Chapter 6

The ride home was somber. Neither of them could put words to the news Marcus, had given them.

"Well, Jonathan,…Jennifer, I won't sugar coat this. The results are not what I had hoped for. I was hoping for something straight forward, but the Ultra Sound shows a mass."

Jennifer let out a little breath and just as she was about to lay into Marcus Chapman M.D., he kept control of the conversation, stopping her in mid gasp.

Holding up a hand at Jennifer he continued "Now before you both jump to any conclusions, I have to tell you that is all I know right now."

Marcus continued, "Jonathan, I am referring you on to UCLA Med Center. Your blood work will take a few more days. I had them draw an extra vile for a test I was hoping not to run. It's a blood test that shows enzymes that are present when a patient has active cancer in either the liver or pancreas. Like I said it takes a few days. I had Beverly check and the Med Center had a cancellation the out-patient surgery suite. So if you're available I can get you in as soon as Wednesday."

"Wait a minute Marcus, are you telling me I have cancer?" asked Jonathan.

Marcus took a moment, "Jonathan I can't say that for certain. But a visible mass on an ultra sound is a valid reason to send you on for the procedure."

Jennifer placed her hand softly over Jonathan's, she gathered up all her composure and began to fire questions at Marcus, her copious researcher mode was kicking in.

"Let's start with the procedure Marcus, what is it, and what will we find out? I mean why should Jonathan do something that isn't needed, if…."

"Let me explain", interjected Marcus, "the procedure it's called an ERCP, basically a flex tube with a camera along with a tool guide is dropped down the throat to the upper part of the intestine. Air is then used to inflate the GI tract which allows for examination of and possible biopsy of the openings and ducts to the pancreas. Dye is injected to highlight specific areas and x-rays are taken of the areas of interest."

"What if I don't want to do this Marcus? You know, let sleeping dogs lie?"

"Oh, Jonathan!" said Jennifer causing him to turn and look into her pained face. "Please? Just listen…?" and she softly squeezed his hand.

"Jonathan as you Physician I have to insist you take this very seriously."

"I am taking it seriously," said Jonathan as he gave Jennifer's hand a little squeeze back.

Jennifer sat back in her chair a relaxed a little and thought, "Thank God, he isn't going to fight me on this."

Sensing Jennifer's relief Jonathan said, "Ok Marcus, go ahead, let's get the ball rolling.

And when and where do we need to be, and how long until we get some results?"

Marcus paged Beverly, she scurried in the office and handed the doctor a thin booklet, "Here you go Jonathan. Everything you need to know for pre-op, and post-opt. Looks like your first in the chute as well, 5:30am too early for you two?"

Jonathan stood and extended his hand to Marcus, "Thanks buddy." Then turning to Jennifer, "Darling shall we?"

Jennifer was astonished at Jonathan's demeanor, "A doctor just told them he could have cancer, and he's acting like… like it's a board meeting!" Ruffled and shocked all she could do was follow Jonathan to the car.

Jonathan opened the car door for Jennifer and she slid into the passenger seat absorbed with anger and deep in thought. Jonathan climbed in and started the motor, fastened his seatbelt, and glanced toward Jennifer.

This was what he was expecting, but Jennifer had been blind sided. Her silence and far off look told him she was mulling all this over. Even before they saw the doctor, Jonathan had made several important decisions that were only his to make. In the long run he would have to convince Jennifer to let him do this his way. But first he would follow her. He would wait, for her. Let her find her way to deal with all this, it was how she was hardwired, and one of the things he loved most about her, "tenacity" he thought. Never giving up with out a fight.

She had reacted badly when her father took ill, Stephen had only days left, and Jennifer practically went mad phoning doctors and hospitals, searching for experimental treatments. She had to exercise her pain, deep inside she knew it all would be to no avail. But she had to do something; she couldn't just stand by and watch her father die. In the end that is what she did, sitting by him, not leaving his side after he had slipped into a coma. She was still holding his hand when the nurse came in to unhook the monitors.

So Jonathan waited and held onto the silence.