Maybe one of them might have what his patient so desperately needed. After doing a search for similar facilities, he compiled a list and began the long process of contacting their administrators.
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