Never Again, Again
Chapter 30
Christine could tell Mike was nervous. He had sat through scans and exams and now they waited on her doctor to give them a verdict. He had settled in, and had gone with Christine to her chemotherapy and radiation appointments. He did well with James and Julia but seemed to really be struggling with Katie and Hannah.
Mike was really trying and seemed to be committed. He was trying to bond with Carly, getting to know James and Julia, was very supportive of Christine, and was trying to connect with Katie and Hannah again. Christine looked over and smiled at the way Mike was fidgeting with a magazine. She reached over and squeezed his hand. Just then; her oncologist; Dr. Davis walked in and offered them a smile.
"Dr. Davis, this is my husband, Mike." Christine introduced. Mike stood and shook Dr. Davis' hand before settling next to Christine and putting an arm around her.
"Nice to meet you. So, I've reviewed the bloodwork, scans, exams and x-rays. Of course; the radiation and chemotherapy was more of a precaution because the lymph nodes looked irritated. We biopsied at the same time as the surgery, and nothing was showing, but the team felt the best thing would be to run you through a cycle of treatment just in case." Dr. Davis explained.
"Did it work?" Mike asked.
"Yes. There are no signs of any cancer. We, of course, need to monitor you closely, Mrs. Slattery. I would like you back in three months to recheck everything." Dr. Davis said.
"So, no more chemo or radiation?" Christine asked.
"No more chemo or radiation. Of course, as I said; we need to monitor you pretty carefully." Dr. Davis answered.
"So, she can regain strength?" Mike said.
"Carefully. Its important you don't overdo; Mrs. Slattery. Allow your body to recover. Nap when you need. Eat what you can handle." Dr. Davis said as he stood up. Christine and Mike both followed suit.
"Thank you for taking such good care of me." Christine said.
"Thank you for being such a good patient. See you in three months and call the office if you need anything or have any questions." Dr. Davis said. He spoke with his nurse and then they separated ways. Christine's next appointment was set up and they headed home.
"Would you like to eat out?" Mike asked.
"Nah. Not today. Maybe sometime soon." Christine answered.
"I'm trying, Chris." Mike said. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"I know you are. I am just tired and want to go home. I also think you need to concentrate on the kids." Christine said.
"And they say I need to concentrate on you." Mike remarked.
"I'll talk to them." Christine answered.
"I'm wondering if this is even worth fighting for. Katie and Hannah don't want me anywhere near them. James and Julia are okay but eventually they'll resent me. And then, there's you." Mike said.
"That is something you have to decide for yourself, Mike. Just remember; if you leave now, there's no coming back. If you want any chance with me or those kids, you stay. To me, its your only option." Christine said.
"Its hard." Mike admitted. Christine reached over and squeezed his knee.
"But it will be worth it. Just keep trying. I'll talk to the girls. See if I can ease the path a bit." Christine remarked.
"You'd do that?" Mike asked.
"Yes. Believe it or not; I do want to keep this family together." Christine replied as Mike pulled into their driveway. He pulled into the garage and helped Christine out of the SUV. As soon as walked in; Katie handed Carly to Mike and grabbed her purse.
"I have to go to a study group. How'd the appointment go?" Katie asked.
"Good. They'll have to monitor everything but I'm done with the chemo and radiation." Christine said.
"Good. I better go. Don't wait up for me." Katie said. She kissed Christine's cheek and headed out the door, completely ignoring Mike.
"I wonder if Carly has had a nap?" Mike remarked.
"Or when she had her last bottle. Once I know she's not driving; I'll text her." Christine replied. She settled in the living room and Mike handed Carly to her.
"You hungry?" Mike asked.
"Not yet. Did you have an idea for supper?" Christine asked.
"I was thinking about grilling. I got some hamburger and bratwursts out." Mike answered.
"Sounds good. Hannah can help." Christine said. Mike helped her put her feet up and Carly cuddled close.
"I would say Carly is ready for a nap. I checked. She is clean and dry." Mike said.
"I think I'm ready for a nap too." Christine remarked.
"I can take her?" Mike asked.
"Nah. She's settled." Christine answered. Mike put a blanket over Christine and Carly and kissed Christine's forehead.
"Thank you for not giving up on me." Mike said.
"Just keep trying, Mike. Don't give up." Christine answered. He kissed her again, this time on the lips before leaving her and Carly to their naps.
Christine knew that she was going to have to talk to Katie and Hannah, before they drove Mike away. Some of their anger was justified and Mike was going to have to accept that, but she didn't want it to derail him being a father to James, Julia or even Carly and being a husband to her. She just had to figure out how to solve the issues.
