Fifth Vital [EN]: Chapter 170

Fifth Vital – Episode 170 (170/502)

Episode 170. 25%

“Hah!”

Lee Dong-hoon, who had come up to the hospital room and lay down, contacted Shinhwa University Hospital and then looked at the ceiling, repeatedly sighing briefly.

“Ah….”

As the severe pain he felt even while on narcotic painkillers lessened to a bearable level, he began to worry.

“This is… Did I blurt something out I shouldn’t have?”

He couldn’t help it because he heard the nurse’s words during the call, but he felt like he had *needlessly* told his wife about the surgery. (*괜히* in Korean implies doing something without a good reason, often leading to regret.)

Why would sharing the fact that he was hospitalized with his family, especially his wife, be such a worry? But Lee Dong-hoon had a reason to be concerned.

His father-in-law had been battling an illness. It had lasted nearly three years, longer than expected.

His wife had taken care of everything from start to finish during the battle with the illness, in place of his late mother-in-law.

Even though she didn’t show it much on the outside, he knew how much his wife had struggled. Because of that, Lee Dong-hoon felt quite sorry for having told her about his condition.

Knock, knock-

“Yes!”

Click-

Lee Dong-hoon, who had been blankly thinking, answered the sudden knock, and the door opened immediately, and Kim Jung-soon entered.

“Honey!”

“Oh! You came?”

Lee Dong-hoon, who had been so worried about his wife coming to the hospital, looked much more relaxed when he saw Kim Jung-soon’s face.

“Did you wait long?”

“Wait long? What are you talking about… Why did you come?”

“Hey! Listen to this man. My husband had surgery and is hospitalized, of course, I have to come and see him. What are you saying?”

“I just don’t want you to go through trouble….”

“What trouble are you talking about?”

Kim Jung-soon skillfully organized the bag she had brought with things needed for the hospital stay and continued speaking.

“You’re the one who went through trouble. Wasn’t it hard? Are you okay now? Does anything hurt? Is the anesthesia all gone?”

After organizing all the items, Kim Jung-soon neatly arranged Lee Dong-hoon’s disheveled hair with her hands, massaged his feet that were out of the blanket, and then covered them.

“Geez!”

Lee Dong-hoon burst into laughter without realizing it at the barrage of non-stop questions.

“Hey, you’re going to take my breath away. Ask one thing at a time.”

“I’m anxious, and I have so many questions. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, of course.”

“My handsome husband’s face is half gone because of the surgery.”

“You’re saying nonsense. If other people hear that, they’ll curse.”

“Who would curse when I say my husband is handsome?”

“Why? Didn’t you always say I looked like a bear?”

“What’s wrong with a bear? They’re dependable, *cool*, and good.” (*멋있고* translates to “cool,” “stylish,” or “impressive.”)

“*Okay, okay*. What about the restaurant?” (*됐네요* is a dismissive response, like “okay, okay” or “whatever.”)

“I asked *the manager* to take care of it. Don’t worry about that and just take care of yourself.” (*실장님* refers to a manager or head of a department.)

“Jung-soon, I’m sorry.”

After talking for a while, Lee Dong-hoon suddenly expressed his apologetic feelings towards his wife.

“Huh! Why are you sorry?”

“Just… You already had a hard time nursing *Father*, and now I’m like this, so I feel like you’re going to have a hard time again….” (*아버지* means father, often used to refer to one’s father-in-law respectfully.)

“What are you talking about! It’s not hard at all. And you and *Dad* are different. Don’t say useless things. Just do as I tell you. Listen to me from now on.”

Kim Jung-soon grabbed Lee Dong-hoon’s hand tightly and poured out her heart.

“It all depends on how you think, and words become seeds. Think, ‘I will get better. I will definitely get better,’ and keep your mind calm with positive thoughts. Got it? People’s brains are simpler than you think. If you keep saying it, the brain naturally follows that positive signal like a *spell*.” (*주문* translates to “spell” or “incantation.”)

“Anyone would think you’re a doctor.”

“How long have I lived as a doctor’s wife? I’m half a doctor. And you quit that crappy hospital right now!”

“……!”

Lee Dong-hoon, who hadn’t told his wife that he was quitting the hospital, looked surprised.

“H-How did you… know that?”

“I saw what you wrote on the desk.”

For a while, Lee Dong-hoon had been going into his study after work, *agonizing* over whether to quit the hospital or continue going. (*고민* means to agonize or worry.)

At that time, he *soothed* his noisy heart by writing words related to the hospital such as *resignation*, Shinhwa University Hospital, and Director Go on the notebook on his desk. Then, Kim Jung-soon, who was cleaning the study by chance, saw the *scribbles* he had written and learned about Lee Dong-hoon’s *agonizing* about *resigning*. (*퇴사* means resignation; *달랬다* means to soothe or calm; *낙서* means scribbles or doodles.)

