Edward handed a shirt of his to Elon, who then thanked his father and disappeared to go change.
He returned a few moments later, wearing his Father's shirt, tucked into his jeans.
Jeanie had cleaned up Lila and put her in fresh clothes as well.
The rest of the day was spent getting to know each other again.
Elon and Egon told stories their jobs, meeting their wives, showing off pictures and bragging about their children.
Not to mention playing with Lila.
For the first time in ages, Elon and Egon not only enjoyed being around their parents, but it felt like a real family.
Later that night, after dinner Edward, Eleanor, Elon, Egon and Jeanie were back in the living room talking.
But not before Jeanie and Egon put Lila down for the night, and despite the fact a rainstorm was taking place outside, the infant was sleeping through it.
The subject of the conversation was Edward's cancer.
"Father if you don't mind me asking, are you taking any medication or seeking treatment?" asked Elon.
"When I was first diagnosed, the doctor put me on chemotherapy and medication, trying to decrease the amount of cancer or at least keep it from spreading," Edward answered.
"Has it helped you?"
"So far, the cancer hasn't spread anymore.
In fact, I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow."
"Do you mind if we come with you?" Egon asked.
While he and Elon expected their Father to say no, they were surprised when Edward told them, "I would appreciate tht very much.
Thank you."
"Not that it's any of my business, but how did you find out about your cancer?" Jeanie asked.
"About a month ago.
I was giving a lecture at the university when I passed out afterwards.
A few of my co-workers drove me to the hospital as a precaution.
The doctors ran a few tests and I figured that I was dehydrated, or I was coming down with a virus.
Unfortuntly, when my primary care physician received the results of the tests, it was indeed pancreatic cancer.
It's in stage three, judging by the size of the tumor," Edward answered.
"I'm very sorry to hear that."
"Thank you Jeanie, I'm hoping that the chemo and medication is helping me.
The specialist my physician recommended me to said that once the tumor shrinks, he can remove it by surgery."
"What about your work?" asked Egon.
"Right now, nobody at the university knows about the cancer.
I've told them I needed time off to work on a personal project."
"Let's hope for the best," said Jeanie.
"Thank you Jeanie, we really appreciate that," said Eleanor, who's kindness shocked Jeanie herself.
"You're welcome," Jeanie said with a smile, and was surprised to see Eleanor give her a small smile back.
Since he had an early appointment, Edward excused himself to go upstairs to bed.
"Good night everyone," said Edward.
"We'll see you all in the morning," Eleanor added.
Jeanie and Egon headed to his room, while Elon went to his own.
That night, while his wife and daughter slept, Egon couldn't.
Not because the cot was uncomfortable, but the deep concern he had for his Father.
The next morning after breakfast, the six of them headed to the city, which was about less than an hour away to take Edward to his doctor's appointment.
Fortentley the office was on the main level, so Edward would not have to walk much with his condition.
Also thankfully, the doctor's office was rather quiet that morning and Edward had the first appointment, so he didn't have to wait long.
Although Jeanie had planned on staying in the waiting room with Lila, but was invited to join in on the meeting by Eleanor, as she said they were family.
Jeanie was touched by the statement.
Edward and Eleanor sat in two chairs in front of a desk, while Elon, Egon and Jeanie took the chairs on the side of the room.
When the doctor, a gentleman who appeared to be the same age as Edward and Eleanor entered the room, Edward introduced his family.
"Dr. Paul Anderson, you remember my wife Eleanor.
These are my sons, Egon and Elon, my daughter in-law Jeanie and my grand-daughter Lila."
Elon and Egon smiled as did Jeanie as for the first time since their visit, Edward enknoledged them as family.
"Eleanor, nice to see you again.
And a pleasure to meet the rest of you," said the doctor as he shook hands with Elon, Egon and Jeanie, who had Lila in her arms.
Dr. Anderson then took a seat, opened a folder and scanned over the paperwork.
After a few moments, Dr. Anderson looked up and said, "Edward, I have some good news and some bad news."
Everyone waited for what the doctor had to say.
"The good news is, according to your most recent lab and tests results, the chemotherapy and medication is preventing the cancer from spreading to other parts of your body.
However, the size of the tumor has remained the same.
Unfortuntly because it has not decrease in size, we can not operate."
A somber feeling feel over the room.
"Isn't there any other options?" asked Elon.
"We can increase the amount of medication, but not the chemotherapy, as the side effects can be more harmful than the cancer itself, answered, Of course, this is entire up to Edward."
"I'm willing to try it," Edward answered.
"Very well then.
We'll increase the dosage, and keep the chemotherapy at the same amount, and we'll take it from there when your next appointment is in 3 weeks."
"Will do.
Thank you doctor," said Edward as he shook hands with the physician.
No one said a word as they exited the doctor's office and waiting room.
Although it had been slightly overcast earlier, a gentle drizzle fell from the sky, when everyone exited the building and headed to the can, but changed to a downpour by the time they arrived back at the house.
