One day at a time. (Part 2 of the story of Joanne and Paul. Now complete!)

Chapter 29 - June 27th 2002 (cont'd)

It was Paul who broke the silence.

"Talk to me Joanne." he pleaded quietly.

Jo continued to stare down at her hands. Although she had heard Paul speak, she couldn't answer! She didn't know what to say to him! She felt numb, terrified but numb. Suddenly her whole world felt like it was spiralling out of control. What would happen if the treatment failed? What would happen to Grace and James? What if the surgeon recommended a full mastectomy? Would Paul, the man who was so clearly turned on by her boobs, still find her sexy? She started to shake violently and her teeth began to chatter. Paul pressed the call button in alarm. Two nurses came into the room, followed by the consultant who had just delivered the news.

Paul stepped back as they began to talk to Jo. They gave her oxygen to help her breathe more regularly and gave her extra blankets to stop the shivering. In time, her normal colour returned and her breathing steadied. The nurse removed her oxygen mask.

"Feeling better?" she asked.

Jo nodded. "Thank you."

The nurse smiled. "It was shock Mrs Johnson. A combination of the surgery and your news."

Jo nodded. "I'm sorry to take up your time."

"It's what we're here for Mrs Johnson. Don't you worry!" The nurse turned to Paul. "Everything is stable now. Please call if you have any other concerns."

Thanking her, Paul turned his attention back to Joanne. Once he heard to door close, he spoke to her again.

"Joanne love. Talk to me. Please! Don't block me out!"

Joanne looked up at him and gave him a weak smile. "What can I say?" she whispered, "I've just been told I have cancer. It's hardly a conversation point." A single tear rolled down her face.

Paul moved to her. Mindful of her surgery, he took her in his arms and held her carefully. "I love you Joanne. This news means you have to let me love you and support you. I'm here baby and I'll always be with you."

"I can't put you through this again Paul. Not after..." she stopped and looked at him. "Is this what happened to Linda? Is this the same?"

Paul continued to hold her. "This is nothing like Linda. You heard what the doctor said, they got everything. The next treatment is just a belt and braces precaution!"

Jo leant her head on to his shoulder. "Thank you for being here Paul. I need you with me so much!"

They sat like that for some time. Suddenly Paul's phone rang. He moved carefully so as not to hurt her and looked at the caller ID.

"It's Grace love. She'll be wondering why I haven't rung her. Shall I answer it?"

It rang again, impatient for news. "Jo?"

Finally she nodded.

"Do you want me to tell her what the consultant has said?"

"Only if she's not on her own."

Paul answered the phone. As he expected, Grace was frantic for news. James and Luke were also there, waiting. After greeting them all via speaker, he explained that Jo was back from theatre but very tired and sleepy.

"Is there any news yet Paul? About what they've found?" Grace asked. Jo could hear the anxiety in her voice.

Paul looked to Jo, questioning. She nodded.

"Yes, she has had some news." said Paul.

"And?" James spoke now.

"I'm afraid the news is both bad and good."

"Paul, what do you mean?" Jo could now hear her daughter sounding more tearful.

"The tumour your mum had was very small and easily removed." he explained slowly, "However, the testing has shown it's cancer..."

"NO!"

Paul calmed the three of them then continued. "The surgeon has said he's removed all the affected tissue. They're going to do a course of Chemo as a precaution. He expects your mum to be fine in time."

Grace was now crying.

"Grace love," said Paul quickly, "It's OK. Seriously. When I went through this last time, the doctors, they are always very upfront about the possible prognosis. The consultant treating your mum is one of the best. He's sure Jo will be fine. I know from before that chemo can be rough but patients recover."

"Is mum there Paul?"

"Yes."

"Mum!"

"I'm here love." Jo answered the calls of her daughter. "I'm OK. Tired and sore but OK. Paul's being amazing even though this must be a nightmare for him to be going through it again. I'm OK. Don't worry!"

After talking for a few more minutes, Paul hung up. He looked at Jo. "At least you're speaking now!"

Jo smiled softly. "I meant what I said. You have been amazing! I'm so sorry to put you through all this again Paul."

Paul kissed her gently. "And your not a nightmare. Let's describe it as me being knowledgeable about breast cancer and the available treatments."

Despite the seriousness of the situation, she giggled. "Sometimes you're bonkers McCartney."

He kissed her again. "It's nice to hear you laugh despite everything!"

Joanne gave him a hug then winced. "Ow! That hurt! One handed hugs from now on!"

They talked for a while. Jo began to open up about how she was feeling and her fears. Between them, they compiled a list of questions for the consultant. Jo found Paul was a massive support to her. A support she couldn't do without.

It was early evening when Paul finally left Joanne and headed back to her house. He let himself into the house, walked Martha then settled down with a sandwich and a cup of tea. Picking up his phone, he dialled his daughter Mary. He broke the news about Joanne. Mary was devastated for them both although she was able to take some comfort that the prognosis was positive. After promising she would let the other McCartney children know, the called ended.

Tired and weary, he sat on the sofa. Suddenly the enormity of the situation hit him. For the third time in his life, someone he adored was now fighting breast cancer! He crumbled and began to cry. Deep, heart rending sobs for those that had already lost their battle and for the one now fighting hers.