(3rd person P.O.V)
On the following day, Nate and Arabella went about their morning routine with a mix of determination and an undercurrent of nervous energy. They dressed in silence, the weight of the upcoming appointment hanging in the air. Breakfast felt subdued, yet they ate with a quiet resolve, determined to face whatever lay ahead together.
After breakfast, they gathered their belongings and headed out. Arabella took the wheel, her grip on it steady as she navigated the familiar streets. Nate sat in the passenger seat, his gaze occasionally drifting to the window, lost in his own thoughts.
Their first stop was a familiar one—the church. As they pulled into the parking lot, Arabella's hands paused for a moment on the steering wheel before she turned off the engine. She turned to Nate, a soft smile on her lips.
"I'll just be a moment," she said, her voice gentle. "I want to offer a prayer for you."
Nate nodded, understanding the significance of this ritual. It had become a part of their routine, a way for Arabella to find solace and seek strength in the face of the challenges they were navigating.
Arabella stepped out of the car and walked toward the church, her steps measured and purposeful. Nate watched her go, a mix of emotions stirring within him. He leaned back in the seat, closing his eyes for a moment as he sent his own silent thoughts and hopes into the universe.
As he waited, Nate found himself reflecting on the journey they had been on since the diagnosis. Arabella's unwavering faith had become a pillar of support for both of them. He remembered the day they had received the news, the shock and fear that had gripped them. Arabella had turned to prayer, finding solace in the quiet moments she spent seeking guidance and comfort.
Over time, Nate had found himself drawn to these moments of reflection as well. While he might not share the same level of faith, he understood the importance of finding a space for stillness, hope, and for a connection to something greater than themselves.
Minutes later, Arabella returned to the car, her expression calm and serene. She settled into the driver's seat and turned the key, the engine rumbling to life. As they pulled away from the church.
They drove in a cocoon of comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts as the car glided through the streets. The hospital came into view, a stark reminder of the journey they were on. Nate parked the car, and together, they stepped out and made their way to the reception area. Arabella approached the desk, her voice steady as she informed the receptionist about their appointment with Dr. Matthew.
The receptionist, a kind-faced woman, nodded and motioned for them to take a seat. Nate and Arabella settled into the waiting area, the minutes stretching before them like an eternity. Arabella fiddled with her hands, her gaze unfocused as she let her thoughts drift. Nate leaned back, his eyes fixed on a distant point, a mixture of nerves and anticipation swirling within him.
Finally, the receptionist picked up the phone and engaged in a hushed conversation. Nate's heart rate quickened as he exchanged a glance with Arabella. Moments later, the receptionist looked up, her expression softening.
"The doctor is ready to see you now," she said, gesturing for them to proceed down the corridor.
Nate and Arabella exchanged a nod and rose from their seats. Walking side by side, they retraced their steps down the familiar path, the weight of the moment settling over them like a heavy blanket. They reached the door, and Nate lifted his hand, his knuckles rapping softly against the wood.
"Come in," the familiar voice called from the other side.
Nate's fingers tightened around the doorknob, and he pushed the door open. He and Arabella stepped into the room, the door closing behind them with a soft click. Dr. Matthew sat at his desk, his expression a blend of professionalism and warmth.
"Please, have a seat," he said, motioning to the chairs in front of his desk.
Nate and Arabella exchanged a glance before settling into the chairs. The room felt both intimate and weighty, a space where important conversations unfolded.
Dr Matthew leaned forward, his eyes meeting Nate's with a reassuring gaze. "I understand you've been waiting for these results," he began, his voice calm and measured.
Nate nodded, his throat suddenly dry. Arabella reached out and took his hand, offering a silent gesture of support.
"I'll cut to the chase," Dr Matthew continued. "The results of your Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy came back, and I want to discuss what we found and the treatment options moving forward."
"Through your Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy results, we found out that you are on stage 2," the doctor's words hung in the air, casting a weighty silence over the room. Arabella gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in a mix of shock and distress. Her grip on Nate's hand tightened, and he could feel her trembling slightly.
