Disclaimer: Please note the medical procedures or information in this story is purely a work of fiction. Any similarities to real life events are a coincidence. Please do not take or use any information given in this story and apply it to real life situations. I am not a doctor and I don't know any information about the medical field.
Chpt 84 – Prognosis Negative
Brandon's door opens. We see Kelly coming in.
"Brandon?" asked Kelly.
We see Brandon slowly walking out of his bedroom with his crutches.
"Good morning," replied Brandon.
"I'm sorry I'm late. Are you ready to go?" asked Kelly.
"Just about. I just want to grab a quick bite to eat," replied Brandon.
"Oh ok. We gotta make it quick. I wish you would've asked me to get you something," replied Kelly.
"Why? I have food here," said Brandon.
"You don't want to be late for your appointment though," said Kelly quickly going to the kitchen to find Brandon some food.
"I don't know why he just couldn't just tell over the phone," said Brandon.
"He probably wants to discuss with you in person. Maybe he needs to run some more tests," said Kelly.
Kelly opens the fridge and finds a sandwich. She takes it out and shows it to Brandon.
"That'll work," said Brandon.
Kelly quickly puts it in the microwave to heat up the sandwich.
"I don't know why. Why can't he just tell me I'm fine over the phone? It'll save me 2 hours," asked Brandon.
"Brandon, I'm not a doctor. But I know it's best to be punctual with doctor's appointments. They get mad if we show up late," said Kelly.
"Do they know we get mad when they make us wait a while in the waiting room? Even though we arrive on time?" asked Brandon.
"I'm sure they are aware of that," replied Kelly.
The microwave makes a "ding" sound. Kelly opens the microwave door and puts the heated sandwich on a plate. She gives it to Brandon.
"Thanks," said Brandon taking the sandwich.
Brandon sits down at the kitchen table.
"They are aware but they just don't care, right?" asked Brandon.
"I don't know. Are you ok?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, why?" asked Brandon.
"No….nothing," replied Kelly who changes her mind about bringing up Brandon's attitude.
"No, what is it?" asked Brandon eating the sandwich.
"You just seemed a little bit grumpy this morning; that's all," replied Kelly.
"I just don't like going there; that's all," said Brandon.
Kelly goes to Brandon and sits next to Brandon. She places her hand on top of Brandon's hand.
"Brandon, it's going to be fine," said Kelly.
"Thanks," said Brandon smiles.
"Thanks for taking me," said Brandon.
"You're welcome," said Kelly.
They share a moment.
"Ok. Let's go," said Brandon.
"Ok," said Kelly.
Kelly helps Brandon get up from his chair.
Brandon and Kelly are in the doctor's office. Brandon is in his gown.
The doctor opens the door and walks in.
"Hi Brandon. Hi Kelly," said the doctor.
"Hi Doctor Prichard," said Brandon and Kelly.
"How are we doing today?" asked Dr. Prichard.
"Good," said Brandon and Kelly.
"Good….sorry to keep you two waiting. I just needed to grab the MRI results. I also wanted to show you the chart," said Dr. Prichard.
"No problem," said Kelly.
"Well, I have good news and sort of bad news," said Dr. Prichard.
"Here we go," said Brandon muttered under his breath.
"Brandon, it's not like that," said Dr. Prichard who heard Brandon.
"Give it to me straight, Doc. I can take it," said Brandon.
"Ok. The good news is that your bones are healing. The bad news is that it's not healing at the rate that
I'm hoping," said Dr. Prichard.
"Is there something wrong or abnormal?" asked Kelly.
"No, it's just taking a longer time," replied Dr. Prichard.
"What can I do to speed things up?" asked Brandon.
"I'm glad you asked that. I'm suggesting enroll in a physical therapy program," replied Dr. Prichard.
"What am I going to do there?" asked Brandon.
"They have staff who will work with you to exercise your legs and keep them in shape. In order for your muscles to heal, it needs movement. Without movement, your bones will just remain stiff, and that's what's keeping you from getting better," replied Dr. Prichard.
"How's that going to help? I can't even stand up," asked Brandon who looks frantic and frustrated.
"Brandon, they can still help you without you having to stand. They'll work with you on your own pace. You can take your time in getting better," said Dr. Prichard.
"Take my time?! Seriously? That's all you have to say? I have put my life on hold because of this. I can't do anything. I've been stuck like this for almost a month. Why didn't you have me go get physical therapy a month ago? How come you made me waited until now to tell me?" asked Brandon who is raising his voice.
"Brandon, calm down; it's going to be ok," said Kelly putting her hand on Brandon's hand.
"Kel, it's not going to be ok. Did you hear him?" asked Brandon losing it a little.
