SHOW ME HOW

Chapter 9

The next day passed in a blur, and by midday, I left school for a routine check-up at the hospital—one that usually takes a couple of hours. Mom had already told me she wouldn't be able to come; work had her tied up again. She just asked me to keep her posted on what the doctor said.

I stepped into the doctor's office and was greeted by Miss Sheila at the front desk of the oncology unit. Everyone here always seems so kind.

"Hi Devin, Dr. Montgomery is expecting you. You can go right in," she said with a bright smile.

"Thanks, Miss Sheila," I replied, heading toward the office. I gave the door a quick knock before stepping inside. Dr. Montgomery, his grey hair neatly combed, looked up from behind his desk and smiled.

"How have you been, sunshine?" he asked warmly.

"I'm good, and you, Doctor?"

"Doing well. Come, have a seat—let's go over your latest test results," he said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

"I won't keep you long—let's get through this so we can both head home," Dr. Montgomery said with a warm smile.

"Okay," I replied.

He leaned forward slightly. "Your latest results show that the cancer cell growth has slowed down, which is exactly what we want. It's a good sign—it means we're starting to gain some ground. But we still need to keep a close eye on things. You know how unpredictable cancer can be—quiet one moment, then suddenly active again. So, instead of weekly visits, I want you to come in once a month while we give your immune system time to strengthen. We'll keep monitoring in case anything spikes."

He paused, then added, "I've already sent your results and a few other notes to your mom. She's off today, but I want you to focus on eating clean-cut out the sugar. Cancer thrives on it. And if you start feeling too much pain or just feel off, don't wait. Call me or come in right away. Now, let me do a quick check-up, and then you can head down for your bloodwork before we wrap up."

He stood, and I followed his lead. He always rambles a bit, and I actually like that about him. I don't always feel like talking, and with him, I don't have to—unless I have questions.

I almost asked why he said Mom was off today when I knew she was working. But I figured I'd ask her later when she called. I wouldn't see her now anyway—she was helping out in another unit, always busy. Dr. Montgomery never pried, and I appreciated that.

After the check-up, I went downstairs to get my blood drawn and finish the rest of the tests before heading home.

Once there, I tossed a few chicken fillets in the oven, drizzled with honey and mustard sauce, then sank into a warm bath while they baked. I didn't have much of an appetite, but skipping meals made me feel worse.

Even with the news about the cancer slowing down, I couldn't bring myself to feel hopeful. I knew how this went. A few months—maybe even weeks—and my body would betray me again.

I got dressed in a pair of loose black cotton shorts and an oversized grey t-shirt. I was just about to head downstairs when my phone rang. It was Mom.

"Hi mom"

"Hey, honey. What did Dr. Montgomery say during your appointment?" she asked, her voice so weary it made my guilt twist deeper—she was working herself to the bone just so I could keep going.

"He said he sent you the latest results and a few other things. I only need to come in once a month now for check-ups," I replied.

"Oh, I haven't had a chance to look at them yet. I'll check after this call."