Nate's heart seemed to skip a beat, his mind struggling to process the reality of the news. He exchanged a glance with Arabella, his eyes reflecting a mix of fear and determination. The room seemed to narrow down to the three of them—the doctor, Arabella, and himself.
Dr. Matthew leaned forward, his gaze compassionate as he gave them a moment to absorb the information. Arabella's wide eyes were filled with concern, and Nate could feel her distress radiating from her. His own heart was pounding in his chest, but he knew he needed to stay focused, for both their sakes.
Then, with a gentle yet steady voice, Dr Matthew continued, "I have already prepared your treatment plan."
Nate's attention snapped back to the doctor, his heart still racing but now with a glimmer of hope. He tightened his grip on Arabella's hand, silently seeking and offering support in this crucial moment.
Nate and Arabella listened intently as Dr Matthew outlined the treatment plan with a calm and methodical tone.
"Since it was in an advanced case, first we will go through the surgery," he began, his voice carrying a sense of purpose. "Then we will wait for some time to see the results of the surgery. If the cancer cells were increased or larger in number, we will use Radiation Therapy with Chemotherapy. If the amount of cancer cells is small, we will go through Radiation or Chemotherapy."
Nate's mind absorbed the information, each word becoming a piece of the puzzle that would shape his path forward. He glanced at Arabella, her expression a mix of concern and resolve, mirroring his own feelings.
The doctor's voice continued, outlining the steps they would take in the coming weeks and months. As the plan unfolded, Nate's determination grew stronger. He could feel Arabella's presence beside him, a steady source of strength, and he knew they would face this challenge head-on.
"After the therapy," Dr Matthew continued, "you will need to visit at regular time periods to make sure that it didn't come back."
"So when do you want to start with your surgery?" Dr Matthew inquired, his focus on Nate.
Nate considered the question for a moment before speaking. "Doctor, before starting my surgery, I would like to bank my sperm. Would I need to wait for a certain period of time before actually having the surgery?"
Dr Matthew nodded, his understanding evident. "Yes, typically we advise banking your sperm a few weeks before the surgery."
Nate's brows furrowed. "So, I wouldn't need to wait for a long time after sperm banking before the surgery?"
Dr Matthew clarified, "No, not usually. The process of banking sperm doesn't require an extensive waiting period before the surgery. You can coordinate with a fertility specialist to ensure that your sperm is collected, frozen, and stored properly before the surgery date."
Nate's shoulders visibly relaxed, a glimmer of relief in his eyes. "That's good to know. I just want to make sure I'm taking all the necessary steps."
Dr Matthew smiled reassuringly. "Absolutely, Nate. It's important to address these concerns and make informed decisions."
"Then I would like to have the surgery after 2 weeks," Nate said, his voice determined as he made his decision.
"Okay. I will get the team ready for the surgery and let you know the date of the surgery," Dr Matthew confirmed, his professionalism unwavering.
"Thank you so much, Doctor," Nate said, rising from his seat. He extended his hand, shaking it firmly with Dr Matthew's. With a nod of acknowledgement, Nate turned and walked out of the office, Arabella by his side.
As soon as they stepped out of the hospital, Arabella's composure crumbled. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with the weight of her emotions. The news they had received had taken a toll on her, and the reality of the situation had hit hard.
Nate immediately knelt down in front of her, his heart aching as he saw her pain. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close in a comforting embrace. "Bella, it's going to be okay," he whispered, his voice soft and reassuring. "We're in this together, and we'll see through this tough time. We'll get through it, and before we know it, the bad times will fade, and happiness will find its way back into our lives."
Arabella clung to Nate, her tears soaking into his shoulder as she let out her pent-up emotions. She nodded against his chest, finding solace in his words and his presence. She tigten her hold on Nate, wanting to cherish this moment with him not knowing what tomorrow will bring for them.
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