We might as well be sisters

But I must warn you Dr Miller, the management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia during pregnancy requires treatment with high-dose chemotherapy that can pose risks to both the mother and fetus. Not only is she less than thirty weeks pregnant, she is just about eight weeks pregnant.

" What do you suggest?"

" Her condition is deteriorating and looks worse because of the pregnancy symptoms but at eight weeks pregnant, It is best to avoid chemotherapy during the first trimester as harmful effects to the fetus are highest during the period of organogenesis unless she consents to an abortion."

Nigel looked at Samantha, he knew Samantha would hate it if he made such a decision for her.

" What can you do in the meantime then?"

" We can give her red blood cell and a platelet transfusion to curve the bleeding and let us know you decision later."

" We usually start chemotherapy after one is 14 weeks pregnant. At this stage, most chemotherapy drugs will not harm the baby but who is to say if she will be strong enough to take on the treatment then?"

" Let me know when you need me."

Dr Nigel nodded and went to sit on the couch where Lisa sat blankly staring at Samantha.

" She is going to be fine Lisa..."

Do you know Dr Nigel, I grew up in an orphanage, at age eighteen, I started walking the streets to make a living until I was twenty four and madam hired me to work for their family.

Samantha was just thirteen and Dustie was twenty-one​. When Samantha found out I grew up in the orphanage, she said we might as well be sisters because we had similar backgrounds of abandonment. She didn't say it sadly, she said it jokingly but meant every word she said. She has never treated me or Marcus like workers ever since we met her...That's​ who Samantha is....She is a really good girl.

A nurse knocked and came in with a unit of platelets. After the cannula was inserted into a peripheral vein on the back of her hand. She attached the platelet drip, adjusted it. and hunged it on the drip Hunger and left.

Samantha must have been having a night mere again because she constantly made restless groaned in her sleep.

Nigel went to her and brushed her on the side of arm and sweetly whispered to her.

" It ok, Samantha, you are safe, you are ok..."It seemed to have worked as her forehead relaxed and she slept again.

When she was finally awake, the platelet transfusion had already been done and her cannula removed. She could only feel pain and soreness on the hand.

" Lisa?"

".... Nigel?"

" Anyone."

Lisa had previously step out and Nigel was sleeping on the couch when he heard Samantha's Voice.

" Hey..."

" Hey....Am I at the hospital again?"

" Hmmmm, yeah...you fainted."

" I hate it here, when am I going home?"

" We can go now you are fine but don't you want to them to examine the baby?"

" Well since we are all here, there is no harm..." She was clearly excited but she was trying to play it cool.

" Ok, let me get you a wheelchair."

" I can walk"

" Ok"

Nigel helped her put on her shoes before he helped her walk to her gynecologist, Dr Mindy.

On the ultrasound, they both could hear the baby's heart beat.

"So here is your baby." Dr Mindy showed them but specifically Dr Nigel on the monitor.

" Your baby's heart beats with a regular rhythm. The arms and legs are growing​ longer, and fingers and toes have begun to form... "

Samantha could only hear the heart beat and even that brought tears to her face.

"I'll give you two a moment." Dr Mindy said.

" Thank you doctor."Samantha told her.

" It's beautiful." she said with her fingers tightly holding on to Nigel's coat.

" He could hear and see, so he was more emotional than Samantha. He had wanted to feel like this for a long time, but thanks to Heather, he was now; with Samantha."

He kissed her on the lips and she reciprocated.

" Let's go home and kiss some more."

" Am in" Samantha replied with her arms around Nigel's neck.