28. Lowest Of Lows

Johanna

J o paced in front of Ali. She couldn’t believe this was happening. She was grateful that Ali was there, and the hospital was able to get ahold of May, so she didn’t have to fret over that, but she wanted to be back in the room with Maverick, just to make sure he was doing alright. He seemed so pale. And he seemed so weak. Jo felt this pit in her stomach that she couldn’t shake. What if he never left the vet hospital?

“Jo, come sit next to me. You’re making me dizzy, all that pacing.”

“I’m sorry.” Jo hurried over to the seat.

Ali sighed. “I’m only teasing, but I’m worried about you. He’s going to be fine.”

“He’s been back there forever,” Jo argued. She got back up and began pacing again. From the chair, she heard Ali sigh. “How long has it been?”

“It’s only been twenty minutes. I know it feels like forever, but he’s in the best care right now. They’re running labs and the minute they know something, they’ll surely come out here and tell you what they’ve found.”

Jo nodded and sat down in the seat. Ali wrapped her arm around her and pulled her closer to her. Ali was there to protect her. Jo couldn’t deny that having her there was helping, but in this moment, she had to try to remind herself to just be calm and patient. When they know something, they’d be out there. That’s exactly what they said. Unfortunately, to her racing heart it wasn’t enough to realize that. She turned and went to the front desk.

The woman was pleasant enough. You would have to be if placed under stressful circumstances. “I don’t mean to be a pain, but do you know how much longer?”

The woman smiled. “No worries. Let me check.”

Jo tapped her foot, while she waited for the receptionist to return. If she had a patient or family member like this, she would surely want to slap them. She returned a short while later.

“They’re just finishing up. Maybe five minutes or so and the doctor will be out to get you.”

“Thank you.” Jo went back to where Ali was and took her seat. “Five minutes or so,” she said.

Several minutes later, she stood up and started pacing again. “It’s only been two minutes,” Ali pointed out. Her tone was so even-tempered. Jo shot her a look, then grimaced. “I know you’re worried and quite frankly it’s understandable but we’re going to have faith that whatever it is, he can be treated, and everything will be fine.”

Jo sighed and nodded. “You’re right.” She walked back over and took another seat. “I’m trying not to fret, but it’s so hard.”

“Babe, I got you.” Ali patted her knee. Displaying this much public affection was probably not something that they should have been expressing, but the waiting room was bare, and Jo needed it. Ali grabbed her hand and squeezed it. Jo leaned in and rested her head against Ali’s. If Maverick got through this, then she would make sure that she always aimed to be the best human possible.

“Ms. Vialdi?”

She jumped up and looked to the woman that entered the lobby. “Yes?”

“The name is Dr. Penelope Yassir.” Jo shook her hand. “I have some results that I would like to go over them with you.”

Jo nodded and looked over her shoulder. She stared at Ali for a minute. “Do you want to come with me?” she asked.

Ali smiled. “Do you want me to?”

Jo nodded and Ali was quick to be by her side. She reached for Jo’s hand, and they followed the doctor to a room. Jo wished that Maverick would have been there, but she knew that was probably all about policy and giving the doctor the chance to speak what was on their mind.

“Have a seat.” Both Jo and Ali took a seat, with Dr. Yassir across from them. “Coming to the vet is never a pleasant experience for a family. I know that as I have three cats and two dogs of my own. It comes with the territory when you’re a Vet. You tend to adopt pets on a regular basis.” She gave a genuine smile.

Jo, however, wanted to scream to just get on with it. She knew that it probably wasn’t good, because an animal didn’t act that way if they weren’t hurting. But the more time that went by, the more her fears would clamp down and never leave her.

“But I should just get on with it,” she continued. “Unfortunately, it’s not great news. Maverick has developed a disorder known as Immune-mediated Hemolytic Anemia. It’s also known as IMHA. It’s where the immune system attacks its own Red Blood Cells.”