“It looked like something bad happened with the *hospital director*… Right?” (*병원장* means hospital director.)

“Actually, I’ve been there for a long time, and university hospitals shouldn’t only care about patients. I’m also tired of seeing doctors playing politics. So, I’m going to quit. I’m sorry for deciding alone without consulting you.”

“Everything is *okay*. It’s better that way. Take this opportunity to rest completely, go fishing, and do everything you want to do.” (*미안하네* is a casual way of saying “I’m sorry,” but in this context, it’s used to mean “it’s okay” or “don’t worry about it.”)

She wasn’t just saying it. Kim Jung-soon wanted her husband’s body and mind, which had been working hard until now, to rest.

“Really? Should I really rest?”

“I’m not saying it as a joke. Go *travel around*, and if you’re *bored*, come out to the *store* and watch the *counter*.” (*놀러 다니고* means to travel around for leisure; *심심* means bored; *가게* means store or shop; *카운터* means counter.)

“*Okay, okay*. Hey, I need to find a hospital as soon as I get out of here. Still, I feel *pride* in my work.” (*됐네* is a dismissive response, like “okay, okay” or “whatever.”; *자부심* means pride.)

“Why wouldn’t I know that? Don’t overdo it and take it slow. Oh, right! I had an *interview* with the *attending physician* before coming up.” (*면담* means interview or consultation; *주치의* means attending physician.)

“Really? Did you see him?”

“Yeah. He explained everything in detail and seemed trustworthy and had a good impression.”

“Well, our Dr. Kim is trustworthy. He gave me a *private room* so I could stay comfortably and took good care of me.” (*1-인실* means a single-person room or private room.)

“I’m *grateful*. Anyway, don’t get stressed while you’re *hospitalized*, listen to the *doctor* well, and eat well.” (*감사하네* means grateful; *입원해* means hospitalized; *선생님* is a general term of respect, often used for doctors.)

“Okay. Still, it’s good to have you by my side.”

“Of course.”

Lee Dong-hoon was really *thankful* that his wife was supporting him with a bright appearance without showing that she was also having a hard time. (*고마웠다* means thankful.)

Because of his wife’s appearance, he forgot about the illness for a while and had a *pleasant* time. (*즐거운* means pleasant or enjoyable.)

* * *

A few days later-

“Next is patient Park Joo-dang’s turn.”

Tae-kyung was making rounds with Lee Chan-hee and Choi Mona, who had come to work.

“His progress is good, so he was moved to a general ward this morning.”

With Choi Mona’s explanation, Tae-kyung visited the hospital room of patient Park Joo-dang, who had undergone a splenectomy a few days ago.

“Hello.”

“What day is it today? The *underling doctors* all came with the *chief doctor*. What’s going on?” (*쫄따구 선생님s* is a playful term for underling or junior doctors; *대장 선생님* is a playful term for chief or head doctor.)

“*Chief doctor*? Am I getting worse?”

“No. Not at all.”

Lee Chan-hee, who was next to him, shook his hands *emphatically* and continued speaking. (*격하게* means emphatically or vigorously.)

“You’re recovering well.”

“*Patient*, are you not feeling well anywhere?” (*환자분* is a polite way to address a patient.)

Tae-kyung asked while checking the surgical area.

“No, I’m fine. My condition is good. I just asked because the three of you came in a *row*. But honestly, even if my body condition gets worse, I have no regrets even if I die now. I just like everything.” (*주르륵* means in a row or all together.)

Come to think of it, Park Joo-dang seemed unusually happy today. He wasn’t just happy, he seemed *extremely* happy, much better than usual. (*심하게* means severely or extremely.)

“Sniff, sniff!”

Lee Chan-hee, who was *suspicious*, started smelling Park Joo-dang by bringing his nose close. (*혹시나* means perhaps or just in case, implying suspicion.)

“I don’t smell anything… *Grandpa*, you didn’t secretly drink *alcohol*, did you?” (*할아버지* means grandfather, a common way to address older men; *술* means alcohol.)

“*Alcohol*? What are you talking about? That’s a big deal.”

“*Patient*, do you have something good going on?”

“*As expected, the chief doctor* is definitely different.” (*역시 대장 선생님* is an exclamation meaning “as expected of the chief doctor.”)

Park Joo-dang, who wanted them to recognize his happy *feeling*, was satisfied with Tae-kyung’s one word, raising his thumb. (*심정* means feeling or sentiment.)

“Our *son-in-law* was scammed while preparing for a business.”

“You must have had a hard time.”

“Don’t even mention it. My daughter and *son-in-law’s* faces were *half their size* and they were running around everywhere to catch that guy. But they caught him.” (*사위* means son-in-law; *반쪽이* means half-sized, implying they looked gaunt and exhausted.)

Park Joo-dang desperately wanted the *scammer* who had been *troubling* his daughter and *son-in-law* to be caught more than anyone else. Then, he received the news from his daughter this morning that the *scammer* had been caught. (*사기꾼* means scammer; *힘들게* means troubling or making things difficult.)

