A Journey Through Love and Loss

Second opinion

Avery's POV

The journey back to the hospital felt surreal. Naghalfday lang si Tyler sa office para samahan ako bumalik ng hospital. Ilang araw din akong tahimik at medyo di makakain ng maayos dahil sa nalaman ko. Ilang araw na lang din new year na.

After new year pa naman ang balik namin sa school at magsisimula na rin nun ang OJT namin bago grumaduate.

His strong grip on the steering wheel was the only constant amidst the whirlwind of emotions inside me. Every bump on the road seemed magnified, echoing the uncertainty that lay ahead.

Arriving at the hospital, we made our way to Dr. Ramirez's office, where we were soon joined by Dr. Lao, the radiologist who had reviewed my MRI scans.

They greeted us with reassuring smiles that did little to calm the storm raging within.

Dr. Ramirez gestured for us to sit down, his demeanor gentle yet serious. "Avery, Tyler, thank you for coming in today. I understand this has been a lot to process, especially over the holidays."

I just nodded.

Dr. Lao took over, projecting the MRI images onto a screen. "We've reviewed your scans thoroughly, Avery. The abnormality we've identified appears to be a lesion consistent with a rare type of brain tumor known as a cloud cytoma. A very rare form of cancer that doesn't have a treatment."

My heart sank at the confirmation, though a part of me had braced for this news since receiving Dr. Ramirez's text.

Cancer? Walang lunas ang sakit ko?

Dr. Ramirez continued, his tone gentle yet matter-of-fact. "A cloud cytoma is a slow-growing tumor that forms within the brain's tissues. It's not aggressive, but its location and size will require careful monitoring and potentially treatment."

"What are our next steps?" Tyler asked, his voice steady despite the weight of the situation.

"We'll need to confirm this diagnosis with additional tests, including a biopsy to determine the exact nature of the tumor," Dr. Lao explained, his expression sympathetic yet clinical.

Dr. Ramirez nodded in agreement. "We'll also consult with our neurosurgery team to discuss the best course of action moving forward. Our goal will be to manage any symptoms you're experiencing and to ensure we have a comprehensive understanding of the tumor's characteristics."

The room felt suddenly smaller, the air thick with the reality of what lay ahead. My mind raced with questions, fears, and a deep-seated hope that this nightmare would somehow dissipate. Sana talaga panahinip na lang lahat ng 'to.

I've read about cases like this in the books, and in fact, it's really hard to treat because there's no established treatment for it yet.

"How many months do I have left?" I asked.

Dr. Ramirez and Dr. Lao were surprised by my question and exchanged glances. Napatingin din sakin si Tyler.

Dr. Ramirez cleared his throat. "If we can't manage this in time, you might have about 6 months left."

"6 months?" I asked, almost whispering.

"Consult abroad. Find a doctor who can treat her. 6 months? What the heck! Do you think you're gods?" Tyler said, raising his voice.

"That's also our plan. We will look for a skilled doctor in America who can examine Avery. Because if she gets treated here in the Philippines, her chances of survival are low," Dr. Lao said.

"That's why you should already start looking for a doctor who can treat her right away so we can address this immediately. Whether she needs chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or whatever it is, we will do it." Tyler's frustration was clear from his tone.