"Brandon, I'm sorry. I understand how you feel right now. We had to wait to see if your bones will heal on their own. We don't to rush into physical therapy if it will make your bones worse. We also needed to run some tests to see what we're dealing with. I know you're frustrated. I'm going to write you a note for physical therapy and give you a list of nearby locations you can go to," said Dr. Prichard.
"Thank you, Doctor," said Kelly.
"Would surgery make things go faster?" asked Brandon.
"Not in this circumstance. Surgery would be necessary if your bone needed to be reattached. But in your case, your bones are attached. The good news is that you still have feeling in your legs. I think physical therapy could be a big help. I recommend starting with a few weeks and to see how it's going," said Dr. Prichard.
Brandon doesn't say anything. He looks down.
"Thank you, doctor. I'm sorry," said Kelly to the Dr. Prichard.
"It's ok….I'll go and get you the physical therapy information now," said Dr. Prichard.
"Ok," said Kelly.
Dr. Prichard leaves the office.
Kelly watches as Brandon looks down and depressed.
"I'll be right back," said Kelly gets up from her chair and goes out the door.
She sees Dr. Prichard and goes to him.
"Dr. Prichard?" asked Kelly.
"Yes?" asked Dr. Prichard turning around.
"Oh hey," said Dr. Prichard who sees it's Kelly.
"Hey, I just wanted to apologize about Brandon. He didn't mean to overreact like that. We both think you're a really good doctor. Thanks for everything," said Kelly.
"No worries. Actually, it's very understandable. I just wish things were different," said Dr. Prichard.
"If you don't mind me asking…what are the chances that he'll be back to normal?" asked Kelly.
Dr. Prichard looks at Kelly but stays silent.
"I don't know. I wish I knew. His recovery is stagnant. I compared the charts from a month ago and there hasn't been much of a difference. It's like his bones started to align but then stop all of a sudden," said Dr. Prichard.
"What are you saying? Is this permanent?" asked Kelly.
"I hope not. But Brandon need to take everything that he can. He needs to explore all his options," replied Dr. Prichard.
"That's what I wanted to get through to him," said Dr. Prichard.
"When this first happened, we were so worried that it might delay his sister's wedding. But after this, this changes everything," said Kelly.
"Is he already thinking that this might be permanent?" asked Dr. Prichard.
"Not yet…but unless his condition improves, it's inevitable he's going to think that way," replied Kelly.
"I hope he doesn't give up," said Dr. Prichard.
"Me too," said Kelly.
Brandon and Kelly are in the car. Kelly is driving.
"Do you want to go get some coffee or dessert?" asked Kelly.
"No," replied Brandon in a depressed manner.
"You sure?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah. Why bother? Let's just go home," replied Brandon.
"I don't know. It's such a beautiful day," said Kelly.
Brandon gives Kelly a mean look.
"I meant, weather-wise; sorry," said Kelly.
"I'm not in the mood to do anything. Can we please just go home?" asked Brandon.
"Ok," said Kelly obliging Brandon's request with a weak smile.
Kelly helps Brandon into the building. Ms. Fields sees them and quickly opens the door open for them.
"Oh, hi Ms. Fields. Thank you," said Kelly.
"Hello. How's the legs coming along?" asked Ms. Fields.
"Don't ask," replied Kelly.
"Oh, sorry," said Ms. Fields.
"It's ok Ms. Fields. You might as well know…I just got some bad news from my doctor," said Brandon in a rude manner.
"Oh, it's ok. It's none of my business; I was just trying to make chitchat," said Ms. Fields feeling a little uncomfortable.
"Well, it sounds like I'm going to be stuck like this," said Brandon.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Brandon," said Ms. Fields.
"Don't be. I must've done something in a past life for me to deserve this fate. It's like I'm constantly getting a string of bad news lately," said Brandon.
"He's overexaggerating. It's not that bad," said Kelly.
"It's ok. Like I said, it's none of my business. Brandon, again, I'm sorry for the news. If you change your mind about switching apartments, please feel free to let me know by Wednesday," said Ms. Fields trying to excuse herself from the conversation.
Kelly has a surprised look on her face.
"Switching apartments?" asked Kelly.
"Yeah, the apartment next to mine is available," replied Ms. Fields.
Kelly still has a surprised look on her face.
"Try to talk him into it," whispered Ms. Fields to Kelly.
"Thanks Ms. Fields. But I got bigger problems to deal with than switching apartments," said Brandon rudely.
"Thank you; I'm sorry about him," whispered Kelly to Ms. Fields.
"It's ok. You two take care," said Ms. Fields heading out the door.
"You too," said Kelly.
"C'mon; let's go," said Brandon to Kelly.
Kelly turns and looks at Brandon.
"How come you didn't tell me?" asked Kelly.
Brandon is silent as he looks at Kelly.
