A Real Family

Chapter 4-4

Friday finally rolled around. Russell had been able to get the CT scan and ultrasound done, both on the same day. That ensured plenty of time for the results to be available for the oncologist. Peter asked if he could come along. Russell smiled at the request, and realized how relieved he was to have his man with him.

At the reception desk, Russell introduced himself and Peter. He told the receptionist that he wanted Peter to join him during the meeting. He’d completed filling out the forms. This time he told Peter he was listed as emergency contact and next-of-kin. Dr. Thompson came out to meet them and escorted the two into his office. He took a moment to review the information.

“Dr. Wilson will understand the terminology, but I’ll keep it as plain as I can. Your cancer is at stage two A. That means, the cancer has grown through the wall of your colon, but hasn’t yet spread to surrounding tissue or your lymph nodes. That is encouraging news. The typical course of treatment is surgery to remove the affected section of your colon. I prefer to follow that with adjuvant chemotherapy for additional assurance. Abdominal surgery is always considered serious and you can expect to remain in hospital for up to a week. I recommend you arrange for a least several additional weeks off from work after you’re released. Avoid any strenuous activities for up to six weeks. The prognosis for this stage of cancer with prompt treatment is a very high survival rate. I don’t mean to sound morbid. I’m trying to state facts. So, gentlemen, do either of you have any questions?”

Russell glanced at both men. “Am I going to have an ostomy? I’m not sure how they work, but when I did a bit of research online, it indicated that was a possibility.”

Dr. Thompson looked thoughtful for a moment. “Based on the results of your tests, I’d say it shouldn’t be necessary. However, we won’t know for certain until the time of the actual surgery, when we can see the extent of the cancer. I’m sorry I can’t be more specific at the moment. If you’re ready, I’ll have my assistant book the surgery and contact Dr. Mills with the details. He’ll explain all the pre and post-op care. I’ll follow-up with you, as well. We’ll get to know each other well over the next few years.”

Russell’s voice was low. “Thank you. Tell me about the chemotherapy. I’d like to get a full picture of what’s going to happen.”

Dr. Thompson passed Russell a brochure. “There are details in here about the benefits and side effects of chemo. For your stage of colon cancer, we typically choose one of three drugs. One is an oral medication, with side effects that affect your gastro-intestinal functions. The other two are administered by IV. They also have side effects which tend to vary by patient. You’re young and fit, so they should be on the minimal side. No guarantees, mind you.”

Finally, the appointment ended. Russell was silent as he drove to Peter’s home. He glanced over and wondered how loving he might be after the surgery. He forced a smile. “Go pack a bag. We’re going away for the weekend. Mine is in the trunk. Everything is booked. This weekend, we only think about us, not cancer, deal?”

Peter brushed a kiss over his lips before he left to go inside to pack. “Deal.”