Monday, August 04, 2008, Episode #5369

Jackie asks Nick if he misses Katie.

At the Marone Mansion, Jackie comes downstairs after putting Jack down and finds Nick working. She tells Nick that his son loves attention, especially from the ladies. Nick isn't surprised given that Jack has women like Bridget, Jackie, Taylor and Brooke around him. And Katie, Jackie adds. Nick points out that Katie doesn't see Jack as much since she moved out. Jackie thinks Jack must miss Katie and asks Nick if he misses Katie, too. She surmises that Nick was impacted quite a bit by Katie, especially since he invited her to stay here while she was fighting for her life. Nick reminds his mother that Bridget insisted that Katie stay here. Jackie notes how Katie must care a lot about Bridget, who saved her life. Nick thinks that's because his wife is extremely loyal and committed. And that's something that Bridget and Katie have in common, Jackie observes.

Bridget asks Katie to tell her what's wrong.

At the hospital, Katie tells Bridget that nothing's wrong and looks to Dr. Patrick, who confirms that the tests show that Katie is doing well. Katie apologizes for scaring Bridget, who asks Dr. Patrick if they can talk outside. In a moment, Dr. Patrick responds. Relieved, Bridget gives Katie a hug and steps out of the room. Katie tells Dr. Patrick that he can't tell Bridget about the pregnancy. The doctor says that he won't, but he insists that Katie consult with an obstetrician right away, as this is not a typical pregnancy. Once the doctor leaves, Katie flashes back to her trip to Catalina Island with Nick. She recalls sitting in front of the fire with Nick, feeling sorry for herself and hating her weak, pathetic, useless body. Nick assured her that she was not useless and told her that she was beautiful, and they started to kiss passionately. The memories bring tears to Katie's eyes. Bridget returns and finds her aunt crying. Realizing that something's wrong, Bridget asks Katie what it is. Katie insists that she's fine, but Bridget doesn't buy it. Katie laments that no one expected her to live, and now she wishes she hadn't. Bridget tells her not to say that. Katie sobs that this wasn't supposed to happen. Bridget assumes that Katie is unsure about her future and assures her that everything will be OK, but Katie thinks that her survival is some kind of sick joke that's meant to punish her. Bridget tries to tell Katie that there are a lot of people she can count on, including her, but Katie insists that Bridget leave now. Bridget tries to protest, but Katie is adamant, so Bridget leaves.

Donna worries when she finds Eric on a respirator.

Donna comes into Eric's hospital room and finds her husband being put on a respirator. She asks a nurse if this means that Eric is getting worse. The nurse offers to call Eric's doctor to discuss it more. As Donna fears for her honey bear, Bridget comes in and apologizes to Donna for not warning her about this. A panicked Donna asks what all these machines are for. Bridget explains that they had to bring in a respirator since Eric wasn't getting enough oxygen on his own. Donna asks Bridget if this means Eric is getting what he needs to get better. "It's a waiting game," Bridget grimly states. She understands how Donna feels, since it's hard for her to watch her dad lying there. She keeps feeling like she should be doing more for the man who was her hero and was always there to guide her.

Eric lies still as Donna seeks assurance from Bridget.

Donna sobs that there must be something Bridget can do, like what she did for Katie. Bridget says that Eric is getting the best of care, but there are no miracle cures for someone in a deep coma like this. Everything possible is being done and all they can do now is pray. Donna reaches out for Bridget's hand, weeping that her prayers aren't working. Bridget tells her not to lose hope. Donna suggests that they bring Eric home and set up the machines in the den, since she thinks being in familiar surroundings will help rouse Eric. Bridget doesn't think it will help, since her dad is better off here. She thinks the reality of Eric's situation will only be in Donna's face 24/7 were she to move him home, and that will only make things harder. Donna tells her niece that she doesn't care what the tests say or what the odds are. She just knows that Eric will come back to them.

Doctors Patrick and Caspary give information to Katie.

Back at the hospital, Dr. Patrick brings OB/GYN Dr. Caspary in to talk to Katie about her case. Katie says that there has to have been a mistake in the lab work, but Dr. Caspary confirms that she reviewed the tests herself, so there is no doubt that Katie is pregnant. Dr. Caspary assumes this was not a planned pregnancy. Katie reminds her that she just had a heat transplant. Dr. Caspary asks if Katie knows when she conceived. Katie looks to Dr. Patrick and recalls only one time it could have been, right before he adjusted her anti-rejection regimen. Dr. Caspary warns that pregnancy in transplant recipients is considered very high-risk and Dr. Patrick adds that a pregnancy could place a greater strain on Katie's heart, increasing the chance of rejection. Overwhelmed, Katie starts to flash back to Bridget asking her earlier what was wrong and the doctors telling her she's pregnant, and she almost passes out. While Dr. Patrick gets Katie some water, Dr. Caspary tells her how important it is for her to minimize her stress for the baby's sake. While the doctor admits the risks are high for a transplant patient like Katie, Katie has defied the odds medically before, so it's still possible for Katie to bring this new life into the world. She urges Katie to think long and hard about it.