Juliah was talking to Anna when there was a knock at her door. “Come.” The door was opened, “Dr. Carter and Dr. Zabane what can I do for you?”
Sarah spoke, “Is there a place where we can sit and talk?”
“Yes this way.” She directed her attention to Anna. “That will be all.”
Anna curtsied and left.
Michael opened the French doors onto the balcony.
“Michael will you join us?” Sarah asked.
Juliah nodded yes.
The four of them sat around a table in the warm evening sun.
Sarah looked at Michael, “how often have you experienced any lower back pain?”
He looked at Juliah. “Be honest.” She encouraged.
“A lot.”
“What are you doing when this happens?”
Michael was becoming every agitated. “What is this about?”
“Answer her.” Juliah spoke softly.
He sighed in defeat. “Everything, getting up, bending over, setting down.” He shook his head.
“Dr. Carter found a small tumor between your L5 and S1 vertebra. What will happen, over time this tumor will grow. As it grows it’s going to put stress on you. Movement will become more painful. As time progress it could impact your ability to walk. You have two options: 1. Have it removed. Including rehabilitation, we are looking at six months. With surgery, there is always the risk of something going wrong.” She stopped looking past Michael at the wall behind him.
“And two?” He asked.
“Leave it.” Sarah answered.
“Why so long?” Juliah asked. “Most surgeries are in and out.”
“I over estimate everything. The last thing I want is to say “we’ll have you out in a month”, when a complication arises.”
He looked at Juliah. “What do you think?”
Sarah stood up. “Take some time, talk it over. When you make a decision, let me know.” She left.
“She’s very brash.” Juliah snapped.
“She’s the best in her field.” Carter reassured them. He excused himself following her. Sarah was standing in the hall when he saw her. “Sarah, what was that about?” He called to her.
She collapsed in the floor.
