"I've talked with Tony. If there is nothing more you can do we want to sign a DNR. I for one am not happy about this, but it is Tony's wishes." Kate sighed.
"You're doing the right thing. It's better to not let him suffer." Dr. Pitt mentioned.
After that first round of chemo, Tony's body was so weak he could not continue. Against what he really wanted, he decided to discontinue treatment.
"Agent DiNozzo, this is Alana Barron she is with hospice." Dr. Pitt introduced.
"Hello Agent DiNozzo, Mrs. DiNozzo. I wanted to talk to you about some options you have and what we can set you up with. You will have a team of people once you go home including a nurse and home health aides that will come in and work with you, that will give you a bit of a break Mrs. DiNozzo." Alana explained.
"So tell me…how does this work? I get it, I'm dying, but how are you and this hospice thing supposed to make me feel better about the whole process of leaving my wife?" Tony questioned.
"Well we will manage your pain and symptoms, we will assist you with the emotional, psycho-social and spiritual aspects of dying, we will provide you with needed drugs, medical supplies and equipment, and we will provide bereavement care and counseling to your family and friends." Alana answered.
'It was really happening.' Tony thought. 'The end of Tony DiNozzo. Always wanted to go out in blaze of glory or getting shot in the line of duty trying to save someone. Instead it's damn cancer taking me out.'
"If you have any questions please let me know. Upon your discharge, we will start the hospice care." Alana spoke "You will be in great hands and we will help you through this."
When Jimmy got the word they would be placing Tony into hospice, he nearly broke down. He knew a lot of times hospice was pretty much a death sentence. Hell, no more than Stage 4 Lung cancer was though. Jimmy was there the day Tony was released from the hospital. It was heartbreaking to see the indestructible Tony DiNozzo, a guy so much larger than life, be knocked down and barely able to move. Jimmy loaded Tony up into his van and headed to the DiNozzo house. Hospice was waiting for the DiNozzo's once they got home ready to set different things up. Jimmy helped get Tony in the house and Kate followed closely behind.
"Want to lay down…with Kate." Tony requested.
Against his better judgement, Jimmy helped Tony up the stairs and changed him into some sweats and an Ohio State shirt before allowing Tony to lay down on the bed. He covered his friend up with the sheet and comforter.
"Sleep well Tony. I'll send Kate up in a few minutes." Jimmy carded his fingers through Tony's hair.
Before Jimmy could leave the room, Tony was already asleep. Kate signed for papers to have a hospital bed set up in the den, along with oxygen tanks on standby. It hit her, this was going to be Tony's room for the foreseeable future, or until he died. The thought of Tony dying was almost too much for her. Once everything was signed for, she went upstairs to find her husband sleeping soundly. She kicked off her shoes and crawled in behind him, snuggling up to his back.
"Please don't leave me." She whispered as the tears began to fall.