A/N: Okay, first off, I'd like to dedicate this story to everyone out there that has been affected by the 'events' of this story. (I don't want to give it away, but you'll understand what I mean if you read it.) Particularly my Godfather/Uncle Jeff, Grandma Jane, and Aunt Becky, may they be in peace. To all of the survivors out there who made it through and to all of the families and friends of those who were not as fortunate.

Second, I'm sorry for what I did to Sara in this, but the story was in my head and needed to be written.

Third, all mistakes are mine and that of Microsoft Word which has been known to suck royally. If there's anything really troublesome that I missed please let me know. Also, all of my information might not be completely accurate, so just work with me on that one and be imaginative.

And finally, please read and review. I put a lot of thought into this story, so please let me know what you think of it. I always love your comments, good or bad. Be honest.

Disclaimer: Still just a single mother of two, writing fan fiction. But soon, I promise, I'll own CSI and GSR will be consummated with a live action kiss (at the very least they owe us that!)

That's it. My rant is done. Enjoy the story!

-Surviving-

Chapter Eleven: Relapse

The surgery went well according to the doctor. He explained to everyone that they wouldn't know if it would be successful for another month, but as of the moment they had reason to be hopeful. Two days later both Sara and Grissom were released from the hospital and brought home by Catherine and Lindsey. They were pleasantly surprised when they got home to find that almost everything had been unpacked for them, the walls painted and decorated, furniture arranged, and even the fridge stocked. The team was there awaiting their arrival to start a little back yard barbeque party as both a house warming and welcome home party.

Three weeks into the wait of the results, Grissom awoke to Sara murmuring, covered in sweat, coughing, and having a hard time breathing. Her entire body had paled to an eerie shade of white and was covered in films of sweat. After trying to wake up several times and only receiving incoherent mumbles in return, he called 911. The ambulance rushed her to Desert Palms where she was diagnosed with a pneumonia stemming from an infection her body was unable to fight off. It took two weeks in the hospital before she could go home. Grissom never left her bedside unless it was for the bathroom. Catherine and the boys took turns bringing him food and changes of clothes, knowing he wouldn't eat if they didn't bring something.

During the hospital stay Dr. Wallace informed them that the transplant wasn't a complete success, that the cancer was still there. It was a shattering moment for everyone. Grissom tried to keep up Sara's spirits while her body was fighting the war taking place inside her body. After going home, Sara continued her chemotherapy and radiation, causing her to lose her hair at a rapid rate. Grissom assured her that she was still just as beautiful as ever, but she had a hard time accepting it. Catherine, Brass, Nick, Warrick and Greg all pitched in for a surprise gift for Sara; a very expensive wig that looked as real as it possibly could. She had cried upon opening it.

In the next five months, Sara quickly deteriorated, much to everyone's dismay. She had undergone two more transplants and extensive chemo and radiation with little effect. Each time she would start to show signs of improvement she would relapse and end up back in the hospital. Grissom fought tooth and nail to keep her going, to keep her spirits and strength up. Without hesitation he put in for a leave of absence to continue to care for Sara. Nobody seemed to mind. In fact they were shocked he hadn't put in for one sooner. Sara protested, saying that she was a burden to him, but he wouldn't have anything of it and eventually she caved, secretly glad for his decision. He was there for her through everything. On good days they would go out together, take a walk in the park, have a picnic on the lake or take a road trip to the ocean, and on the not so good days they would just curl up on the sofa and watch movies or play games and do the crossword puzzle.

Around the fourth month Grissom surprised her with a dog. She was ecstatic. He hadn't seen her smile that huge Sidle-smile in so long, he was more than happy to give her that. She seemed to be even more pleased when he told her that he rescued the boxer from a kill-shelter that had planned on putting him down to provide for new arrivals. Sara decided to call him Chemo so that every time she went in for her treatment, she wouldn't think of the bad but instead think of him. And it worked. From that point, Sara seemed to renew her hope and strength, and made a vow to fight this with everything that was in her.