Chapter 9
My oncologist, Dr. Sharp, is a harbinger of bad news. Noodles and I sit side by side, our fingers laced together in his clinically sterile office. There’s no hint of color to break up the monotony of whites and grays.
“I’ll get straight to the point.” Dr. Sharp doesn’t waste time with frivolous conversation.
I don’t know if I like that. Not that it matters. He’s the best, and that’s what we need.
“We can’t afford to delay chemotherapy any longer.”
Noodles tenses beside me.
“But—the baby? I’m only twenty-eight weeks. It’s too early.”
“I consulted with your obstetrician, and the medical consensus is that early delivery is the best course of action. It allows us to begin treatment immediately.”
I look at Noodles. His gaze meets mine, and though he tries to put on a brave front, there’s a flicker of fear in his eyes. I glance at my swollen belly and cradle it protectively.
“I know this is hard—it’s far from ideal—but the reality is, if we delay chemotherapy much longer, I’m afraid the prognosis isn’t good.” Dr. Sharp certainly cuts straight to the point.
The tears I’ve been fighting finally spill over.
Dr. Sharp continues his explanation. “There are things your OB can do to hasten lung maturity in your baby.”
“Things?” Noodles asks.
“A steroid injection, clinically proven to decrease Respiratory Distress Syndrome in premature infants. It may be helpful to sit down with a neonatologist before deciding. They’ll be able to explain what it means to deliver a baby at twenty-eight weeks. I’m not an expert, but I understand survival is greater than ninety-five percent, and the conditions associated with extreme prematurity are much lower than they once were. I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear, but there’s still reason to hope.” Dr. Sharp places a hand on my arm. “Our neonatal specialists are exceptional. We can get you in today for a consultation.”
It’s impossible to speak with the lump in my throat and the tears spilling down my cheeks. Fortunately, Noodles is here to speak for me.
“Yes. We’d like to talk to a neonatologist.”