Chapter 46:
January 13, 2026- Seattle Washington
"Okay, Mr. Shepherd. All we need to do is fill out your discharge papers and you can go home," Dr. Henderson said to Derek once he walked into his room the next day.
The sun was shinning through the windows as Derek lay on his bed. Meredith sat next to him holding tightly to his hand. Once Dr. Henderson closed the door behind him, Derek responded, "Actually, before you do that, I'd like to talk to you about something."
Dr. Henderson walked over to the bed and looked at Meredith who seemed confused. "I want to talk to you about the chemotherapy and the other treatment options," Derek said.
Meredith and Dr. Henderson were both a little surprised, "Derek? Are you sure?" Meredith asked, "I thought you didn't want treatment."
"If my body is stopping it from progressing then treatment could cure it, right?" Derek said, leaving room for Dr. Henderson to confirm his statement.
"Curing this cancer in the last stage is very rare," Dr. Henderson said after sighing heavily, "But what your body has managed to do is also very rare. If you begin chemotherapy, the only thing it's going to do is try and eliminate the symptoms and pain."
"What can I do for a cure?" Derek asked as Meredith squeezed his hand tightly.
"We can perform cryosurgery. I'm sure you two are familiar with it. We'll freeze the tumor in your lung and destroy the cancer tissue," Dr. Henderson explained, "It may only destroy part of it, but it's a possible cure."
Derek looked up at Meredith. Despite the fact that she was trying desperately to hide it, he could tell she was happy that he was looking at treatment options. Cristina was right. Him refusing treatment wasn't what Meredith had wanted at all. She was just doing it for him.
"Is there any way I can chose my surgeon?" Derek asked receiving another confused look from Meredith.
"I supposed since you are a surgeon here that wouldn't be a problem," Dr. Henderson said.
"The only person I completely trust my life with is my wife, but I understand that that is against the rules. Since I can't have her, I'd want Chief Burke to perform it," Derek said.
"Preston?" Meredith asked.
"I saved his life, he saves mine. It's only fair," Derek said with a smile.