Page 86 of Break Me
“First of all, I’d like to make a change to the inhaler. What she’s been using is fine for less severe cases, but not this.”
“Okay. And this sounds terrible, but I’m going to assume that means it’s much more expensive.”
“Yes, but your insurance should cover at least thirty percent. And that’s not terrible at all.”
At some point I’d need to tell him that her pediatric doctor would need to prescribe it or insurance would kick out the drug. “Okay.”
“In addition, it’s possible I’ll be recommending surgery. But I need to take some time evaluating her.”
“What?”
He nodded. “Nothing to worry about. It’s called a bronchial thermoplasty.”
As he went on to explain what it would mean, I felt myself shrinking just a little. I’d find a way to cover the expense. If she stood a chance of not needing the inhaler, then I’d work five jobs to make that happen. “Okay. When would you do that?” Given the schedules, I’d have at least a few months to save up money for my portion.
“We could make that happen as early as next week.”
“What?”
“Yes, I can pull a few strings and make that happen. Now, she’ll need to remain in the hospital for a few days, but I don’t see any issues. She’s young and heathy otherwise. Granted, I would prefer to wait and see if she grows out of it.”
“Are there risks?”
“Some. And performing surgery for no reason isn’t something I like to do.” His eyes suddenly lit up. “Maybe I can offer a different approach, an option a couple of my colleagues have used successfully. There has been some significant improvement in support animals who can provide an alert when she’s about to have an asthma attack.”
“What good would that do if her inhaler isn’t working?”
He smiled again. “That’s the beauty of the inhaler I’m going to prescribe. If given prior to an attack, tests have proven that in most cases the attacks will be minimal if occurring at all.”
I felt myself pale, but maybe that could work. “O-kay.” Looking away, I twisted my hand around my phone. “I’m not going to lie. That sounds like a more viable option. So we’re talking a dog?”
“A specially trained dog, although there is some success with other animals if you’d prefer.”
Grinning, I thought about her Christmas request. “No. She’s been asking for a dog for a long time.”
“Well, then. Why don’t I provide you with some information about the associations who you can contact and be placed on a waiting list.”
“That would be great. Can I take her home tonight?”
“I’m going to admit her for just one night for precautions. Don’t worry. She’ll have a private room where you can stay with her. If she does well during the night, she can go home tomorrow late in the afternoon.”
I was a terrible mother. Horrible. A part of me could only see dollar signs and it made me sick to my stomach. “Doctor… I hate to say this, but…”
He cocked his head. “I can tell you have concerns about the price, so I’ll let you know that Alexsey Dmitriyev has authorized treatment no matter the cost. He’s taking care of it. I’m certain that will include whatever fees are associated with you being able to obtain the perfect support animal.”
What in God’s name was I supposed to say to that? I was the kind of woman who handled things herself. I didn’t ask forhandouts. I worked for what I made, but turning this down could cost my child her life. Or at minimum her enjoyment of life. What kind of mother would I be?
“That’s very generous of him.”
“From what I was told, you’re very important to him. So, why don’t I see if the room is ready? Okay?”
“Okay. Yes. Thank you very much.”
“Don’t worry. Your daughter is in good hands.”
Stunned wasn’t the word for it. I was shocked to my core. And of course, Alexsey had to appear just at that moment. As he strolled in with two huge cups of Starbucks coffee in his hands, I took a few seconds to reflect on just how damn good looking he was.
Then before I knew what I was doing, I was on my feet, rushing to him. My typical personality took over before I had a chance to rethink how nasty I might seem.
