Page 20 of Loving Lizzy

Michael swallowed the lump in his throat. “Lizzy, I know we aren’t married anymore, but I hope you’ll consider me as your contact person.”

“I’ve already filled out all the paperwork and listed you as my medical power of attorney and my contact person. I signed the HIPPA forms and listed you, Kassie, and Chase to have access to my medical records.”

Michael glanced up alarmed.

“It’s a precaution. You know I plan everything. If any medical decisions require your permission, I want Chase and Kassie to help you make the right choices,” she explained.

“I won’t need to make any decisions without you,” he determinedly stated. He stared at her hand, and he rubbed her ring finger thinking it missed her wedding ring.

Lizzy tilted his head up with her other hand. “No. I’ll feel better if it’s there. You know me, Murphy’s law, and everything.”

He nodded.

Candi knocked at the door. She quietly stepped in. “I’ll start prepping your IV’s. May I get you anything? Dr. Harris?”

“Where’s the doctor?” Michael asked impatiently.

“She’s on her way, Michael. You know how this works,” Lizzy teased.

“I’m sorry, Candi. I didn’t mean to sound like an ass,” he apologized.

“No offense taken, Dr. Harris. Lizzy, I need the consent form signed and I scheduled your follow up appointment per your request. Do you have any questions for me?”

“No. Thank you,” she stated.

“I’ll be right here when you wake up,” Michael reassured her.

“Don’t forget to eat something. We don’t know how long they’ll keep me after the procedure. It’s best you get something while I’m in surgery,” she reminded him.

“I’m fine,” he dismissed her.

“Michael,” she used her motherly tone.

“I’ll eat. I promise,” he corrected. He didn’t want to cause her anymore stress.

Dr. Brady knocked and entered the room. “Hello, Elizabeth. The procedure will take us a little less than two hours. If I see anything concerning, I’ll take a biopsy as we discussed in the office. I’m confirming you’ve decided not to proceed with breast reconstruction surgery at this time.”

“You’re correct.” Lizzy nodded.

“If you change your mind, it can be revisited after you’ve healed.” Dr. Brady typed something on her computer. “Can I answer any other questions you may have?”

“Do you anticipate any issues?” Michael interrupted. His grip on her hand tightened.

“I won’t know until I get into the procedure. Don’t get alarmed if it takes a little more time or even less. I’ll come and find you as soon as we finish and update you,” she assured him.

“We covered everything in the office. I read through all the pamphlets and spoke with the counselor you suggested,” Lizzy told her.

“Dr. Barker will come in to go over your medications again and then I’ll come in and mark your chest. If you think of anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” Dr. Brady smiled reassuringly before she turned toward the door.

Dr. Barker made his appearance. “Hello, Elizabeth. I want to reassure you that you’re in good hands. I know you filled out the paperwork, but I’ll review your medications. You didn’t list any known allergies and you stopped birth control according to my records.”

“Yes,” she told him.

“Do you have any family history of issues with anesthesia? Have you experienced any reactions?” Dr. Barker asked.

“I don’t know my family history, but went through a lumpectomy with no issues,” she stated. Michael didn’t miss her nervous habit of biting her lip. He stroked her arm with his other hand because he refused to let her hand go.

“Alright Elizabeth, I’ll give Dr. Brady time to do her thing then I’ll give you something to relax you. Your heart rate’s a little high, but nothing concerning.” Dr. Barker nodded and walked out of the room.

---