CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT
(part three)

Monday morning — 8:16 A.M.
Anschutz Hospital

“So that’s it?” Blane asked. He looked over at Heather’s smiling face. “We’re done?”

“That’s it,” his doctor said. “We haven’t found Hep C virus in your system since the end of last year. We’ll check again in a month, two months, then six months.

“But he can stop taking the Ribavirin now?” Heather asked.

“Stop taking the Ribavirin and interferon. For all intents and purposes, Blane is cured.”

“Of course, we’re delighted,” Heather said. “It’s just that he’s been so sick this month.”

“It’s going to take your body a while to adjust, but I bet in a week or so you’ll feel better,” the doctor said. “Looks like it’s just in time. When’s the baby due?”

“Next week,” Blane said.

“There’s no treatment like this for HIV?” Heather asked.

“The interferon helped reduce his overall viral count,” the doctor said. “So far, there’s no cure for HIV. There isn’t even a lot of money going into that kind of research. A lot of people think it’s impossible.”

Heather shifted her body in such a way as almost to protect Blane from the information.

“We won’t give up hope,” Heather said.

“No, we’d be foolish to give up hope,” the doctor smiled at her protective stance. “I’ve seen too much to believe that it’s impossible. There are a couple of interesting trials here at the University. Would you like me to look into it?”

“I have a lot to live for,” Blane said. “I want do everything I can to make that happen.”

“Big changes in your life,” the doctor smiled.

Blane nodded.

“First, you must recover from the Ribavirin,” the doctor said. “You need to get strong and healthy again. That has to happen now. Use your acupuncture. Get back to exercising. Stay on your clean eating diet. No alcohol. No drugs. No junk food. These things make the biggest difference. When you’re strong again, we’ll look at our options with treatment.”

“We’ll do it,” Heather said.

Blane stood to shake the doctor’s hand.

“When are you finished with your program?” the doctor asked.

“Six weeks,” Blane said. “As soon as I feel better, I’m planning on seeing more private patients.”

“Do you have an office?”

“We have one in the house,” Heather said. “Why do you ask?”

“I have a lot of patients who could benefit from acupuncture with someone who can understand what it’s like to live with chronic illness,” the doctor said.

“Happy to help,” Blane said.

“I’ll see you in a month for the next blood draw and we’ll talk about it then.”

Blane followed Heather from the doctor’s office. They stopped to make an appointment for next month, then wandered through the building. Outside, they began the hike across campus to the patient parking lots. Blane opened Heather’s door then went around to the driver’s seat. He pulled out onto Colfax.

“You’re awfully quiet,” Blane said.

“I was wondering what would happen now that you don’t need me anymore,” Heather said.

“You mean because the Ribavirin treatment is over?”

Heather nodded. Her hand instinctively went around her big belly.

“I thought we were a family,” Blane said.

“I’m really just a freeloader,” she said. “I’ve lived in your house, eaten your food… I should really get on my way.”

“We’re married. I was going to be the father of the baby.”

“Oh come on! That was just on paper.”

“Heather,” Blane pulled over to the curb. “What’s going on?”

Heather shrugged.

“Please tell me what’s going on,” Blane said. “You’ve been a rock for me. Every step along the way, you’ve been positive and confident. What’s happened to ‘We’re a family’?”

Heather shrugged. Lost in her own thoughts, she looked away from him.

“Sandy’s going to live at the Castle for a while,” Heather said. “I can live at her place until I get on my feet again.”

“Please stop this,” Blane’s voice echoed the panic he felt inside. “You’re making all of this up. I don’t want you to go. You’ve been through hell and back with me. Please Heather talk to me. What happened?”

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow….