You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life. - Unknown Author
Sophie took Daisy to the hospital and the nurse took Daisy for some tests. First she went through the screening test, which was a mammogram. It was a process of using low energy x-rays to examine her breasts. It was completed in fifteen minutes, but then she had to go for a breast MRI and ultrasound. The doctor explained that a mass was found and they needed the ultrasound in order to evaluate the distortion found on the mammography. The MRI was inconclusive. But the good news was that Daisy wouldn't have to wait days for the results, they would be given to her at the end of the visit, both verbally and in writing.
She anxiously waited with Sophie, trying not to think the worst, but also not daring to hope for the best. This was the worst day of her life, even worse than the accident that had killed her mother.
As Daisy flipped through a magazine, she pointed to an article. "Well this lady lost one breast and got her boobs done. They look really nice. Maybe I can get a boob job."
Sophie knew that the glib comment was Daisy's defence mechanism kicking in. If she could joke about the situation, she wouldn't have to face it. But there was no hiding from the harsh reality of Cancer. It was scary and life changing, but she knew her friends, Sophie and Peter, would all help her through whatever happened.
The doctor called Daisy into her office. Daisy clutched Sophie's hand and asked her to join them.
"There is a small tumourous growth in your breast, but it is benign."
Daisy looked at the doctor and then at Sophie, not understanding what that meant.
Sophie clarified by asking a question. "That means the tumour is non-cancerous, but does it need to be removed?"
Realizing she didn't have cancer, Daisy interrupted. "So I don't have cancer? Are you sure?"
The doctor smiled. "Yes we are sure. Multiple tests were done to make sure. It does not need to be removed and it will not spread to other parts of your body. That said I would like to schedule a follow up appointment, to make sure it doesn't continue to grow. Think of it as a precaution."
"What happens if it does grow?" Daisy asked, once again serious.
"We would do a breast biopsy, which means we could remove a small piece of breast tissue for testing. If everything is okay and the mass is still causing discomfort, we can surgically remove it." The doctor gave them both a number of pamphlets explaining everything. Then she made an appointment with Sophie for Daisy's follow up.
Before they left the doctor's office, Daisy inquired. "In your professional opinion do you think this thing...mass, in my boob will become cancerous."
"Given the testing we have done, the conditions of the mass, the next appointment should validate that you are cancer free. But if anything changes, contact me immediately."
"Thank you doctor," Daisy said, a little more reassured.
They returned to the truck and Sophie asked, "feel like a milkshake and burger? It's on me. You've handled things very well today. I'm happy for you and proud of you Daisy."
"Could I get a root beer float and a cheese burger with fries?"
Sophie smiled, "gravy for the fries?"
Daisy returned the smile and nodded. As they drove away from the hospital, she turned to Sophie. "Thank you... for being here with me."
"You know I'm here for you always. Even just to talk about today. I'm so relieved you're okay." Sophie affectionately used one arm to hug Daisy briefly.
"After that next visit, it will be the first day of the rest of my life... no actually, it'll be the best day of my life."
"The start, perhaps, of many 'best days' I hope."
At the restaurant, when they got their drinks, Daisy clinked her glass with Sophie's and made a toast. "To the future and many best days of my life."
"Cheers and amen!"
Later back at Mount Horizon, she told the Cliff Hangers what had happened. They were in shock and then became very supportive. She had expected nothing less, just earlier hadn't been ready to accept it all.
"You've definitely earned a clean bill of health and some good luck," Ezra said giving Daisy a quick hug.
"Agreed. Now don't we have some math questions to complete?" Daisy asked the group.
Chris groaned, "Sophie, can't we just say that due to medical reasons we're exempt for doing the questions?"
"Nice try Chris, but no. All of you need to complete your work," Peter said as he hugged Daisy.
Shelby rolled her eyes and went to sit down beside Chris. "Show me what you've done so far."
Peter was impressed with Shelby's response and patience with her friend. Changes were happening with all the Cliff Hangers and it was for the better. Scott dragged a chair over to the other side of Chris, looking over her shoulder. Sometimes the kids amazed him and he loved that moment. He was impressed that even Daisy wouldn't let Chris give up on her math problems. It wasn't long ago that they'd all been very selfish and reserved, everyone was making progress with their healing. Soon a number of Cliff Hangers would be graduating, and that made Peter happy and proud.
