Second Chance

Chapter 5

Today was Thursday and I would be starting my new treatment. When I told my family the news on Monday they seemed more positive than I did. They thought only about the fact it didn't spread or grow, but they're not the ones getting the treatment. There are days my body aches, or I'm to sick to get out of bed. I know my immune system is weakening. I'm not completely giving up hope but some days it's harder than others.

I hate the fact that I'm at home sleeping my life away when I could be getting ready for college or be working somewhere. I want to get back outside. I've tried but I don't make it far before my body wants to give up on me. Then on top of things, I'm 100% more likely to end up sick and possibly admitted to the hospital.

Waking up today was a lot of work. I woke up later than usual, and anymore no one wakes me because they know I need my rest. There are nights I can't sleep due to the fact I'm throwing up till I no longer have anything in my system and I start to dry heave. I'll tell you what it's not fun either. Today I didn't wake up until 11 o'clock and my treatment is at noon. Once I was moving around I took a ten-minute shower, then after drying off, I put on a sweatshirt and some sweats. The weather was in the 90's but to me, I was freezing.

I skipped breakfast and waited for my dad to drop me off. Dad and James were trying to expand the business and have been swamped with meetings every day. I didn't see them as much but they tried to spend there free time with me, as long as I wasn't sleeping.

After dad dropped me off, I did the usual, go in, sign my name then the nurse takes me over to a seat and hooks me up to the IV. She explained a little about the new chemo I'm starting and that it's stronger. Also that it takes longer than the last one which I already knew I was here for 3 hours instead of 2.

Seth still wasn't here but I guess Hope did tell me he had surgery to remove his tumor. Millie goes over there to visit him every other day if she can and then they're always on the phone texting or talking. It's cute watching her face light up when he calls or texts her. She gets this big smile on her face or sometimes she starts blushing.

I wasn't sure when I zoned out but when I finally snapped out of my thoughts, an hour and a half has already gone by. Deciding to check all of my social media I felt my phone vibrate and a notification pop up that Hope sent me a text.

Are you still at treatment?

I responded with a yes and never got anything back. Maybe she was back from Seth's and wanted to talk but I wasn't home.

Ten minutes passed and I heard my name being called. When I looked up I was surprised to see Hope, Seth, and Luca walking over to me. I put a smile on my face and greeted them with a hey.

Luca was the first to speak.

"How are you doing?"

I was surprised to see him here but I guess he had to drive the other two since there not old enough.

"I've been better. Started a new chemo today." 

He looked surprised when I said that but his next question answered why he's surprised. "Why did they change chemos? What was wrong with the last one?"

"No progress. It didn't do anything to the cancer so I'm on a stronger one that I get for 3 hours twice a week."

"Ouch. Well, I hope this one works for you. I'm sure you've heard Seth had surgery?"

"Yea I did and I'm happy for him. Now he can live his life the way he wants." I was a little jealous that I wouldn't be able to just yet but I meant what I said about being happy for him. No 12 year old should go through that

For the next hour and twenty minutes that I had left, we all talked and Luca offered to take us home. I sent Jodi a text letting her know I had a way home that she wasn't needed.

On the way home the ride was silent except for Hope and Seth talking. Luca didn't need directions because I guess he's dropped Hope off before. When we arrived we both said our goodbyes to the boys and headed inside. I went to the kitchen first to grab me some water to keep myself hydrated and then was going to lay down and watch a movie.

Halfway through the movie I ended up falling asleep, and I'm not sure how long I was sleeping but I woke up in pain. My body ached and I had a massive headache coming on. Luckily the doctor did prescribe me pain medication beforehand because he said this may happen. I somehow managed to get out of bed and make my way to the medicine and take it. Hopefully, it kicks in quick.

Thirty minutes later I was back laying on my bed with the medicine working but this time I was freezing. I had on sweats and sweatpants and 2 blankets and I was still cold. I wonder if we have a space heater?

The time was only 7 o'clock so my dad should be home and awake so I went to go find him. When I went downstairs I found him watching some t.v. in the living room.

"Hey dad"

"Hey, sweetie what's wrong?"

"I was wondering if we had a space heater I can use. I'm freezing even with what I'm wearing and two blankets." just as I said that I started getting goosebumps all over my body.

"Yea let me get it and set it up in your room for you. How are you feeling otherwise you haven't eaten today." he was always concerned for me and it warms my heart since I don't have a mom to do that.

"Thanks, Dad and I woke up with my body aching and a bad headache so I took some of the pain medicine Dr. Bower prescribed me"

"Okay, sweetie. Take it easy okay."

While he went and got the space heater I went and curled myself back into bed. A couple of minutes later, dad, had it all set up and running for me and I started warming up.

"Goodnight sweetie"

"Goodnight dad" and with that, he kissed my forehead and left the room. I was able to get my self back to sleep with that and for once I slept well.