He was so happy that it felt like his body was all healed.

“That’s really good.”

“Since you heard good news, now just think about *patient* recovering well.”

“*The doctor* is right. You need to *be discharged healthily* and spend more good time with your *daughter* in the future.” (*선생님* is a general term of respect, often used for doctors; *퇴원 건강하게* means to be discharged healthily; *따님* means daughter.)

“I have to. My mind is already all healed. Our *chief doctor* and everyone else, thank you.”

“I’ll see you next *rounds*. Rest well.” (*회진* means rounds, as in doctor’s rounds.)

Tae-kyung, who came out of the hospital room, temporarily opened Lee Dong-hoon’s *chart* in front of the monitor at the *nursing station*. (*차트* means chart; *병동 스테이션* means nursing station.)

It was to see the *pathology* results that came out a little while ago one more time. (*병리* means pathology.)

It was already all in his head, but he checked to see if there was anything he had *missed*. (*빠트린* means missed or overlooked.)

“*Doctor*, but you haven’t gone to Lee Dong-hoon *Doctor’s* hospital room yet?” (*선생님* is a general term of respect, often used for doctors.)

“I have to go now.”

Tae-kyung was intentionally not going, trying to enter Lee Dong-hoon’s hospital room last.

“I’ll go in there alone, so Dr. Lee and Dr. Choi, go down now.”

“Yes? We also…….”

Before Lee Chan-hee, who was slightly *lacking* today, could finish speaking, Choi Mona poked his side and said. (*부족한* means lacking or deficient.)

“Yes, I understand.”

Tae-kyung headed to Lee Dong-hoon’s hospital room without paying any attention to the two of them.

Knock, knock-

“*Senior*?”

“Aigo, Dr. Kim, *a senior is still a senior*. (*선배님* means senior, used to address someone more experienced in a profession; *Aigo* is an expression of surprise or exasperation.)

Lee Dong-hoon raised his upper body and sat up, looking at Tae-kyung who had entered the hospital room.

“I told you to just call me *hyung* comfortably, you did that yesterday and you’re calling me *senior* again today.” (*형님* (hyungnim) is a Korean term used by males to address an older male they are close to, like an older brother or respected senior.)

“*Hyung* is still a bit *awkward* for me.” (*어색* means awkward or uncomfortable.)

“Okay. Well, call me by *title* slowly.” (*호칭* means title or form of address.)

“Where did you go?”

“My *wife*?”

“Yes.”

Lee Dong-hoon’s wife, who was always with him whenever he made rounds, was not visible today.

“I told her to go because I couldn’t go to the house or the restaurant for a few days.”

Lee Dong-hoon, who knew from nurse Im Jung-sook that the results would come out today, intentionally sent his wife home.

Of course, he has no intention of hiding the results from his wife. He just wanted to ask about this and that comfortably after hearing the results.

Because it was not easy to ask in detail medically when his wife was with him.

“Did my results come out?”

“Yes, the *pathology* results came out.” (*병리* means pathology.)

“Oh. Really……. What is it?”

“It came out as GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor).”

“GIST? But what’s the *prognosis* like? I’m not a *specialist*, so I don’t know well.” (*예후* means prognosis; *전공자* means specialist.)

“According to the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) guidelines, when it occurs in a place other than the stomach, and the size is 8cm, the risk of *metastasis* is about 25%, so the risk is *moderate*.” (*전이* means metastasis; *중증도* means moderate severity.)

“25%……. But that’s when it’s cut well. Right?”

“Yes. That’s right.”

“I already have blood in my stomach, which means the percent is higher.”

“That’s why you must have *chemotherapy*.” (*항암* means chemotherapy.)

“That’s right. Then I don’t know the *survival rate* either.”

“Yes. So, in *senior’s* case, we couldn’t *confirm* this as a perfect *metastasis*.” (*생존율* means survival rate; *선배님* means senior; *확정* means confirm; *전이* means metastasis.)

“I know. It’s not *confirmed* that it’s *metastasized*, but it’s likely to *metastasize*. It’s not *verified* that it’s *metastasis*.” (*전이됐다는* means metastasized; *전이될* means to metastasize; *확인된* means verified.)

“GIST usually responds well to *chemotherapy*. I hope you don’t *get too discouraged*. I will do my best with *senior*.” (*항암* means chemotherapy; *상심* means discouraged; *선배님* means senior.)

Tae-kyung’s words were true.

GIST had individual differences, but it responded better than other *chemotherapeutic agents* and *chemotherapy treatment* was not very *difficult*. But Lee Dong-hoon’s heart was not like that. (*항암제* means chemotherapeutic agents; *항암 치료* means chemotherapy treatment; *힘들지* means difficult.)

“Thank you. But Tae-kyung, it’s not like that…….”