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October 22, 2001 Transcribed and edited by Cindy Popiela and Karen Ross. In Troy's Office Nora: Um, I don't know where Sam is. I haven't spoken with him this morning, so I don't want to take up anymore of your time. Why don't you just go ahead and start telling me about the treatment that Matthew's. Troy: You know, actually Nora, ah that reminds me, there's something I've been meaning to tell you about. Now Matthew mentioned something earlier about having something at his daddy's house. Nora: Mmmmm huh.
Troy: Now I know that Sam and you aren't married, but - Nora: NO we're not married and NO we're not living together. Is that what you were asking? Troy: Well I know it's none of my business, but . . . Nora: NO it's not any of your business. As a matter of fact, I can't imagine what difference our living arrangements could possibly make to you! Troy: Look Nora, I need to know who to contact when treatment decisions need to be made. You see, I am trying not to get in the middle of something here. Nora: Of course. I didn't mean to imply that, well, but I guess I did. Troy: That's okay. Nora: OH BOY! Troy: I'll let you go this time.
Nora: Oh thanks! Well actually I'm Matthew's legal custodial parent, so um, but Sam and I like to make crucial decisions together. And we would now, but he's not here. He's late! Troy: Okay should we wait? Nora: No, no, no let's just get this over with. I just want to get this over with. Troy: Okay, if you're sure, then please have a seat. (He pulls the chair out for her) There you go. Now there's several different treatment possibilities when it comes to Robins-Wyler. (sitting at his desk) Nora: Yes go on. Troy: To begin with, we could do nothing. We could just wait. Check Matthew every 6 months, see if the virus has progressed. See if he's lost any motor control. If not, well then we've successfully avoided putting any invasive drugs into his system, which is always a good thing. Nora: He's already fallen off a swing. Doesn't that mean that this disease has progressed already? Troy: That is a possibility, yes. Nora: And if we wait 6 months, wouldn't we be losing precious time? Troy: In my opinion, yes. Nora: Well then we have to do something. So what do we do? Troy: Well there are traditional methods, uh drugs that have been FDA approved, standard procedures. Nora: I hear a but . . .what's the but? Troy: To be honest with you Nora, none of those traditional methods have proven effective so far on the virus. Nora: What about non-traditional? Troy: Well there is a new drug. Now it's experimental and it's never been used on Robins-Wyler, but I do happen to know it's been successfully with similar illnesses.
Nora: And what's the down side? Troy: The down side is we're not sure if a child's system is strong enough to sustain the effects of the drug. Nora: Will that make Matthew worse? Troy: Well we'd be monitoring Matthew every step of the way. Nora:You didn't answer the question. Troy: Look Nora, I'm not going to lie to you. Most doctors would recommend other options. Now I've put together a list of specialists. Now these are doctors that have treated other children with the virus. Please I want you to feel free to call any or all the specialists on that list Nora:If we use the experimental drug, which doctor would do it? Troy: As far as I know, there is only 1 doctor on the east coast, that's me. Nora: God I wish Sam were here. Troy: Nora, here's what I think you should do. I think you should go home, take a few days to talk things over with Sam. Call the doctors on the list and hear what they have to say. But just so you know, time is very important with this particular treatment. Nora: What's your experience with this drug? Troy: My experience is only academic. As I told you before, I have observed a case but that was years ago. And the drug wasn't available back then. Nora: How does it work? Troy: Well if you gave us the go ahead, we would begin to administer the drug immediately. Nora: Right here in the hospital? Troy: Yes, we would have to monitor Matthew very closely, but you would never have to leave his side. Nora: (sitting) Right here, right now.
Troy: Terms of a hospital stay would only take 24 hours. If this drug works, it will work dramatically. Nora: I mean I don't want to wait weeks to find out. Troy: Well you wouldn't have to. Now there is one other thing we need to talk about. Nora, if you choose this treatment, that will mean I will be handling Matthew's case from beginning to end, no one else! Which means that you and I would be working very closely together. (They were playing eerie music during this) Now I need to know, are you going to have a problem with that? . . . Nora, I know that Colin's memories are still very raw for you and I'm sure just looking at me must bring back a lot of painful thoughts. Nora: Okay, I need you to stop right there. There is nothing more important to me in this world than Matthew's welfare. I want the best medical attention for him. Troy: (smiling) Okay! Okay you think about it and you let me know what you decide. Nora: I already know what I want. I want you Troy. (Just then Sam walks in behind Nora and hears that. Sam looks at Troy and Troy realizes Sam heard Nora.) |
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