“I know what it is,” Jo mumbled. “I’m a nurse.” She motioned to Ali. “We both are. What’s his hematocrit?”

“It’s 8%. Typically, in a dog, we want to see 37% or higher. Now, the thing is, this is common in Cocker Spaniels.”

“Okay.” Jo released a breath. “So, what does this mean? What needs to be done? I need to know statistics, survival rates, etc.” Ali reached out and touched her arm, calming Jo a tad as Jo released a long breath. “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to take it all in.”

“I understand. This is a lot to take in and digest. You see there are no set rules to IMHA. It depends on severity and how long he’s had it, etc. and so forth. So, I understand that you want all the answers, but right now I can only give you what I know. And I know that he’s in a severe stage of it. Truth is, in order for him to get any better, you have to act fast.” Jo opened her mouth. “I don’t want to concern you any further, but as a nurse, I’m sure you realize it’s best to just get the cold hard truth out there.”

Jo gave a slight nod. “So now what?”

“With this severe of a case, he needs a blood transfusion ASAP. He needs to be kept in an oxygen kennel while he recovers.” Jo slowly released a breath. “And with IMHA, he needs to go on Immunosuppressive medication. This could be necessary for months, so he doesn’t experience a relapse.” She hesitated. “Maybe we should take a breather.”

Jo shook her head. “I need to keep hearing about this.”

As Dr. Yassir kept talking, Jo tried to focus her attention on it, even though the words were heavy to hear. She stared out past the doctor, with Ali attempting to pull her closer. Jo wasn’t ready to take it all in .

“Are you listening?” Dr. Yassir asked, her tone a little irritated. Jo nodded, but she couldn’t focus her eyes. “Ms. Vialdi this is serious, and Maverick is in critical condition.”

Jo turned her head and Ali stared at her. Ali turned back to the doctor. “So, you want to keep him overnight?” Ali put the question out there, where Jo was struggling to formulate her words.

“Yes, I want to start this as quickly as we can. The sooner the better. Unfortunately, with that comes the business of discussing what all this will cost.”

Jo leaned back in her chair, her head spinning. On top of everything, they were going to have to discuss that? She just wanted to see Maverick and tell him that she would do whatever it took to make sure he was all better.

“Then let’s go over that,” Ali calmly stated.

“This is the estimate for the next twenty-four hours.” Dr. Yassir held the paper out to Jo, but it was Ali that grabbed it. Jo looked down at it, but her eyes were already watering.

It spoke of hospitalization, catheters, blood transfusion, and Prednisone. It kept going on with nurse care and the oxygen kennel and Jo finally reached the bottom. Her jaw dropped when she read the number circled. “$3,500?” she asked.

“I know that seems a bit overwhelming,” Dr. Yassir replied. “But the medication is expensive but will prove to be his lifeline.”

“And if it isn’t?” Jo stated. “Cancer patients die all the time. We see it in the hospital. It’s sad, but it happens.”

“I understand. Unfortunately, those are the risks that we all have to take. Without this care over the next twenty-four hours, Maverick isn’t going to see much past a week.”

Jo opened her mouth, and she looked down at the overwhelming total. She would do whatever needed to be done, to make sure that Maverick received the care and attention he needed. She would somehow make it happen, despite the mounting bills that had already piled up.

“Where do I sign?”

Dr. Yassir handed her over a pen, then pointed out the spot to place her signature. Jo signed it, a sense of dread and relief all rolled up into one big sensation.

“Can she see Maverick before we leave?”

Jo turned to Ali, relieved she asked the question. Dr. Yassir nodded and motioned for her to follow her down a hallway. Outside of the room, Ali held back. Jo looked back to her, but Ali gave a slight nod.

“You should do it alone. Just know that I’m out here for you.”

Jo released her hand and entered the room. She felt that anxiety slipping back inside of her as the doctor left and she was forced to wait alone. Another woman brought him in, carrying him, then laying him down on the table. Jo leaned in and brushed her lips against his fur.

