“We’ll operate. I will schedule that for next week. We will try to get it all, and then we will supplement with radiation after that. Do you have any questions at this point?” Dr. Stenton asks.

“Is it big? What will happen, will there be any damage to my speech, ability to walk, my memory?” Bette asks.

“There is always possibility that those things might happen. But we don’t know until after the operation what the extent will be. It will be a hard recovery. You will need help with most things the first few months after the operation. Do you have help?” Dr. Stenton asks.

“I will figure something out. I have friends.” Bette replies silently.

“Let me know otherwise, we do have a good facility that I can get you into, with the best rehabilitation after an illness like this.” Dr. Stenton informs. He gives a pamphlet to Bette about the facility.

Angie is sitting quiet and listening to everything the doctor says. She has to remember everything, incase mama B forgets something. She will have to be strong for her mama B.

The rest of the doctors visit went by, Bette seems to be in a bubble until the doctor stood up to finish the session.

“Will you be okay?” He asks.

“Yes, It’s just a shock. When will I get the information about the operation, when it will be?” Bette asks.

“The coordinators are sitting down tomorrow. They will call you tomorrow evening with the time and information on what you will have to do before and what to bring and stuff like that. Ok?” Dr. Stenton replies.

“Okay, thank you. I’ll wait for that call then.” Bette replies.

Bette and Angie leave the hospital after about 1 hour in with the doctor. The car ride home was done in silence. Both deep in thought. Angie is silently crying and keeps drying her tears discreetly.

Bette pulls into the driveway and parks, turns off the car. Neither Bette nor Angie makes a move to leave the car.

“Sweetie?” Bette says and puts her hand on Angie’s shoulder. Angie turns her teary eyes towards Bette. “It sucks. I know, believe me. But I am hopeful that they will fix me. Let’s stay positive, okay?” Bette says and gently strokes Angie’s cheek, and dries her tears with her thumb.