Chapter 18
Chapter 16: Check Up
Sedona’s POV
+25 Points
They wheeled me away then, and I managed to catch one last glimpse of cameron’s face, which was filled with both worry and fear, before my eyes drifted close.
The endoscopy was invasive and humiliating, even though I was dizzy and not all in for the most of the test. Afterward, they admitted me, hooking me up to what felt like dozens of machines, all designed to perform a particular job in my body.
A new doctor came in, she looked like she was in her fifties, with grey hair pulled back in a bun and she had kind eyes that seemed to make me feel less scared as she smiled at me.
“Ms. Preston, I’m Dr. Okafor. I’m an oncologist here at Northwestern. Your brother has been filling me in on your diagnosis p>
“Sedona,” Cameron said from his position in the chair beside my bed He had come in as soon as I had been wheeled in here after my test and he hadn’t left since. He looked exhausted, his usually pristine appearance rumpled and worried.
“Dr. Okafor thinks we should start treatment now. Not wait until we get to Seattle p>
“The bleeding we saw today is likely due to tumor erosion,” Dr. Okafor explained gently letting me know what was happening to my body. She was explaining it in simpler terms that would be able for me to understand. “Your cancer is advanced, and it’s aggressive. Every day we wait gives it more time to spread. I’d like to start you on chemotherapy immediately-today, if you’re willing p>
“But the doctors in Seattle-” I started.
“Will be excellent, I’m sure,” Dr. Okafor interrupted smoothly. “But right now, you need immediate intervention. We can stabilize you here, start your treatment, and then you can continue care in Seattle under their supervision. But Ms. Preston, I have to be honest with you, this episode was really bad and it shouldn’t have happened, and I do not want to scare you but if you get another episode like you did this morning, and you might not survive the flight to Seattle p>
The words hung in the air, heavy and ominous as I turned to look at Cameroon who was squeezing my hand tightly and his face was etched with fear.
“What do you think?” I asked him.
“I think we start treatment now.” His voice was steady, but I could see his hands shaking. “I think we do whatever gives you the best chance of survival. Seattle can wait. Right now, you need to focus on staying alive p>
I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of the decision being pressed down on me. I know all about chemotherapy, knew what it would do to my body and the side effects that came with it, ranging from nausea down to loss of hair. Did I want to spend my last days being sick from the treatment rather than sick from cancer.
< Check Up
+25 Points
But then I thought of Cameron’s face when he’d found me bleeding on the hotel room floor. The sheer fear Thinking he was going to lose me and he wouldn’t be able to prevent it. I also thought of my parents, who were waiting patiently in Seattle. Trusting on Cameron to bring me home safely, so they could see the daughter they’d lost five years ago. I thought of Grandma Brooke’s words: Someday he’s going to look for you, and you won’t be there.
Maybe I owed it to them to fight. Maybe I owed it to myself.
“Okay,” I whispered. “Let’s do it p>
Dr. Okafor nodded approvingly, happy with my decision as she clasped her hands together.
“Good. We’ll start with a platinum-based regimen-cisplatin and fluorouracil. I won’t lie to you, Ms. Preston. The side effects can be rough. But this gives us the best chance of shrinking the tumor and preventing further bleeding p>
“When do we start p>
“Within the hour. We’ll pre-medicate you with anti-nausea drugs and steroids to help minimize the side effects to help give your body a boost so you won’t tire so easily.” She paused, her expression sympathetic. “Do you have any questions p>
A thousand questions crowded my mind at the same time, each fighting to be the most important one. Would it hurt? Would it work? Would I survive long enough to make it home? But I asked none of them, just shook my head.
“I’ll be back shortly to get everything started.” Dr. Okafor gave my arm a gentle squeeze before leaving.
The moment she was gone, Cameron moved from the chair beside me, still holding my hand as he made himself comfortable on the edge of my bed as he spoke, his eyes filled with unshead tears.
“You’re doing the right thing p>
“Am I? What if this is just prolonging the inevitable? What if I’m just… delaying death instead of living p>
“Then you’re delaying it. And every day you delay it is another, day you get to spend with people who love you. Another day to watch the sunset or eat your favorite food or hear a song that makes you happy. Those days matter, Sedona. They all matter p>
Tears spilled down my cheeks. “I’m scared, Cam p>
“I know.” He pulled me carefully into his arms, mindful of the IV lines and monitors, so he wouldn’t disrupt any. I didn’t know how much I needed his hug until he was actually hugging me, as my tears soaked his
chest.
“I’m scared too. But we’re going to do this together, okay? I am not going to let you face this alone. Every treatment, every appointment, every hard moment-I’ll be there. You won’t be alone p>
“You have a company to run, Cameron. You have a life in Seattle that you need to get back to. You can’t put everything on hold for me p>
“Watch me.” His voice was fierce, filled with determination. “You are my priority. My only priority. Everything else can wait p>
2/3
Check Up
+25 Points
Leried against his shoulder, finally allowing myself to let loose of all the fear and exhaustion and pain that Thad hidden for years. I had held myself through the sheer force of will trying to be a perfect wife and
mother, but I had nobody to share my burdens with.
But now I did. Now Thad Cameron, who was absolutely refusing to let me face this alone.
A nurse came in eventually, wheeling a cart with bags of clear liquid. “Alright, Ms. Preston. Let’s get you started p>
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.