“It’s only for a night,” she whispered. “You will get better, boy. I love you.” He barely moved and she stepped back and gave a nod to the woman. She turned and hurried from the room and Ali was there to catch her when she fell. “He looks so weak,” she breathlessly replied.

“Which is why you’re doing this for him, to make sure he gets better. He’s in good hands, Jo. Chin up. You will have him home soon.” Jo nodded and they left the hospital and went to Ali’s car. “Do you want me to take the night off?” Ali asked.

Jo turned to her and gawked. “You would do that? You said you never call in.”

“Well, I kind of think today might warrant it. I can tell them I’m sick or something.” The gesture was super kind and Jo would have never forgotten that Ali made it, but she also knew that if she allowed that, she would feel bad if it wrecked a record that Ali had previously made.

“I appreciate you offering. More than you even know, but I think you should go to work. I’ll be alright.” She leaned in and kissed her. Again, she was thankful that Ali was in her corner, but she had to just keep up the faith and try not to think about Maverick, until he was back home where he belonged.

Jo’s thoughts kept going to Maverick. She wasn’t the least bit surprised. This was the first night she wouldn’t have him sleeping at the end of her bed. She just wanted to trust that by the time she picked him up he would be back to his normal self. However, it was impossible to contemplate.

The phone rang and Jo jumped, not expecting the call just after seven. When she saw Ali’s name, she breathed a sigh. For a split second, she feared that maybe something had happened to Maverick. Seeing it was Ali did bring a smile to her face.

“Hello?”

“Hey, just thought I’d check up on you. I have a few moments. How are you doing?”

“Honestly? Been better. Tried watching television but all that kept coming on was dog food commercials. Old reruns of Lassie were on. Oh, and I had to scurry past Turner and Hooch.”

Ali groaned. “Sounds rough. I’m sorry.”

“That’s alright. I’m just really trying to not think about it and so I turned the TV off.”

“Did you eat something?” Ali asked.

“Not really. My stomach isn’t in the mood.”

“You have to eat,” Ali scolded. At that moment there was a knock on the door.” Jo frowned and glanced at the clock, struck with not wanting to grab the door.

“What’s wrong?”

“Someone’s here. I’m in lounge pants and a t-shirt. Not exactly in the mood to greet someone. Maybe they’ll go away.”

“Jo, that will most likely be your pizza.”

Jo frowned. “Huh?”

“I knew you wouldn’t eat and so I took the liberty to order you something. The sound of the knock came again.” Jo stood up and walked to the front door. She peered out the peephole and saw the young kid with a pizza in his hand. “Is it?”

“Yeah.” Jo snickered. She opened the door and took the pizza from him. “Thank you!”

“Have a great night!” He left and Jo came back into the apartment.

“It smells great,” she admitted. “But maybe I’ll save it for the next time we see each other.”

“Jo, you are eating it. You need to keep your energy up. Got it? Share it with May,” Ali commented. “She left and should be there any minute.”

Another knock came on the door and Jo shook her head. “Did you do this?”

“Well, I wanted to make sure you weren’t alone tonight. Enjoy and I’ll check in on you later.”

“Thank you. Love you.”

“Love you, too.” The call disconnected and Jo wondered if she made sure no one was around. Then again, she never said her name, so chances were that no one would know who she was talking to. Jo opened the door and May gave a weak smile. Jo pulled her into her arms, and they hugged.

“He’s going to be okay, Jo,” May whispered. “He’s a stubborn boy. ”

Jo laughed and pulled back, the tears stinging her eyes. “I have pizza, thanks to Ali.”

“She really cares for you,” May replied. Jo smiled and turned to the pizza. She didn’t tell May yet that they had both shared they loved one another. But maybe by the end of the evening she would share that news. It was sweet of Ali to think of her, even when she had a job to do. She just hoped that this would do the trick to keeping her mind off of what was happening at the Vet hospital.