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Life Choice (Chapter 3)
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“And if it doesn’t respond?” Alice was all business, even as the others were reeling.
"Another surgery as soon as possible,” relied Dr. Bowman. “The risks to the prolonged sedation are minimal, and I’d like to avoid opening her up again if it’s at all possible.” The doctor tried to give them time to catch up. “This chemo protocol is going to be very tough, so, at the end of the day, she may even be grateful that she wasn’t awake for some part of it.”
“What do you think?” Alice directed her question to Sharon and Irwin.
“Do you care?” Irwin couldn’t help himself.
“That’s enough.” Bette responded in an even voice. “This is not about you.”
Sharon’s hand found her way to Irwin’s shoulder before he could react.
“Of course you’re right,” she said. “We’d like to give this a try.”
“Alice?” asked Dr. Bowman.
“I agree.”
Carmen was with Dana when they returned. She was adjusting the iPod she brought with her.
“Everyone picked some songs,” she explained. “We thought we could send her some love even if we can’t spend much time with her. If it’s okay, I’ll update her mix every few days.”
It was a kindness that Alice couldn’t bear and threatened her emotional control, something she couldn’t afford. Carmen instinctively understood and softly touched Alice’s cheek before leaving.
Dana finally caught a break. The tumor didn’t get any larger during the next three days and her body continued to recover from the sepsis. Four days into her medically induced coma, she received the first round of the new chemo protocol and tolerated it well as well as could be expected. The mass was slightly smaller at the next scan and they administered the second round of chemo on the sixth day. Two days after that, Dr. Bowman stopped the sedation and removed Dana from the vent.
Sharon joined Alice in waiting for Dana to regain consciousness. Al knew something was different, that Sharon was softer, and somehow more accepting, but, true to Fairbanks form, they didn’t discuss it. Instead, when Sharon occasionally reached out to touch her, Alice accepted it as genuine affection. Sharon noticed the ice chips Alice had standing by, ready to sooth Dana’s throat as soon as she was awake.
“When Dana was a little girl, she loved lemonade.”
“She still does,” Alice said with a weary smile. “Especially homemade.”
“I used to make her lemonade ice cubes all year long. She couldn’t get enough of them.”
“She’s always got a couple of trays stashed in the freezer.” Alice was surprised to learn that this was a habit she picked up from her mother.
“Maybe I could have Howard bring some tomorrow?”
“That’d be nice,” Alice said and meant it.
Hours later Dana fought her way through the fog and opened her eyes. When she managed to focus, she found Alice at her side, her head resting on her crossed arms on the bed. Alice felt Dana’s hand brush her lips and raised her head to see Dana watching her. Her heart soared.
“Hey, sleepyhead,” she beamed. “Welcome back.”
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AH! I’m so excited! You almost gave me a heart attack after that last chapter. God, I love the bond that Danish has in this story. If only IC would have seen it like it is- Danish are soulmates. Great update, and thanks for not making us wait to long after that last chapter! Please post again soon. I’m completely addicted to this story!
Yay for some good news! If only Season 3 could have been anywhere close to this. Love it, hurry and update again!
DANA LIVES!!! I wasn’t so sure this would be a happy update. I like the fact that you are giving us more of what a cancer patient might experience. Did you do a lot of research? IC had an interesting storyline, but she could have done so much more, even if Dana still eventually had to die.
I’m too kind? You do know your writing is superb?! I’m sure this story will have me crying my eyes out at some point. I’m actually suprised thatI haven’t already. I think the warning you gave us helped. ;) I loved the fact that the gang is hovering aroundDana’s hospital room and Alice has the support she needs. I also like the fact that Dana’s parents (well, her mother) burried the hatchet. I wonder how long that will last. And the sleepyhead- line…priceless. Their love is just undeniable. :)And I agree with you, S3 was a bit drastic (and that’s an understatement), all of them should have had A LOT more happiness in S3.
well, i hope you don’t think my comment was also one of the “misguided” ones. I’m aware that this story will still have drama in it, that’s for sure.I’m glad Dana is ok now.
Wonderful update. I really enjoyed it. I loved how Alice got completely business-like when she had to be. I also loved the “sleepy-head” comment. Classic Alice. I hope that Dana is on the road to recovery, and all goes well. A girl can only take so much crying. I think she’ll bounce back. Probably not back to playing professional tennis or anything, but enough to be healthy and happy. She’s a fighter, and has the unconditional support of Alice and her friends. Great job. I can’t wait to read more.
holy cr*p!!! i just read your last 3 posts back to back. you almost wrecked me. it’s too much to bare & hits too close to home. wow! well done. i hope dana can catch a real break in your story and actually live a long healthy life.
Sorry, that I kinda doubted you in the last chap. You can feel free to throw stuff at me ‘cus I deserve it after reading this update. Anyways, thank God that you updated so quick because this one left off with hope. Btw, loved the sleepy head comment from Al. Sweet update and I’m holding my breath until the next:)
OHHH MY GOD!!! It’s a miracle!!!!! I’m sooo happy! I can’t wait to see what happens next. please let Dana be ok, this was such an emotional chapter and you wrote it so well. Your fortune cookie was right though, I think it’s very true! You’re great!!! Cant wait to read more, post soon!
Phew!.. God what a nightmare situation for Alice to find herself in [ to make THAT choice ]. Heartwrenching and yes i agree with you, not always heartbreaking!! Well thankfully it turned out right and i will look forward to seeing Dana recovering with the help of the lovely Alice. Post soon. Thanks.
Beautifully written – and the way it should have been. Thank you
she’s out of it – thank goodness!
This was so awesome! I loved the last chapter but man was it a tough read. LOL this one was a little nerve racking but ended with a little more hope! Thanks so much for the fast post. I love how you ended it. Such an Alice thing to say. “Welcome back sleepyhead.” Classic, selfless Alice. Keep up the great work!
Pff that was really to close to call! Man I wish IC talked to you before writing the crappy ending that she did. This is so much better, and now on the road te recovery?? Thanks for this quick update…keep um coming.