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Ms. Markson:
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Dr. Balis? Hi I'm Michelle, Cassie Evans' friend?
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Dr. Balis:
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Oh Michelle, yes. Cassie has talked about you. You're visiting from out of town aren't you?
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Ms. Markson:
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Yes Doctor. Actually I'm staying at the Clift Hotel. Cassie is with me.
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Dr. Balis:
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I've had a drink before in the Redwood Room. It's a beautiful place. Anyway, what can I do for you? How's Cassie?
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Ms. Markson:
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Well that's why I'm calling. She's not doing very well Doctor. She was describing to me over the phone how sick she was with this CFS thing, but it's worse than I expected. We were up late last night--maybe a little too late. But I can't get her out of bed now. I know she had to go to work, but she just doesn't have the energy to even stand up, far less take a shower and get dressed. She said she was in pain but the ibuprofen I bought downstairs in the gift shop isn't working. I'm worried about her. I asked if there's someone I can call for her, and she told me to call her boss at SII, and to call you since she had an appointment with you. She said that she can't possibly make it to her appointment with you today.
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Dr. Balis:
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I certainly understand. Thank you for letting me know.
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Ms. Markson:
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Is there something I should do for her Doctor?
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Dr. Balis:
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I agree that she should get some rest. Her medical doctor is Dr. Halsey at UCSF. I'm sure that Cassie has the number. If you feel that she needs some sort of medical attention, be sure to give him a call. But I suspect that there's nothing much to be done except letting her get the rest she needs. I'm glad that you're there for her.
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Ms. Markson:
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Oh Doctor, I've been Cassie's friend forever. She's never been particularly healthy, but this is unbelievable. I'm really shocked to see her like this. There's really no cure?
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Dr. Balis:
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It sounds like Cassie is at a low point. She's often a lot better than you are seeing her right now--I don't want you to think that she always can't get out of bed, although there are some CFS sufferers for whom that's true. There's no specific cure, but it often goes into remission.
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Ms. Markson:
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Is it safe for me to leave her by herself? I'm supposed to be at this convention.
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Dr. Balis:
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I think she'll be fine. There's a telephone next to the bed so that she can call for help?
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Ms. Markson:
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Yes, there sure is. And I'm on an expense account. So I'll tell her to spend a fortune with room service.
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Dr. Balis:
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There you go. Tell Cassie that I understand about her missing the session and I'll see her next week although I'm always available by phone if she needs me.
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Ms. Markson:
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Thank you Doctor. I'll tell her. It was nice talking with you.
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Dr. Balis:
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And you Michelle. Say hello to Cassie for me.
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Ms. Markson:
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I'll tell her. Bye Doctor.
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Dr. Balis:
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Goodbye.
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Doctor Balis' Notes on this Telephone Call
Transcripts of Cassandra Evans' Therapy Sessions
