Rescue or Recovery?
PT.19
Doc left the room to find Dr. Madison. His hope was to consult with him and figure what they could do to improve Kitty's situation.
As he walked down the hall towards the lobby, "Ah, Dr. Adams?"
"Why, yes." Doc replied. "And you are?"
Offering his hand, "I'm Dr. Madison. I figured you must be the doctor Marshal Dillon's told me about."
Scrubbing his chin, "Well now, don't you believe everything he's told you."
"Doctor, can I offer you some coffee? And we can discuss Miss Russell's case."
Nodding, "I'd like that." The two walked down the hall and into Madison's office.
Madison poured Doc and himself coffee, handing Doc a cup. "Doctor…"
"Please, call me Galen."
"Ok, Galen and you can call me Harry. I get the distinct impression you have a very close relationship with both Miss Russell and the Marshal."
"Well, Harry, you'd be right. Why, I regard those two as the son and daughter I've never had. I've known Matt and Kitty for over twenty years and seen them both through so much."
Harry Madison watched as Doc talked and could see in his expressions that he spoke from the heart.
"Harry, what is your prognosis? It's just us here."
"Well, Galen, that young lady…" now rubbing his face, "she's surprising me. Being in that river as long as she was and swallowing that water… And the Marshal told me about what she's been through before, the surgery you've had to do. She must be one strong woman. Something is making her fight and hold on."
"Well, I'll tell you one thing. She knows Matt's there."
"What?" Madison asked. "But, Galen, Miss Russell has been unconscious."
"That may very well be but I'll guarantee you she knows he's right there with her and she is drawing on his love and strength. Harry, I've see these two pull one another through situations…" Now he just smiled and shook his head, swallowing another mouthful of coffee.
"Galen, there is one thing I'd like to try. It's a method we've tried a few times here in St. Louis. Since she has fluid in her lungs still it might work. I was about to discuss it with the Marshal."
"Well, let's hear it."
"I'd like to try draining the fluid. Placing a tube in the lung and draining the fluid out. Now, usually we get consent from the patient, but since Miss Russell can't give it and the Marshal is not her husband…"
Doc stood up. "I'll give it. I'm her personal physician. I'll give it on her behalf. Kitty would want you to do whatever you have to do. Let's go talk to Matt." The two went to talk to Matt.
Matt was sitting once again enveloping Kitty in his arms. He was talking softly to her. Aw, Honey, you're gonna be alright. Doc's here now. He and Doc Madison will know what to do. Kit Honey, you have to hang on for me, for us." Hugging her tight, "I love you, Honey. I'm so sorry I didn't come with you and sorry we fought about this." He cupped her face in his large hand. "Kit, please. I need you. I need you to open your eyes. Open your eyes and tell me what a fool I am. Tell me how I haven't got a grain of sense. Anything! Kitty Russell, I can't lose you. You hear me?"
Just then he heard the door creak open. "Matt, sorry to interrupt. We need to talk to you."
Straightening up, "Sure, what is it?"
"Well, Matt, Dr. Madison and I want to discuss a procedure that may help Kitty's lungs."
"What kind of procedure?"
"Well, it's a procedure to drain the fluid out, Matt." Madison added.
"Drain it out how?" Matt now looked inquisitively.
"Well, Matt, you leave that up to us doctors but it should help and prevent pneumonia."
"Should? Doc?" He questioned. "Is this safe?"
"Now, Matt, it's a new procedure but if Kitty stays like she is… Son, listen to me."
Madison looked at Doc. "Galen?"
Nodding, "Go on set it up."
"But, Doc…" Matt started.
"Matt, we don't have time to waste. Trust me, Son." Grabbing Matt by both shoulders. "Matt, this procedure, Thoracentesis, is a procedure discovered by a Dr. Davies and Roe and also preformed by Dr. Bowditch of Boston with great success. Matt these doctors have been written up in the medical journal and I trust their work. Matt, when I went back to Baltimore, I saw it done there."
"But, Doc, this is Kitty."
"I know that. Do you think I'd do anything that would take unnecessary chances, if I didn't think this would help her?"
Running his hand through his hair, "Ugh! Oh, of course not, Doc."
"Son, now listen to me and I'll explain it to you, if it will help you understand."
"Alright, Doc, I'm listening."
Madison rushed out of the room. Matt moved back to the bed, cuddling Kitty back in his arms. "Doc, I…"
"I know, Matt. I know. I love her too."
TBC
