August, Chapter 12: Patrick, Chapter 13: Taylor, Chapter 14: The Committee, Chapter 15: Armando, Chapter 16: The Cost of Care Summary and Analysis

Patrick had enjoyed July but August is terrible for him. Patrick suffers more and more from the side effects of his Ampho treatment drugs and his nutrient line is becoming increasingly clogged and infected. Patrick's doctors have to try to clear his central line but the chemicals they use do not work well. They decide to also reduce his Ampho drugs, leaving the Ampho to eat away at his kidneys. Javier thinks this the least terrible of the options. As a result of weaker kidneys, however, Patrick is able to absorb fewer calories, which makes him even more vulnerable to the side effects of his Ampho treatment. Javier is faced with giving Patrick...