Years Later
Chapter 2
True to his word, Mike sat through a long list of scans, exams and finally a biopsy. Within two days, it was confirmed, Polly had breast cancer that had spread into her left lung, as well as her ovaries. Treatment would be aggressive, and the surgeries would be difficult. Her oncologists and surgeons were coming up with a game plan.
Mike and Polly had discussed it and decided to have the kids out for dinner to explain it. Neither of them knew what the responses would be. They ate and Mikey, Hope and Charlotte took the younger kids outside to play, only leaving Riley inside with the adults. Thankfully the weather was good.
"We got the feeling something was going on when you asked us all out for dinner." Matty remarked. He and Sarah had only returned the day before from their honeymoon. Polly nodded at Mike, to take over the conversation. He reached down and squeezed her hand before beginning.
"Mom had a yearly exam recently, and some of the results were concerning. She's had additional tests, scans and a few other procedures in the past week. On Thursday, we received a firm diagnosis. Metastatic Breast Cancer, which has spread to her left lung, and her ovaries. The surgeons and oncologists are discussing treatment plans, but it will most certainly involve surgery. Probably more than one." Mike said.
"I wanted to tell you all before Max went back to Annapolis." Polly remarked. The kids were obviously stunned and speechless.
"Have they given a surgery date?" Max asked, obviously wondering if he would be there for it.
"Soon, but you are to go on back to the Academy. Dad will keep you updated." Polly answered.
"So, what do you need us to do?" Sarah asked.
"Cover Charlotte. She doesn't know yet. She doesn't handle a change in routine well, so we will have to figure that out. Once Mom gets home, there will be meals and such. Of course, I can cook, but I want to care for Mom as much as possible." Mike explained.
"We'll come up with a schedule. One of us can stay out here too, once she comes home to help with Charlotte and whatever else." Matty offered.
"Has the cancer spread anywhere else beyond the lung and ovaries?" Sam asked, always the doctor.
"Not as far as they can tell. The surgery will tell more." Polly told him.
"So, what now?" Grace asked, obviously trying to control her emotions.
"We wait for a surgery date, get through that and then fight." Mike answered. He still had Polly's hand in his own.
"That sounds like a plan." Hannah said. She reached over and squeezed Mike's other hand. Riley gave him a smile from behind her thumb.
"We will also tell Charlotte tonight. Not completely sure how she will handle it, or if she will even understand." Polly remarked as she took a drink from her cup of hot tea.
"We'll help however we can." Grace said. The kids all nodded in response. Mike and Polly both stood up and they all began hugging both of them.
The older kids, with kids of their own left soon after getting the kids collected from outside. They were all overwhelmed. Finally, the last of the kids left, aside from Max, Addison, Gabby, the twins and Charlotte.
The conversation with Charlotte was rough. She cried and in turn, Polly cried. After they convinced her to go to bed, Polly went in to go to sleep. Mike had to go in and clean the kitchen, but immediately heard Max and Addison arguing on the back porch.
"I'm just saying, she said you were to go back to Academy. We have summer classes we can take." Addison argued.
"If you want to go back, fine; but I don't have to report back until August. That's seven weeks. I can stay and get her through the worst." Max said.
"You have a huge family. They don't need you here." Addison argued back.
"Maybe not, but I need to be here. She's my mom. You have no idea the sacrifices she made to just have me. I don't have to go back immediately. If you want to, I understand. I'll even drive you to the airport." Max said. Mike backtracked into the living area, knowing the argument was basically over. He knew he shouldn't have eavesdropped, but Max was a little closed off to them. He heard Max and Addison come back in, and Addison slamming the door into the bedroom she and Max shared, much to Polly's disapproval. Max walked into the kitchen where Mike was.
"Everything okay?" Mike asked. Max sat down at the kitchen island and grabbed a cookie out of the jar.
"I know Mom said I should go back to Annapolis, but I don't have to be back until late August. I would like to stay on; to help with Charlotte and whatever else." Max answered.
"Mom said you could go back, but I know she will be thrilled to have you here. What about Addison?" Mike asked, even though he knew the answer.
"She's going back." Max answered.
"I think we are a bit slow for her." Mike commented.
"She has…aspirations. She wants to get married, but I think its more about being married to Admiral Mike Slattery's son, then being married to me, if that makes any sense." Max remarked.
"Son, if its not right; its better to end it now. Mom and I both felt there was something off, but if you were happy; then we could handle it." Mike told him quietly.
"Thanks. I'm not sure if I am happy with her. Staying home may give me a chance to distance myself. That is, if its okay?" Max asked.
"Of course, son. You don't have to ask. Honestly, it's a relief. Your mom says one thing, but she loves having you home and knowing there is an adult here with Charlotte will help. Charlotte's routine won't have to change too much." Mike answered.
"Its just seven weeks, though." Max said.
"It will get us through the surgery and the beginning of chemo and radiation, if they don't get it all. By then, we'll have developed a routine and Charlotte will have adapted." Mike explained.
"How are you with this, Dad?" Max asked.
"It's overwhelming, but we'll get through it." Mike said.
"Hopefully, they get it all. Don't have to do any chemo or radiation. That was horrible when Hannah went through it." Max commented.
"The doctors aren't hopeful they will. Your mom is in for a long and very difficult battle." Mike told him.
"I don't understand how it got so bad. I know how she is about both of you going to your doctor's appointments." Max remarked as he stood up.
"Its aggressive. The fortunate part is that its not gotten to her brain. They told us if that happens, we need to just bring her home "and make her comfortable." Mike admitted. He hated being so matter of fact, but he also wasn't hiding anything from the kids.
"If it gets that bad, will you call me?" Max asked.
"Absolutely." Mike promised. The kitchen was cleaned, and Mike wanted to get some rest. Thankfully, Max stood up to also go to bed.
"Dad; lean on us. I know you want to be strong for Mom; but don't hesitate to lean on us. Its going to get rough." Max said before giving Mike a hug.
Max walked back into his own bedroom, and Mike walked into his own. Polly was sound asleep in the middle of the bed. Maggie and Alec were traveling the country in their RV, but once Polly called her, she was headed back to help her sister. She and Alec had sold their house the year before, usually staying with Mike and Polly when they did come home. Mike was thankful to have another couple there.
He showered, changed into his pajamas and crawled in next to Polly. She immediately resettled on his chest and wrapped both arms around him. It had always been a favorite sleeping position and since her diagnosis, she had been doing it more and more.