Braided Gold by Glen Roylance

Author:Glen Roylance [Roylance, Glen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798648959828
Publisher: Glen M. Roylance
Published: 2020-08-22T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

Robert Gordon was a respected senior member of the University medical faculty, a man in his late fifties with a round, good-natured face and graying hair that had not yet begun to recede or show the effects of thinning. Not only was he highly skilled, but he was also gracious and kindly disposed towards the many patients who sought him out on the basis of his reputation. Over the years he had become a shrewd observer of people as they faced medical challenges. As Paul was shown into his office Dr. Gordon studied him with interest. He was confident that this young man was in the midst of a marital crisis, owing to the troubled emotional condition of his wife at the time of her admission to the hospital.

The conspicuous role of Cathy’s friend, Lucy Bartlett, had also been somewhat perplexing. Her “in charge” manner and apparent sense of responsibility for Cathy’s welfare further underscored the detachment of the patient’s husband. But now, as Paul sat in Dr. Gordon’s presence, he projected a high level of interest and concern regarding his wife’s condition. Surprisingly, Paul had immediately seized the initiative in the conversation without a hint of deference.

“Dr. Gordon, your preliminary diagnosis of my wife’s condition catches me completely off guard. For some reason, she’s told me very little of the distress she’s been experiencing. I’ve been heavily involved with my work at the University, and I can only assume that she’s not wanted to be disruptive. Her pregnancy was difficult, and … well, I did anticipate an extended recovery period. But up until now, I’ve been unaware of any unusual health problems.”

Dr. Gordon leaned back in his chair, placing the tips of his fingers together while his elbows rested on the arms of his desk chair. He was cordial but authoritative as he spoke of his findings. He made it clear that his diagnosis was not preliminary, and that the data was conclusive. His eyes were riveted on the young man who sat before him. Though he knew very little about him, his intuition told him much. The doctor consciously couched what he had to say, so as to leave no question as to the necessity and urgency of the procedures he had scheduled that very morning.

“Mr. Kirkham, your wife has a brain tumor. We have no way of knowing how long the condition may have existed, but the size of the tumor is worrisome. I believe that the problem has existed for some time, perhaps even predating her pregnancy.”

Dr. Gordon now withdrew a medical referral form from the folder in his hands. “Your wife was examined initially by Dr. Schindler, a family practitioner here in Ann Arbor. Apparently, Dr. Schindler did not treat your wife during her pregnancy?”

“That’s right. There were several reasons for making other arrangements, and her neighbor, Lucy Bartlett, had recommended Dr. Schindler.”

The doctor nodded, then turned his attention to a number of X-ray negatives which he withdrew from a large envelope on his desk.

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