[TIME LAPSE]
The door opens and Brandon slowly walks in.
"Brandon, we have to talk about this," said Kelly.
"Not really. This is my apartment, not yours. I can stay here if I want to," said Brandon.
"Ok, it just seems like the logical thing is to make things easier on yourself instead of making things more difficult," said Kelly.
"Don't get me started on that?" asked Brandon.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Kelly insulted.
"You think you know what's best for me?" asked Brandon.
"I wasn't trying to say that. But I do know it makes more sense to be in a situation that I don't have to deal with any stairs if I'm in your situation," replied Kelly.
"My situation? What? That's what you're calling it? Why don't you say what you really want to say?" asked Brandon.
"Brandon, stop it," said Kelly.
"C'mon. You can say it. I can take it. I'm a grown man. I can take the pain," said Brandon.
Kelly gives Brandon a mean look.
"I'm dis…," said Brandon trying to antagonize Kelly.
Kelly looks away from Brandon.
"I just want to hear you say it. C'mon Kel. It would mean so much to me if I hear you say it," said Brandon.
"abled," said Kelly quietly.
"What was that? I didn't hear it. Can you speak louder?" asked Brandon.
"Disabled," replied Kelly.
"What?" asked Brandon.
"Disabled," replied Kelly loudly.
"You see? That wasn't so hard," replied Brandon.
"I think you're being unreasonable. If you move downstairs, you'll be able to go outside more often," said Kelly.
"Not worth it," said Brandon.
"Why not?" asked Kelly.
"There's nothing out there for me. I've been here for a while now and it's been fine so far…so why ruined it?" asked Brandon.
"Ok, Brandon. Let's cut the crap, ok? What are you doing?" asked Kelly.
"I don't know what you're talking about?" asked Brandon.
"Why are you acting this way?" asked Kelly.
"Why? How am I acting? Am I supposed to react a different way after getting some bad news?" asked Brandon.
Kelly sighs.
"Look Brandon, I know the news wasn't great. But it's not over. You got to look at the bright side and continue fighting," said Kelly.
"What's the point? Everything that I've fought for has led me here," said Brandon.
"I fought for my career and I lost my family. I fought for you and I lost the feeling in my legs. What's next?" asked Brandon.
Kelly is silent.
"Was that what you wanted to hear?" asked Brandon.
"You blame me for what happened?" asked Kelly.
Brandon looks at Kelly who looks at him with a sad look.
"I didn't say that. But I think I'm entitled to feel the way I want to feel. I'm sorry that my anger is getting in the way of making decisions that you're not happy with. And I don't need your approval," replied Brandon.
"Is this really about the apartment? Or are you angry about everything because of the results?" asked Kelly.
Brandon looks at Kelly with a shocked look.
"Of course, it's about the results. It's all about the results. Were you with me in there? Did you hear the same thing that I heard? You think I would act this way if I got good results?" asked Brandon.
"I'm sorry. I just think maybe the physical therapy will help you," replied Kelly.
"I'm not doing it. It's a waste of time. My legs can barely move," said Brandon.
"I can take you," said Kelly.
"You know what I mean," said Brandon.
"They have programs and treatments there that can help you; you know, get your circulation back; get your blood flowing through your legs again," said Kelly.
"Good to know you were paying attention," said Brandon being sarcastic.
"Ok, let's forget about the physical therapy. How about just you and me; I'll help you stretch your legs," said Kelly.
"Forget it. I don't need your pity," said Brandon.
"I don't pity you, Brandon. I still care about you a lot," said Kelly.
Brandon stays silent.
"I'm not into it," said Brandon.
Kelly stays silent for a moment.
"You know; the sooner you get better, the sooner we can, you know," said Kelly.
"Please, don't tease me," said Brandon.
"Brandon, I'm still your wife. I still care and love you," said Kelly.
Brandon looks away.
"So, when are you gonna stop being a jerk to everyone around you?" asked Kelly.
Brandon stays silent.
"Maybe when you and everyone else know how I'm feeling right now. I'm not sure if you realized how hurt and torn I am right now…inside and out. Just when I can't think my life can get any worse, I get a wakeup call and realize that it can. Everything is just so messed up right now. Everyone around me is progressing in their life; while I'm stuck…and for how long? Seems like forever," said Brandon starting to tear up.
Kelly starts to tear up too.
"Look, I'm sorry, alright? I know I can't go back and change things. But you can't just blame me for everything that has gone wrong with your life," said Kelly.
"Do you really believe that?" asked Brandon.
"What?" asked Kelly insulted.
"For months, you didn't want anything to do with me. You said you don't blame yourself…but yet you're here taking care of me. You risk your career to take care of a guy who you didn't want anything to do with. Why did you do that?" asked Brandon.
"That's not fair! I'm here to help you. And if you think you know me so well, then you should know something…I here because I feel sorry for you, alright? And the more you act like a baby, the more I feel sorry for you," replied Kelly with tears in her eyes.
"That's good to know. Because I just want it to hear it from you. But I think you left out one big detail," said Brandon.
"What's that?" asked Kelly.
"I think you feel guilty for what happened….and you think you can get a clean conscience if you take care of me," replied Brandon.
Kelly cries more.
"I don't have to take this. You know what, Brandon. You're right. You can stay here. You can rot here for all eternity for all I care. You can stay here until you drop dead," said Kelly who quickly turns around, opens the door, walks out, and slams the door behind her.
Brandon looks hurt. He closes his eyes.
Kelly heads for the stairs but stops when she looks at Rosie's apartment. She slowly walks to the apartment. She puts her hand on the knob and turns the knob. To her surprise, the door opened.
She slowly walks inside the empty apartment. Still with tears in her eyes, she looks around in silence.
We see Brandon lying sideways in his bed. He is asleep. His phone rings, which wakes him up. He has a startled look on his face. He answers the phone. We see that it's Cindy calling.
"Hello?" asked Brandon.
"How's my baby boy doing?" asked Cindy.
"Hi mom. What a surprise. I'm doing ok," replied Brandon.
"That's a relief to hear," replied Cindy.
"Why?" asked Brandon confused.
"Kelly called. She told me what happened," replied Cindy.
"Great. I wonder who else she's told," said Brandon being frustrated.
"It's not like that, Brandon. She's just concerned about you," said Cindy.
"I don't know why should she. We're separated. Soon, I won't hear from her at all," said Brandon.
"Well, based on the attitude you've shown her, you're just making sure that happens, aren't you?" asked Cindy.
"Look mom; she's the one who broke up with me. She said that I bring out the worst in her. Then after the incident, she suddenly feels guilty and wants to take care of me. She's just doing this to make her feel better. She doesn't really care about me" replied Brandon.
"No Brandon, you look. You're just lucky Kelly has the patience to be around you and your snotty attitude every day. Because if I was there, I wouldn't let you treat me the same way you're treating her," said Cindy.
"What? You're really siding with her on this?" asked Brandon.
"I'm not trying to take sides, Brandon. But to be perfectly honest, I would much rather talk to someone who's calm and understanding than someone's who's constantly yelling at me," replied Cindy.
"I wasn't yelling at her. I just said that I didn't want to go to physical therapy," said Brandon.
"Why not?" asked Cindy.
"Because I just don't know if it'll help," replied Brandon.
"Sounds like you're just giving up without trying," said Cindy.
"Easy for you to say; you don't have to deal with this; and neither does Kelly. So how could I expect either of you to understand?" asked Brandon.
"We may not have to deal with this; but it doesn't mean that we don't know what you're doing through. Kelly is there every day trying to make your life easier. Trust me, you don't want to drive her away. She has feelings too just like everyone else. You cannot just take out your anger on her just because of what happened," replied Cindy.
"Why not? She's the reason why all this is happening to me. Because of her, I can kiss my career goodbye and I can kiss my marriage goodbye too….and now I can probably kiss walking goodbye too," said Brandon.
"Is it her fault that you're not going to physical therapy?" asked Cindy.
"No. But I think she's the reason that I have to go to physical therapy," replied Brandon.
"You know? I have to give Kelly credit. She didn't need to take care of you; but she is. This shows that she still cares. Now if you honestly say that you don't want her around anymore, then you should get another caretaker. But don't keep her around just so that you can blame her for everything that's going wrong in your life. Because if I were her, I would get the hell away from you and find someone who will treat me with some respect," replied Cindy.
Brandon is silent and doesn't respond. He looks down.
"Brandon?" asked Cindy.
"Yeah, mom?" asked Brandon.
Cindy doesn't respond right away.
"Brandon, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say it like that. You're going through a lot right now and I shouldn't have said that," said Cindy.
Brandon doesn't respond right away.
"No mom; you're right. Thank you for saying that to me," said Brandon.
"No, I didn't mean it like that, especially the last part. I know these are difficult times and you'll get through them. I just don't want you to give up and regret it later," said Cindy.
"I know. What am I going to do mom? Is it over? Is anything worth it anymore?" asked Brandon.
"Do you still love her? Do you still want to be there for your family?" asked Cindy.
"Yes," replied Brandon.
"Then I must say that it's worth it. Don't give up. Do it for yourself; and welcome those want to help," said Cindy.
"Thank you, mom. I will," said Brandon.
"I love you," said Cindy.
"I love you too," said Brandon.
The call ends and Brandon looks and stares into the distance.
To Be Continued….