Page 84 of On the Bright Side
I post the video and stroll back over to find a seat with Kayla. She’s with a few former Brandview students who were different years than us. I hadn’t realized how many others would be in the area. Even after getting Shay and Arun together, we need to make this event a regular occurrence.
My phone lights up with a text from Jackson.
JACKSON:
You look very cute tonight. I hope you’re having fun!
Flattered, I smile. I was hoping he’d see the video.
ELLIE:
It’s great, wish you could’ve come with. Definitely next time!
JACKSON:
I should bring an interpreter or something so I don’t slow you down with friends.
ELLIE:
It’s all fine, we’ll figure it out!!
For anyone else, it might get annoying, but I don’t mind making sure Jackson’s in the loop. He’s been learning sign; I’m sure he’ll start getting the hang of things soon enough.
ELLIE:
I hope you’re getting rest for your appointment tomorrow!
Chapter Forty-two
Jackson
Today is myfirst infusion.
After deciding upon treatment with my neurologist, it took a while for my insurance to approve it. They denied it at first, wanting to make me start on something less strong until it failed, a tactic that would cost me time I couldn’t afford to waste, but fortunately, my doctor knew how to fight that and push through the preferred treatment. I’m nervous, but I’ve taken this seriously, done my research, and feel reassured knowing I’ll be monitored with bloodwork and MRIs to make sure the treatment’s effective at preventing more lesions. There’s no use getting worked up over whether or not this is the right choice. Nothing to do but start the treatment.
The staff called ahead of my appointment to check in and give me reminders of what to expect. I wear comfortable clothes and drink plenty of water beforehand, hoping that I won’t need to use the bathroom during the hour-long infusion.
Taking a seat in the chair, I lie back and pull a blanket over my legs. The nurse puts a pillow on my lap, and I rest my arm on it.Look away. Deep breath. Pinch. Exhale.The tube is taped and wrapped into place.
“All good?” the nurse asks.
“Yeah.” I avoid looking down at my arm, though. It’ll be best for me if I don’t watch the fluid flowing.
Mom sits on a chair beside me, reading a book, while I watch a movie on my phone. The staff checks in regularly, but I’m doing all right. By the end of the hour, I’m sleepy, but they keep me for another hour for observation.
“How are you doing?” my mom asks, once my arm is disconnected and bandaged.
“All right.” I smile and settle back into the chair, more relaxed now that the first infusion is over.
“You’re braver than I am, that’s for sure.”
“If it’s what it takes.”
Stifling a yawn, I open YouTube and watch a short ASL video even though I don’t have the energy to move my hands and practice. Admittedly, I’ve let my lessons slide more than I would like. It was one thing when it was just schoolwork getting in the way, but now I also have to somehow wrangle my brain and hands into cooperation. It’s hard.
“You’re still doing that?” Mom asks, nodding to the video. There’s skepticism in her voice.
“Yeah.”
