Drinking To Cope

The Mines (Chapter 2)

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"Claw, your report is back. I'm afraid that it's all bad news."

"I'm sorry?"

Claw brought out his paws to hold the paper the doctor had, but the doctor held it tightly. He gave Claw a nod of disapproval. It seemed as if the doctor was upset about something, but they weren't telling him what it was about. Claw continued to get nervous. Was it something bad that needed surgery? Was it something about his diet? Was his blood pressure low or high? He needed to know!

"Doctor, what is it?"

Claw retracted his arms and put them uniformly on his lap, waiting for the moment he would be able to grab the paper and read it. It was pulling on him; he needed to know what was concerning the doctor so much.

"Claw, this isn't good. I hope you understand that... you don't have much time."

"What do you mean, Doctor?"

"Claw, I want to start by saying that I understand this news may be difficult to hear. After reviewing your test results, I regret to inform you that you have stage 4 cancer. However, I want you to know that we're here to support you every step of the way.

Given the stage of your cancer, chemotherapy is the recommended treatment option. Chemotherapy works by targeting and destroying cancer cells throughout the body. While it can be challenging, it's often effective in slowing down the progression of the disease and improving quality of life.

It's important to be aware that chemotherapy may come with side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and fur loss. However, we have strategies and medications to help manage these side effects and make the treatment process as comfortable as possible for you.

I want to emphasise that your response to chemotherapy can vary, and we'll closely monitor your progress throughout the treatment. Additionally, we have a supportive care team available to address any concerns or questions you may have."

"You're saying that I have stage 4 cancer and that you want me to take chemotherapy because it'll extend my lifespan longer? And it's not definite that it will."

"Claw, I understand your concern and hesitation. Yes, the goal of recommending chemotherapy is to extend your lifespan and improve your quality of life. While chemotherapy can be an effective treatment option for many people with stage 4 cancer, it's important to acknowledge that it's not a guarantee. Each person responds differently to treatment, and factors such as the type and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as your overall health, can influence how well you respond to chemotherapy.

Our recommendation is based on the best available evidence and our experience in treating similar cases. However, I want to emphasise that the decision to undergo chemotherapy is ultimately yours to make. We're here to provide you with all the information and support you need to make an informed decision that's right for you."

"Do people normally respond well to the chemotherapy? And will there be a chance that it doesn't help me at all?"

"Claw, while chemotherapy can be effective for many people, how individuals respond can vary widely. Some people respond well to chemotherapy, experiencing a reduction in tumour size, improved symptoms, and an extended lifespan. However, it's also true that not everyone responds as favourably, and there is a chance that chemotherapy may not provide the desired outcomes.

Factors such as the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health can influence how well you respond to chemotherapy. It's essential to have realistic expectations and to understand that while chemotherapy can be a valuable tool in fighting cancer, it may not be a cure for everyone.